Cathy Rides the Bus

In Miracles, I talked about all the challenges that Cathy faced early in life.  Without question, this was my favorite post of the year and it's one that I have gone back and read a number of times.  When you've considered a life raising a child with a disability, even if that life never really comes to be, it is so much sweeter to celebrate their milestones.

Cathy's first full day of school

There was no bigger milestone for Cathy in 2011 than the start of school.  In our district, the first day of school for kindergarten kids is an hour... parents take their children to school and meet with the teachers while the kids listen to stories and play with toys.  So while this was certainly a big day, the day after is what I will remember as my best memory of the year... August 31, 2011.  The first school bus ride.

Cathy stepping onto the bus!

Cathy was so excited to start school and to ride the bus with her brother.  She slid her backpack on 10 minutes before it was time to head outside and she bounced with excitement on the walk to the bus stop. 

Cathy had no reservations leaving us to ride the bus which certainly made things a little easier on me.  Once she was up the steps and the bus started to pull away, I cried.  Happy, happy tears.  On a happy, happy day!