It started with a brief email that caught my attention. The subject line simply read “Progress Report,” yet within those two words lay a snapshot of my daughter’s experiences. I opened the email from her preschool teacher and quickly skimmed through the message.
As I read, tears began to fall into my coffee. My heart ached as I reflected on the challenges my daughter faced due to her premature birth.
The report was generally encouraging. My daughter, Mia, is described as kind and compassionate, a friend to her classmates. But one particular line hit me hard, deflating my spirits like a balloon slowly losing air: “Sometimes we are unsure if Mia understands what we are asking of her. However, if we wait for a moment and guide her, she does just fine.”
To some, this may seem trivial, but for parents raising premature children, such comments carry significant weight. Mia is our only surviving triplet, born as a micro-preemie at the edge of viability. At just three years old, she has encountered more medical professionals than many do in a lifetime. Recently, she graduated from physical, speech, and occupational therapy and is now thriving in preschool—a milestone we once doubted she would reach.
Despite her progress, I still see her struggles. Speech therapists indicate that Mia may have apraxia, a condition that makes verbal communication challenging. Although she understands everything, expressing herself can be difficult.
Just the other day, while chatting with a young boy, Mia tried to communicate but kept repeating herself. The boy, confused, asked, “What’s wrong with her? Why does she keep saying the same thing?” I didn’t intervene; instead, I smiled, giving her the space she needed to find her words.
While speech delays can be common among toddlers, this progress report served as a stark reminder that we still have hurdles to overcome. Mia’s physical challenges may have subsided, but the specter of future difficulties looms large. With her history of a brain bleed at birth and her early arrival—over 17 weeks premature—there’s a significant chance she will encounter academic struggles. That reality weighs heavily on my heart.
My daughter didn’t choose this path, and as a parent, I often feel a mix of frustration and guilt. Witnessing her navigate life’s challenges is painful, and that lump in my throat appears unexpectedly.
Yet, the sorrow fades when I consider all that Mia has achieved. When she was born, her odds of survival were less than 10%. It’s a testament to her strength that she continues to defy the statistics.
Mia is perfect in her unique way. Each challenge she faces only adds to her character, and I am continually inspired by her resilience. After absorbing the contents of the progress report, I took a deep breath and wiped away my tears. Life presents various challenges—some more daunting than others. Mia’s determination and cheerful spirit will undoubtedly serve her well in the years ahead.
While her future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: nothing will stand in her way.
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In summary, Mia’s preschool progress report prompted a reflection on her journey, revealing that while she has made incredible strides, there are still obstacles to face. But with her determination, I am confident she will continue to thrive.