"Team Matthew"

This week Matthew has gotten to wear the yellow vest and carry a flag on the Safety Patrol.  This means that he helps children to safely cross a busy street before school and after school.  He has been waiting for this for many years ever since he saw his older brother do the patrol.  But as the sign-up deadline grew closer, Matthew grew more anxious.  Not with excitement but with trepidation.  Dave and I were worried about the same thing Matthew was worried about.  Lots of cars, lots of kids, lots of motion, and lots of NOISE.  Too much of this can send Matthew into an anxiety attack.  But, we hate to see Matthew not be able to experience what many other kids do.  So we signed him up and crossed our fingers. 

Before I go on, I have to say we have been very blessed with a little boy who has such a sweet spirit that endears others to help him.  At school they have what is called "Team Matthew".  They are developing a special program for Matthew and for other kids like Matthew who are mainstreamed into the public school system for this particular elementary school.  They monitor him very closely and make sure he is provided all the resources he needs to succeed.  They have also put quite a bit of money into this program as well.  {Chuckles...as I always say...it helps to be super cute!}

So when Matthew signed up, we had "Team Matthew" call us and set up any special arrangements that he would need to participate.  How cool is that!  Normally, this could have been a disaster.  But with a little extra care and attention, Matthew has succeeded wonderfully this week and gets to be on the safety patrol one week a month for the entire school year.  We are so proud of him for working hard to conquer his fears.  GO MATTHEW!!