The monkey made it to high school.

Tomorrow is his first day at a new school. Technically, it is summer school, but it is also so much more than that. It is his first day in a new building, with new teachers, new routines, and the beginning of his high school journey.

His middle school teacher went above and beyond by creating a social story just for him. It included a picture of him, the new school, and of course, his favorite thing in the world, frogs. We are incredibly grateful to his middle school team and everything they did for him. There were definitely some rough moments along the way, but the good moments far outshined the difficult ones.

To be honest, it is a little terrifying.
The last time I posted here was three years ago, and so much has happened since then. Yet one thing remains true. Every new beginning comes with uncertainty. A new school can mean possible meltdowns, leaving work to help navigate challenges, and a couple of weeks of adjustment while he learns a new routine.

But it can also bring growth.
There have been so many times when he has surprised us. Times when we expected a struggle, and instead he adapted better than we ever imagined. All weekend, we have been driving him by the new school, showing him the building, and talking through what his new days will look like. We have explained the new process, the new expectations, and the new routines.
We are hopeful. We are prepared. And we are ready for whatever comes our way. We have been here before, and experience has taught us that having a plan makes all the difference.

Tomorrow marks the start of a brand new chapter. One that will bring new challenges, new victories, and new opportunities for him to continue growing into the incredible young man he is becoming.

So here is to tomorrow.
Love you, Monkey. ❤️