Naomi was three years old when we finally received the news that she had Coloboma. At that time, we were already preparing for her to start Reception before Year 1. I felt lost about what to do for her education. She could not go to a school for the blind, because she was not blind. Yet from everything I read online and in my research, I understood that she would need assisted learning.
I decided to start early at home. Every Saturday and Sunday became our permanent learning period together. I bought school reading materials and sat with her patiently. Before she even started nursery, Naomi already knew her alphabets and numbers. I made sure she was prepared. Teaching her myself gave me comfort, and it gave her a head start.
Still, the thought of which school would help my daughter in class weighed heavily on me. I knew the standard of schools, and I worried if any of them would understand her needs. I put this in prayer and asked God to guide us.
Eventually, we enrolled her in her first school, right inside the estate where we lived. I will never forget that day. I was emotional from the moment I woke up. I even took a day off work, because I wanted to experience it with her.
Naomi was full of joy and happiness. She was so excited to attend school for the very first time. It was also the first time she would leave our care to be under the care of someone else. As her father, my heart was heavy but proud. Seeing her walk into that classroom, smiling, ready to learn it was one of the most emotional moments of my life.
That day marked a new chapter for Naomi, and for us as a family.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
ReplyDelete