There is truly nothing more endearing than having others fall completely in love with your children and treat them with as much love, compassion and respect as you do.
The lovely Shell of Things I Can’t Say is here today sharing a poignant letter of gratitude to her son’s Occupational Therapists.
Dear Bear’s OT girls (aka his Occupational Therapists),
Thank you.
You have no idea what it means to have my son excited about coming to see you. He calls Occupational Therapy “my play place.”
You make it fun for him. You help him. And you all love him.
My Bear has the sweetest heart. He really does. But, often, others don’t see it. They see his struggles. They see the things he does that are “bad.” They see him as a difficult child.
But, you don’t.
You greet him with a big smile.
You thank him for being such a good helper when he reassures a crying child in the waiting room that “Don’t worry, this is so much fun. Don’t cry. Go have fun with the girls.”
You give him choices and laugh right along with him when he squeals with joy.
You let him sit in your lap and stroke your hair. He loves playing with hair. It’s soothed him since he was a baby. And you never pull away from his touch.
You run your fingers through his hair and rub his back and make him feel safe.
You understand when he has a rough moment and never scold. You gently pull him back to what he should be doing.
You encourage him and make him feel like he’s doing a great job.
You never get frustrated with him.
When I share the struggles he has been having, you nod knowingly, letting me know that what he is going through is completely normal and that you have strategies to help.
You give me hope that things won’t always be so freaking hard.
You don’t judge him or me for what he is going through. You only focus on what can be done to help. That kind of acceptance brings tears to my eyes.
I wish I could scoop one of you up and have you spend the day with Bear at school. I wonder how differently his day would go if he had such encouragement and individual attention all day long.
But, we have to share you with the other kids who need you.
I’m sure there are days when you are tired or deal with kids who give you a hard time, but you don’t let it show.
I’m just glad that you are there for Bear, to help him at his “play place.” I understand that this is your job and you could say that you are only doing your job. But, I know differently. I know that you don’t have to care so much.
That caring? Is making all the difference in the world to my Bear.
For that, I cannot thank you enough.
Sincerely,
Bear’s Mommy
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Shell, a beautiful letter. I’m so glad for you and Bear that he has such wonderful people in his life.
Thank you! They really are such a blessing!
Shell, you really should send this letter. I’ve worked with so many kids over the years and have saved every letter from a parent. Knowing that they’ve helped in so many ways will really brighten their day.
I think I will. I remember those letters from when I was teaching and they meant a lot!
I agree with Katie, you should send this letter to Bear’s OT teacher. I bet she would love it.
I will! 🙂
I agree with them. You should send this letter. I know they would appreciate it. So beautiful and heartfelt!
Definitely will! Hard to argue with all you smart women! 🙂
What a gorgeous letter, Shell. It brought tears to my eyes and filled up my heart. I love that Bear has such amazing girls in his life and they are not only helping him, they are helping you too. Giving your family serenity and hope. I want to thank them too…for being so good at what they do and for giving to Bear.
Xo
Oh, my sweet friend! Thank you for understanding!
Having those who help and really care is amazing! I understand how you feel about Bear having such a big heart that can be overshadowed by difficult interactions. Sounds like my son. Having someone who can also see that and help find ways to make it shine is priceless. My son had a fabulous teacher and a wonderful therapist that sound a lot like these awesome OT girls. You should definitely send them the letter.
It really is priceless. I get that he has problems that could make others focus on that, but wow, does he have the biggest heart!
A beautiful tribute. What a gift you all are to each other!
His “girls” are amazing!
Such a great letter Shell! It brought me to tears, the caring does make all of the difference in the world.
It’s such a small thing, the caring… but it’s what really counts.
Tonya,
thanks so much for having me!
I am so pleased to have you here today and I agree with everyone else, you should send this letter!
Grateful that Bear is getting the opportunity to spend time with some awesome ladies, although I know his Mom is awesome too.
Thanks, girl. They are helping him so much!
