A Green Ribbon

This was a particularly overwhelming week at my job as an elementary school secretary. I am not sure if it was because I had more time sensitive things to do than usual at school.  Maybe it is because things in my personal life always have to be so interesting. Thus, when my youngest came to the school office to have me sign his report card, I was only slightly paying attention. Isaiah exclaimed, “I think I am receiving a ribbon today!” I hugged him as he went back to class leaving me still staring at the report card he had left in my hand. His words just starting to sink in. Ribbon? Honor roll?

Fourth grade has been ridiculously difficult for us. I must confess there have been many times I have thought back to Dr. Karnik’s words that my son would most likely be in special education his entire school life. I have wondered if fourth grade wouldn’t be the beginning of that prediction.  His life has been a constant struggle of trying to beat the seizures and rages and consequences of his medical diagnoses. I still possess my son’s medical record that reads, “These are disabling and handicapping diagnoses for which he will require assistance for the remainder of his lifetime.” That letter sits in his permanent record at school today.

Honor roll? I quickly asked my co-workers if they had seen Isaiah’s name on the honor roll roster. No one knew for sure.  At this point, I really wasn’t thinking clearly anymore. I was no longer the elementary school secretary who is normally fairly capable. I was back to being the bewildered mama who rarely feels like she knows how to parent these kids and is constantly second-guessing herself. Our sweet registrar  immediately knows when I am no longer myself. She has gone through Isaiah’s seizures with me. She has even cried genuine tears with me and prayed for us. Who would have thought that this woman and I could have become so close?  “Dria, all As and one B is A/B honor roll.” I walk away from her looking at the report card in my hand. Isaiah made A/B honor roll. I can’t stop crying and it takes me a while to get it together. I know she already understands, but I feel the need to say what we both already know. “This is the little boy doctors said would be in special education. He has NEVER been in special education and TODAY is getting A/B honor roll.” I make my way to the cafeteria to watch him receive this honor. I stand there doing all I can not to lose control, but I can’t hold back the tears. 

This simple little green ribbon means so much more than good grades. It’s a token of God’s hand at work in the life of a sweet little boy named Isaiah. It’s a token of God’s kindness towards me for restoring my son when doctor’s said it would be impossible. It is grace that out of all I have done wrong, Isaiah has turned out so right.  It is a testimony to the faith of  my youngest son who has always trusted in what he couldn't see. It is a trophy to the people that have invested in Isaiah.

Thank you: Alex Ybarra for teaching his brother to walk.  Brad Riemer, Isaiah's first grade teacher, for laying the foundation and being Isaiah's mentor and my friend to this very day. Becky Hernandez, the expert teacher, who helped Isaiah's other teachers figure out the best way to teach him and helped me not lose my mind the first two years of figuring out my babies medical challenges at school. Anna Rutowicz, Isaiah's second grade teacher. Many teachers would have just wanted to go home and forget a challenging student, but Ms. Rutowicz came and got Isaiah in the evening and asked him to help her walk her dogs on their most difficult days. She would say, "If I had a hard day, I know Isaiah had one, too." Tammi Walker, his third grade teacher, whom Isaiah said made being in class fun. Alina Tarango who came in during the summer to make sure Isaiah didn't forget what he had learned in the third grade. She worked with him and even stays after school when needed to make sure he stays on target. Cyndi Britton, Isaiah's sweet tutor, who stays after school when needed to help Isaiah with his homework even on days when his diagnoses makes him unpleasant to work with. She is always up for the challenge and doesn't like him less on those days. Brian Alaniz who has jumped in to rescue me in the office when Isaiah couldn't do homework with mama, but was able to do it with Mr. Alaniz. Ms. Schlechte, Ms. Schilhab, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Birt, Ms. Bazan, Ms. Evans, Ms. Quinney, Rachel Sanders, and all the other staff members at Riojas Elementary School who have impacted Isaiah's life. Michelle Morgan, the miracle working attorney, who forced the state to give my son insurance and didn't charge us a single penny for all the hours she put in on our behalf. God has used each of you to change the course of what his life could have been. Thank you.