The Graduate

And just like that, Ryder has graduated from grade 12! In some ways, it seems like only yesterday, he was a tiny two year old headed off to Early Intervention therapy. But we had many days, weeks, even years, that were long and so very challenging. Yet, at the end of the day, I feel like I blinked and here we are today. I cried for two months leading up to his graduation. I was so unbelievably proud; so deeply moved by his determination and perseverance.
Ryder was a star. He posed like a pro for grad photos, and he sat through the procession of over 600 graduates, and opening ceremonies. He smiled when he got his diploma; the photo of this moment hangs proudly on our fridge. As they wheeled him across the stage, the room was silent. I stood up and shouted as loud as I could “Yay, Ryder!” My family laughed and cheered, and the crowd began to applaud. It was just one of those perfect moments.
We celebrated Ryder’s graduation with a party at Calaway Park, one of his favourite places. It was so special to mark the occasion with family and friends. Again, I was overcome with joy and pride.
But along with these incredible moments, came some darker ones too. Tough ones. Ones nobody likes to talk about. The grief. The grief that comes with having a child who is not doing the same things as everybody else. The grief you feel when you see the kids who grew up alongside yours driving cars, and dating, and heading off to university in the fall. It is heavy and it is confusing. I wouldn’t trade the child I have for anything. Yet I can’t help but grieve the things he will not do. I’ve learned to honour these feelings and to give myself grace for feeling them. We’re allowed to grieve while still celebrating the child we have.
Many of our family and friends have asked us what’s next for Ryder. While we don’t have anything firmly in place just yet, ideally we would like to see Ryder attending part time adult day programming during the week. This would mean regular rides on the bus with Access Calgary, and 3 days a week spent doing activities and outings with peers. He will spend the other two days hanging with Mom; focusing on daily workouts, therapy goals, and community adventures. We hope to continue both Ryder’s Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, as he continues to hit goals and greatly benefit from these therapies. Ryder will also continue to participate in sports like swimming, skiing, and horseback riding. He will head off to summer day camp for a total of two weeks in July, then he will graduate from the summer camp program as well.
Moving on is bittersweet, as Ryder was truly happy attending school and other programming available up to age 18, but we are excited to start the next chapter! For now, it’s time for long summer days at the lake, adventures, and bike rides.

They’re not kidding when they say life is short. Enjoy as much as you can xo