The one about achievements and milestones...

Ethan had his very first Sports Day at school last Sunday 1st July 2007. The poor boy had been sick the week before that, missing three days in school with fever and cough - the worst part of a viral flu. He had missed the full dress rehearsal on Friday as his fever only went away one day before the big day.

That Sunday, we brought him to my in-law's place for our usual Sunday lunch. Sports Day starts proper at 4pm but we had been asked to bring Ethan in half an hour early. So ever the eager parents, we dressed Ethan up in his uniformed T-Shirt and cap, bundled him into the car and arrive right on time only to find the school compound packed with people already! Jo's mum came with us and my mum also dropped by to cheer the grandson on!

Imagine Ethan's shock of seeing his school, usually peaceful and inspiring, taking on a whole new image! With music blaring over the PA system, noisy children, parents and grandparents crowding the grounds, Ethan hardly recognised his own school. So, the moment his teacher yanked him out of his mum's hands, he was struck with anxiety and fear. Ever since he was young, Ethan had always been clingy to his mum while he was sick and soon after too. This time was no different as Ethan began to get agitated and as soon as they started the formalities, he was crying away.

Jo had to calm him down and soon he was smiling again but refused to allow his mum to leave his side. Then it came time for his class' turn to compete.

The teachers divided his class into two groups and they 'raced' against each other to run thru' cones and hang up a silvery cardboard star on some hooks. Due to his reluctance, Ethan ended up 'running' the anchor leg. Well, as luck may have it, the other team got mixed up, Ethan ran the last leg and won the race for his team!

Ok, ok, its not the Olympics but to us, there and then... it was much much more. Ethan was a lot more traumatised by his being separated from his mum during the 'medal' ceremony and he cried his eyes out! Still, all was well after that and we went home, safe and sound - clutching a brand spanking new gold medal.

The Learning Garden all dressed up for the big event...

The Little Swan class 'marching' in - with Ethan second from last in line...

The kids standing for the national anthem with proud parents snapping away in the back...

Ethan safely in Jo's arms...

Ethan running the final stretch, with his mum in sight...

Tears of absolute joy...


We've seen so much improvement in Ethan recently and his therapists have all said that he's headed in the right direction. We all hope and pray that this continues.