Ben's call

Adam got to school this morning and then called to say that he wasn't quite over the flu yet. Anna had a 9:15 psychiatrist appointment so I called Mike and asked him to leave work to get Adam.

Then, as I was on the way out the door, the phone rang again and caller ID revealed that it was Ben's school. Oh crap. (Do you think that in His omnipotence God understood that "Oh crap" was really a prayer for wisdom and strength? That's what I really meant to ask for... and thankfully He looked past the crudeness of my prayer and provided it!)

I answered the phone and Ben's 1:1 paraprofessional told me that he was escalating and that he had stopped himself long enough to ask if he could call me to help him calm. Wow! Normally when Ben is at a "4" on a 1-5 behavior scale he isn't able to ask for what he needs...and he did today! She asked if I could talk to him and I said, "Absolutely!" and she put him on the phone.

"Hi Mom" whispered his tiny voice.

"Hi Ben. What's going on? Are you having a hard day?"

"Yes." His voice was so small, so soft....hardly the voice of a kid who can destroy a classroom in a matter of minutes.

We talked for a few minutes and then I said, "Ben, I am so proud of you. You called me instead of dumping desks or throwing things! YOU did that! You stopped and got control and you did an awesome job! Does that feel good?"

"Yes." His voice was still small but I could almost hear his smile.

"I have to go with Anna to see Dr. ___ but I'll be home in an hour. Can you call me back in an hour and tell me how you are doing?"

"Sure."

"Can you tell me how much work you can get done in that hour?!"

"OK."

"What time will it be in one hour, Ben?"

"10:07."

"Great! I gotta go now but I will talk to you in an hour, OK? I love you and I am soooo proud of you!"

"I love you too. Bye Mom."

9:07 - I had 8 minutes to get to Anna's appointment and there was no way we were going to make it on time, but I didn't care. Therapists aren't the only ones treating my kids' mental health issues.

Ben called back about 90 minutes later and he was doing great! His IEP manager had taken him to get new carpet squares for the classroom and he was back and ready to get some work done.

Hallelujah!