The end of 2017 was a special time for us. Parth had spent six months in school, slowly finding his way with the support of his shadow teacher. At first, school was full of tears and hesitation, but now we began to see small signs of progress.
With her help, he started joining group activities. He clapped along to rhymes, pointed to colors when asked, and sometimes picked up crayons to color simple shapes. Even if he didn’t always stay focused, the fact that he was trying was a victory for us. Seeing him sit with his classmates, even for a few minutes, gave us hope that he was learning to adjust.
Then came Parth’s 3rd birthday. This was more than just another birthday; it was a celebration of his growth and the resilience he had shown through the year. We dressed him neatly, his favorite plain clothes as always, and surrounded him with balloons, cake, and family love. His elder sister proudly stood beside him, helping him blow out the candles.
That day, as we watched him smile, clap, and enjoy the attention, we realized how far he had come. From a hesitant toddler at the school gate to a boy beginning to join in songs and colors, Parth had taken his first small but meaningful steps in both learning and growing.
December 2017 became a turning point for us. It reminded us that progress may be slow, but it is still progress. And each little achievement, whether singing a rhyme, coloring a page, or celebrating a birthday with joy, deserved to be cherished.