Christmas break has arrived. I asked Joe the other day where December went. I knew the answer. It flew by because we were consumed with a legal battle against a school district that we thought could help our daughter with severe autism thrive in the area of education. They have done everything but that. I hate that it consumed my favorite month of the year. I haven’t stopped to enjoy the hustle and bustle of this month that I usually love. I have struggled doing some of my favorite activities to celebrate the coming of Christmas with my girls. I have just begun Christmas shopping. Christmas cards? We will see if those go out. So thank you, district, for not only failing my daughter, but for stealing the joy I usually have during this month.

You can even say they are trying to steal the joy of Christmas break.

On Monday, December 23rd we expect to hear a ruling. Merry Christmas! Unfortunately this ruling, no matter what is decided, doesn’t suddenly give her a placement in a school that could hopefully meet her needs. We hope this ruling helps us continue to have a voice in where she will go to get her needs met. It’s sad that we have to fight to have a voice in that decision.

This week there was an incident that showed me just how much the district is just wanting her out. They are done. This week an adult that works with her daily had no problem making a snide remark to another staff member in front of my nanny AND Courtney about how “disappointed” they were that Courtney was at school after thinking she may be out that day. It crushes my soul that I am left to continuing to send her to a school that doesn’t see just how awesome she is.

I can’t let them steal my Christmas joy this break though. Monday will come and a decision will be shared. No matter what that decision is, there are a few things that will not change.

In our eyes, Courtney is still the most beautiful child and there is a school out there that would be lucky to have her.

We have a “village” of people standing behind us cheering us on and supporting us through this tough journey

And last and most important, we are still her advocates. We are still her voice. We are not ready to give up.