I am sure they appreciate YOUR appreciation so much. It sounds like they are wonderful therapists and really put their hearts into their jobs. My girlfriend was an OT for years, and I know she cared about her patients so very much and felt such a connection to their development.
They are amazing. I know they have to have bad days, but they never let it show.
Being the mother of a special needs son, I understand too well how having someone in your child’s corner who is supportive, compassionate and loving, can made all the difference. Brava for the OT Girls! I am so glad Bear has this team of wonderful women to help him and you.
Oh goosebumps. I know this feeling, when someone sees your child the way you see your child. Those caring people who do their jobs so well have no idea what a difference they are making in our lives. So glad you have found them.
It really is incredible, the difference they can make. I got your email and I’m definitely going to ask if that is possible! Thank you!
I’m so glad you found such a wonderful support team. It sounds like they are amazing. Hugs to you, your Bear, and his OT girls.
–Oh, and his eyes in that pic–gorgeous!
Thanks! His eyelashes are to-die-for. Gets them from my husband, of course.
I know just the feeling, of people not seeing the heart underneath the challenges. So, so happy for all of you that Bear has found his sweet OT girls!
They are really helping him!
That was so touching. I have tears in my eyes. I’m glad Bear gets that from somewhere other than you and your husband. It has to mean a lot to him, and I can tell it means a lot to you.
Me, too! It really makes a difference.
Oh, I love this! And I so get it. I feel the same way about SB’s therapists. Yesterday when I dropped her off for speech, she ran up to one of the therapists and gave her a huge bear hug. And I could see in Miss Maria’s face how much she loves my child. When your child has a special need, you really develop a strong bond with the people who work with her.
This was beautiful!
How sweet! It is so special to see that bond.
Beautiful words Shell. Such a gift to have people in your child’s life who truly care. When you see such real compassion, where its not just a job but a calling … and your child is in there … a blessing.
I am so glad for your little family that you have this!
That’s it, exactly. Like it’s a calling for them.
Such a sweet pic and post. I’m glad Bear has wonderful support in his life.
Me, too! Thanks!
How beautiful! I’m so glad that you have those OT girls to help Bear. They sound wonderful!
They really are. I am so happy to see a difference in my little guy.
Very touching letter and I’m sure his “girls” would be deeply touched!
I will share it with them… or at least, a version of it!
This is absolutely beautiful. I truly believe that a lot of the medical profession is a thankless career. I really hope that you give them this letter. You don’t know how much they will appreciate it 😉
They sound like wonderful girls who not only love what they do, but care about the people they are trying to help. That’s an amazing quality.
PS. I’m a nurse and the first note of thanks is still kept in my jewelry box 😉
I will definitely share it with them. I got a few notes of thanks as a teacher and they really did mean so much.
This brought tears to my eyes. It’s caring people like this that renew my faith in the world. Your Bear sounds like he does his fair share of caring about others, too!
Yes, he’s a sweetheart. I’m just happy that others can see it.
Oh Shell…love, love this. What angels you have there to give your little one the love and attention he needs. For a mother, that’s everything.
So nice to see you over here!
His girls are really such a blessing to us!
I want to clap and jump up and down with joy!! for Bear and YOU!!
I know you get this, completely. xo
amazing, thank you for sharing.
Thanks!
This is beautiful. My cousin is an OT and she LOVES her job. What a moving letter!
Glad to hear that! It seems like a profession you’d have to love!
What a beautiful letter Shell! You should share it with his OT girls.
I am so glad that the therapy is helping your son. It is so hard to watch your child struggle and suffer.
It really is so hard. Especially when no one was telling us anything to help before.
Sounds like Bear has some wonderful friends in OT 🙂 Great letter, Shell! I’m so glad to hear Bear is having a good time through the whole process – he is such an amazing little guy!
He LOVES going. Which makes it so much easier on all of us.
I hope you share this with your OT’s. They will appreciate it so much!
