Where do I even begin?
My pregnancy with Batloung was a beautiful and peaceful journey until, at 27 weeks, my OB gently told me that he had stopped growing. In that moment, my world shifted. He arrived early at 31 weeks, so tiny and fragile, and spent two long months in the Neonatal ICU. As first-time parents, his Dad and I were overwhelmed and unaware of what lay ahead. We simply held onto hope, not knowing what was “normal” or what signs to look for.
When his dad passed away when Batloung was 4 years old, we were still walking in the dark, not yet understanding the challenges he carried. It was only when Batloung was about 5, his pre-school teacher suggested a play and speech therapist, that the pieces slowly began to come together. Then, at around 8, after moving to a new school with smaller classes, his teacher told me gently but honestly, that he would not cope there and needed more specialised support.
That is when I took him to a psychiatrist, who diagnosed him with autism. I had never truly understood what autism was until she explained it to me. Sharing the diagnosis with my family brought confusion and disbelief. They couldn’t reconcile the word “autism” with the bright, functioning child they knew. We all had so much to learn. I sent them the information from the psychiatrist, and together we began reading, researching, trying to understand this new world that had opened before us.
And then came the search for a school that would truly see him. My sister noticed a board about a small, individualised learning centre called Closing the Gap (CTG). I called immediately. The very first day we visited, they welcomed Batloung with open hearts, and he was accepted.
From that day forward, Calibre became more than a school, it became family. You wrapped Batloung in love, patience, and understanding. You taught him in ways that honoured who he was. You embraced his strengths, supported his challenges, and created an environment where he could thrive. No words can capture the gratitude I feel for the love, care, and dedication you poured into him. Every effort you made, every adjustment, every kind word, it all built him into the young man he is today.
This journey has been deeply emotional, humbling, and overwhelmingly beautiful because of you. What you do is not just a job; it is a calling. And every day, I am moved by your hearts. I often find myself speechless, overcome with emotion, because the impact you’ve had on our lives is beyond anything I can ever fully express.
Thank you truly, deeply, sincerely.
May God bless each one of you richly as you continue walking beside our precious children.
God bless you. 🙏❤️