Alumni Adventures with Connor Capps by Connor ’ s Mom , Paula
May 2013 was a scary time in my family ’ s life . Connor had just graduated from the Little Light House and the thought of Connor going to public school and being around people we didn ’ t know made us nervous .
Fast forward , a few months later to Connor ’ s first day of kindergarten . I was still scared and nervous for him but Connor , on the other hand , was not . He loved school and in typical Connor style went in and made himself at home . Yes , I was a little sad that he didn ’ t need me , but I was proud . He was growing up .
As my son continues to grow and change I remember what a therapist once told me , “ baby steps .” I now have a journal where I log every funny and new thing that he does . He is learning to use the iPad and has recently discovered TV and enjoys Barney and Thomas the Train .
Anyone who knows my son knows he loves to climb and swing . His new obsession is lying in the hammock and trying not to fall out . He is learning to run and kick a ball as well . He also loves to find food in the fridge and take it out . We have learned to always keep an eye on him ; if the house is ever quiet , we know he is up to no good .
Connor is non-verbal and has recently begun saying , “ mama ” and in February he said , “ I love you ”. When I think about these moments , my heart fills with joy and my eyes tear up because I have waited so long to hear any words .
Connor will be in the 4th grade this fall . He has the most amazing teacher , Ms . Davison , and paras , Ms . Amy , Ms . Natalie and Ms . Z . They look out for him and I love it when they tell me all the funny and naughty things he does .
It can be hard for someone to understand how great an impact the Little Light House can have on a child and their family , but it truly does . I am grateful for the compassion and love they have shown to us . When my son started at the LLH he was three and a half years old and had just recovered from brain surgery the month before . Connor had most of the right side of his brain removed to stop his seizures . We had no idea what the long term outcome of the surgery would be . The staff saw his potential when most people did not . They treated him as a regular kid . They encouraged him and helped him to overcome his vision issues and respected his sensory boundaries . During this time he developed a love for school , which remains to this day .
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