I will! Or at least, a version of it!
Awww, sweety. This is a beautiful letter.
Thank you, my sweet friend!
I’m going to agree with others and say that you should definitely give this letter to Bear’s OTs. I’m betting at least one, if not all of them would tuck it away for safe-keeping. I know my mom and husband – both teachers – have a few letters like that. To know that you’ve so greatly impacted the life of a child and his/her family – that’s a wonderful thing.
Can’t go against all of you telling me to send it! 🙂
When my autistic son was little, we took him to all sorts of therapy. Some were good to him and some not so much. I’m so glad you found the right people to help your son! He is such a cutie!
Sandy
I’m sorry you had bad experiences. I hope the good outweighed those.
This warms my heart. I can understand just how important that it. So happy for both you and Bear that you have “the girls.”
It’s really such a blessing that they are there for him.
OT’s truly are angels! You hit it right on the head with the part about providing a place for these children to feel safe. It’s a scary world for sensitive kids where the lights are so bright, the noise so loud, etc.
Beautiful words!
They are so amazing. We’re very thankful for each of them!
She sounds incredible. She not only cares about what she does, but the people she works with.
It’s so wonderful- all the girls in that office are like that.
Oh that’s so huge when you can feel like your kids are happy and with people that care about them…..
It really makes such a difference.
Shell I’m so glad you have such wonderful people helping you with Bear. I know this must help out so much.
It really does- it helps both him and me.
Beautiful letter! It sounds like you’ve found some really amazing people down there to work with him!
Yes, they are truly fabulous!
Beautiful letter. What a handsome little guy he is! I had a similar feeling about my 3-year-old’s speech therapist. She made him feel so loved and smart. She focused on what he was doing right, not wrong.
Hoping things go well for Bear.
Isn’t it such a good feeling to have others who can see what they are doing right? Makes such a difference!
This just gives me goosebumps. I feel this way about the lady that watches my boys. I’m just beyond words about how blessed I am to find such a great lady, so I know the feeling. What a relief to you and your son to have these ladies in your life, I’m sure. Great letter!
I’m so glad you have someone like that, too. It really does make such a difference!
So so happy that he has such great people helping take care of him. It is so wonderful when people love and care about their jobs.
It’s such a sweet thing- to see people who aren’t just doing their jobs, but actually care, too.
Lovely letter… and super squishy yummy picture! OT ladies and NICU nurses are some of the most amazing people in the world.
Yes, they are! And isn’t he so squishy yummy? 🙂
Since we have talked about your sweet Bear before, Shell, I know just how much this really, really must mean to you.
I love how heartfelt this letter is and I want you to know that it’s even opened my eyes now to others and their situations. You NEVER know what someone else is going through with their children…try not to judge.
Thank you for opening my eyes, friend!
It is easy to judge, but all of this has taught me to slow down with that, since I can never know what someone else is going through.
What a sweet, yet, powerful letter! It’s always nice to meet people who love their jobs and care about the people that they are helping. It truly does make all the difference in the world. I hope that you do share this letter with the OTs. I’m sure it would mean so much to them.
The caring really makes a difference! I will share it with them!
I think you are so right. Bear’s OTs may say it is just a job, but I have seen people who are just doing a job and they don’t sound anything like that.
And the best thing about these people is that though I am sure they would love to read your letter they so don’t need it because it is written all over your face everytime you bring Bear and they see the improvement in Bear every week and that is what is so important to them!
So happy you found them!
They definitely act like it is more than a job. While I haven’t given them this letter yet, I do think they they know how I feel. I try to express it when I’m there.
I went to a school with a pretty stellar OT program – I have a lot of friends who are Occupational Therapists. This post makes me incredibly proud to call them “friends”.
I have such respect for those who can do this job. And who care about those they work with. It’s such a blessing.
Shell, this is so kind and genuine! Having taught, I know {KNOW} that Bear’s girls { 🙂 } would love to receive this letter! It would make their day!!
