It is hard to believe it is only 2.5 months until Kenzie moves out. Time is going by so quickly, and before you know it, the snow will be gone. (I can dream, can’t I?)
I’ve been dealing with a wide range of emotions from excitement to fear. There have also been a lot of questions. But the one question that keeps popping up in my mind is – “is she ready?”
The only answer I have been able to come up with is – “I think so”. The fact of the matter is, I have no idea. I don’t even know how to tell. With our other kids, we look at their level of maturity, their ability to cope in the world, whether they can get up, brush their teeth and get themselves to work or school on time. But when you child is cognitively delayed, how can I tell if she is mature enough? Sure, she can get up and brush her teeth and get ready for school, but she relies on us to make sure she knows what bus to catch and what time she has to be there to get on it.
What I mean is, she will never be able to take complete care of herself, so I can’t wait and use that as a gauge. I can only go on my motherly instinct. My gut. And prayer.
Why do I think she is ready to live on her own? Well, here are some things she tells me:
“it’s time I get a life of my own Mum”
“It’s my house and Ashley’s Mum, you can’t come over without our permission”
(this when I informed someone I imagined I would be at her house a fair bit)
“I’m an adult you know, I can make my decisions”
Now, I know, lots of kids can say these types of things, but with Kenzie, I have to give them more weight than usual. By her words she is expressing a desire to be her own woman, to step out and find out who she is – without Mum hovering around. In the absence of other measuring tools, I have to pay attention to her words.
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