The Dreaded IEP

  We all know it, we all hate it and for those of you without special needs children it stands for Individual Education Plan. The meetings to implement, design and change this document can make even the most resourceful parent run screaming from the building. It is a battle and we are ready to fight. We prepare weeks in advance, gathering reports and data like the most strategic... general. We outline our goals and are prepared to defend them at every turn. We have our list of wants and our lines in the sand of things that we will not leave without. It is a time of great stress, where the parent must not make a single misstep because nothing less then the education of their child is at stake. Many will break down in tears or loose their tempers and yell during these meetings because they are so passionate about there amazing children. We want them to have every opportunity of a "typical" child and yes unfortunately some will fall. But others will rise above the double talk and rhetoric of the district, leave their emotions at the door, fight the good fight and have their child come out victorious. Because after all that, the only thing that really matters is our children and their future.
  Today I have an IEP, I have prepared to the best of my ability and now it is time to pray.  I will pray for the Lord to guide my words and the hearts of the district employees.  For God to be my strength when I am ready to back down.  For him to help me discern just with my Lilly needs and show the others why it is so important.  Most of all I will be praying for peace.  Lord I need peace before the meeting, please help clear my mind, during the meeting please help me hold my anger and after Lord give me the knowledge that I did my best and allow me to rest in that.   Be Blessed My Friends