I will be sure to tell them!
What a beautiful letter – I’m impressed an OT would be so sensitive and amazing!
I didn’t know what to expect from them.
Sorry, now realize that makes it sound like I think OTs are horrible people – I’ve never met one, I just meant that I think adults who don’t have an education in dealing with kids usually aren’t as understand toward children!
Oh no, I get ya. B/c really, I’ve even had my kids into pediatricians who were NOT nice.
THANK GOODNESS there are special people doing this work. Your child (and others) deserve only the best. I’m so glad that’s what you are getting.
This is a wonderful letter and heartfelt appreciation.
It is amazing how wonderful they all are in that office. Such a blessing!
What a beautiful and touching letter Shell!! It is amazing when our children have instructors in their lives that actually care about them. It makes SUCH a difference!
It really does make the difference!
Shell you should absolutely send them that letter. I am so glad they are helping Bear! xoxo
I will! They are amazing!
As someone who has worked in OT, I’m begging you to give them that letter. It would mean so much.
Oh, very cool! Such an amazing job. I will make sure they know!
finding an awesome therapist is truly a gift!
It really is a gift. I was so nervous going in, but all of the staff is amazing!
That’s a wonderful letter. The girls are truly dedicated to their job of helping Bear and the other kids recover. You are very blessed to have them.
Yes, a blessing!
How can anyone not be kind to that sweet face? When someone is kind to your child, you don’t forget. You should definitely share your letter. Again, love all the different takes on this feature.
Isn’the a doll? So says his mama. 😉 But, really he’s such a sweetheart.
First off, I love that picture! What a sweetheart!!!
I’m so happy that you have wonderful OT girls! They sound absolutely amazing!! 🙂
*And I like how Bear encourages the other kids! How sweet! 🙂
It was so sweet to see him trying to help other kids.
Awww, Shell! I so feel how you feel about these ladies helping your Bear! Such a special post. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks, girl!
Love Shell, and that Bear has the sweetest face I think I have ever seen!
Thank, Lourie!
This brings tears to my eyes – I’m so glad he has this.
Thank you- we are very thankful for his “girls.”
This wouldn’t open yesterday. I’m so glad it did today. Beautiful letter. I hope you do share it with them. I am so, so, so glad you and Bear have found a safe place for him to grow.
Me, too! It’s amazing the difference they are making with him!
What a blessing to have those wonderful OT’s there for Bear. They are showing full grace, compassion and love for your Bear and all the other children they help. I’m sure they would love a copy of this letter, because it will only encourage them more. Especially on the days when they feel that they haven’t reached anyone.
That’s true- I’m sure they have days when they feel frustrated.
I’m really glad that you’ve found such wonderful and caring people at Bear’s “play place.” Look at that picture! He is one gorgeous child.
Thank you! I think he’s pretty darn cute. 🙂
It takes really special people to be like that with kids. Such an inspiration!
They are all truly wonderful!
What a wonderful tribute to his therapists! Thank goodness for kind people, they make everything a bit easier. 🙂
Wonderful letter, Shell!
They really do. You’d think everyone who works with kids would be like that, but they aren’t. I’m glad that the ones we work with are so kind.
I love that picture of him. What a special person it takes to have a job like that. I’m glad Bear has a safe place to go to where he feels encouraged and loved. Sweet boy.
That was his pic after his first day of kindergarten. He was so happy!
Aw, man. This made me SO teary!! But in a good way. =)
Liar. You don’t tear up. 😉
A beautiful letter and an adorable picture of Bear. Those girls sound wonderful.
We were incredibly grateful to the tutor we hired for E this summer. He really struggled in kindergarten and we think he may have ADHD. The tutor made so much progress with him in a way that we just couldn’t. We felt so lucky to have found her.
So glad you found someone like that!
Such a sweet letter… I’m so glad that you and Bear have such wonderful, caring people to help you through these times. *hugs*
This is so precious!