Chronicles of a Carolina Mama: The End of an Era.

Today was Camden's last day of speech therapy. Just writing those words is kind of surreal. I think back to where we were at this time last year-- just beginning the Early Intervention process-- and I am overcome with pride for my little guy. To be clear, he didn't technically "graduate" from speech therapy, as there are almost always going to be correctable speech errors that a 2-year-old makes. But the errors Camden makes now are typical ones, and he's caught up to an age appropriate level as far as language and vocabulary are concerned. That knowledge, combined with the fact that Camden's speech therapist is getting ready to go on maternity leave and I have no desire to have him essentially start over with someone new, made us reach a mutual decision with his therapist that it was time to wrap things up. Bittersweet, definitely. But mostly? Mostly, I am proud & grateful.

When we first pulled up to the office 9 months ago, I was filled with hesitation and hope. I suppose you could say I was cautiously optimistic. We didn't have the greatest experience with Camden's first SLP, but I had heard such great things about this particular company that I just knew it had to work out. The therapist we were matched with was relatively young-- only a few years out of grad school-- which, I'll admit, made me a little nervous. Since, according to his former SLP, we were possibly dealing with apraxia, I knew we needed someone who was not only PROMPT certified, but someone who was also motivated, knowledgeable, and energetic. We found all of that in Amanda.

I knew from day one that she was the "one" for Camden. He was in the throes of stranger anxiety when we began speech therapy, but he warmed up to her playful yet laid back demeanor quickly. He was essentially non-verbal back then, but I still felt like we walked away from each session having accomplished something. And then slowly, some sounds began to emerge. I so clearly remember the first day he imitated a sound Amanda made-- something easy like "ba"-- and she and I looked at each other, smiling excitedly over his tiny blonde head. A breakthrough had happened, and we both knew it. Words followed shortly thereafter. And then there were short sentences. Today, there are long sentences, questions, stories, singing-- truly communicating. It is really astounding to reflect on how far he's come in the past 9 months.

Thankfully, Camden never did receive an apraxia diagnosis. It seems that he had a classic speech delay and just needed a push to get his words out. Would he have gotten there on his own without Amanda? Eventually, he probably would have. But I have no doubt that she helped him to reach an age appropriate level more quickly than could've been accomplished otherwise. I have no regrets about enrolling him in speech therapy.

Amanda was a huge part in Camden's progress, certainly. But a big thank you needs to be extended to my parents too. While Amanda's office is highly respected in the speech therapy community, it is also very expensive. It simply wouldn't have been possible for us to keep Camden enrolled in speech therapy twice a week for 9 months if it hadn't been for their kindness. So, Mom & Dad, whenever you hear Camden's sweet little voice chattering away, I hope you realize a lot of the credit for his progress is due to your generosity and selflessness. Thank you.

And to Camden-- buddy, I couldn't be prouder of you. Your determination and persistence has paid off, big time. I really believe there's nothing in this world you can't do if you put your mind to it. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you, my smart, hard-working, and loving little man. I know you had no idea what it meant when I told you "congratulations" when we were driving away from Miss Amanda's today, but I hope you can always sense my pride in you. I'm so thankful to be your mommy.

Amanda mastered the art of being firm but fun with Camden. Most of the time, he didn't even realize he was "working" while playing with her.