Ghost Child's Last Day

I knew this moment would come as her last day with public schools approached.  Bitterness is the root and working hard to not let cynicism become even more prevalent in my heart concerning this issue.  This kind of negativity will  misguide a better path and loose sight of the real fight. Ghost child did have a sweet send off and lots of sweet notes from her friends and teacher in her agenda. She got hugs and good byes.  My daughter is no longer anxious about the transition; instead, she is excited about her possibilities.  She has input in her education. Aside from core subjects that she will be responsible for and taught to regulate herself with accommodations long needed, ghost child is going to learn to cook and take art classes at a local art studio.  It's her decision and commitment to her interest and skills.  I am estatic for her.

But the anger seethes.  

Pulling her out of school and saying good bye was way too easy.  It was more of a battle to for testing and a loosing battle for accommodations in a medically recognized disorder.  I want to scream, let the profanity fly, and just start a sit in at the district office.  Unfortunately, this does nothing for her and will only lead to my arrest.  We will be the only ones who hurt.  I have contacted our state government.  The battle continues after my sisters wedding with the department of education and more contact on the state level.  This is why I named her the ghost child; to the school system she is nothing but a specter. A silhouette of an almost person.  It's shameful. Painful.  Endlessly frustrating.

To us she is a real and vibrant human being.  She needs some extra understanding, training, and adjustments.  But our ghost child is whole and wonderful with her unique set of talents and gifts.  This is what we teach her and how she will present herself to the world. Whole.