Crushed

Evan has quite possibly the world's most wonderful Early Inteventionist. From the minute we all met her, we just loved her. We couldn't have had a better match, not only for Evan, but for the rest of our family as well. Patty is a kind, liberal, tree-hugging, Bush-hating granola just like us. Our values really align, and she and Evan get along famously. I always felt like we really had someone on our side looking out for our child's best interests. She knows him so well, knows what he needs, knows what he can do and encourages us to keep him challenged. Her feelings for him are so genuine, and even though he probably doesn't need her to come every week anymore, we still keep these weekly appointments just because we love her so much. Her visits are the bright spot in our Mondays.

And she told me last week that she is leaving her job. Because she can't pay her bills. She's going to work in a neighboring state, doing the same kind of job, because they pay so much more. It's criminal, seriously, how people in social services, and education, and other things that matter, make such little money that they have to leave jobs they love.

I have been really distressed about this. For the last two years, Patty has been a constant in our lives, someone we trust to always do the right thing; someone who is a true advocate for our son. Sure, we'll get someone else assigned to us, but it won't be the same. I have felt much more at ease with the whole upcoming transition to the school district services process because she was going to be by our side. She was able to see Evan until he's 5 or 6 because he's classified through the department of disabilities/special needs, so she was going to be there during our initial battle for inclusion. But not now. I just can't believe she's leaving. I feel so personally betrayed, though I know she hates it too and really doesn't have a choice. And I'll forget about it, every now and then, but there's always this sinking feeling in the back of my mind, like something horrible has happened, and then I'll remember. Aaaarrrggghh. I know this is not the end of the world, but to some extent, it sure feels like it. We're really going to miss her.