To Our Early Access Team

Last spring I had some concerns about my youngest, and whether or not he was on the spectrum like his brother. Instead of playing the guessing game, I called Grant Wood for a screening. After evaluation, they too had concerns and started him on a program twice a week. Today, we concluded services because of the progress he has made and the vocabulary that he has built.

With a tear in my eye because of the relationships we have built with them, I wrote this poem.

To our early access team
our time has come to an end,
but first I have to thank you
for being a caring friend.

Working with children on the spectrum
is a work of heart,
giving all you can to them
providing a good head start.

It wasn’t that long ago
we had never even met,
but after the evaluation
your care, our son would get.

With a sigh of relief,
you had the same concerns as me,
and I’m glad I didn’t doubt
that screening was the key.

Our mornings are quite frantic
just before you arrive,
but when you walk through the door
my son, he comes alive.

What you didn’t know
is that I cleaned before you came,
hiding dishes in the oven
so I didn’t feel ashamed.

Though no matter what had happened
in your day before you came,
you brought your best self
smiling all the same.

Sorry about the time
those things stuck in your hair,
and I had to cut them out
so people wouldn’t stare.

Thank you for saving my son
the time he stepped out in the street,
as he reached into your car
put the basket on the seat.

We will never forget
the love that you have shown,
and I know you’ll think of him too
even when he is full-grown.

Thank you for your purpose
and the difference you have made.
It is the ones like you,
for whom mothers have prayed.