The Crisp Air of October
Hey everyone,
October always brings me back to when my husband, Steve, and I moved to New England for a new job in Massachusetts. I can remember the cooler temperatures and wearing sweaters, breathing in that crisp, new air that felt full of promise. The colors were turning, the Fall light was brilliant, and you could drive by the cranberry bogs, watching the workers in the water during the vibrant harvest.
It was a beautiful, exciting new season—and a powerful reminder that change is always in the air.
We ended up living there for 15 years. That time became a season of incredible "faith testers" and immense blessings: the struggle of years of fertility treatments, adjusting to an MS diagnosis, the birth of our two children, and the surprise of our daughter Emily (whose birthday is this weekend!) being diagnosed with albinism. It was a path we didn't plan when we first drove north, but looking back, I am grateful for the profound lessons and the way those challenges strengthened my faith and showed me that my path, though unexpected, is good.
That's the takeaway I want to share with you today: Change can open the door to new possibilities. Embrace the beautiful, reflective energy of the Fall, and recognize that the path you are on, right now, with your children, is exactly the one you need to be on.
Podcast Updates:
As we enter this season of change and reflection, it's the perfect time to address one of the most fundamental concerns for any parent: their child's ability to communicate.
Our latest episode, The #1 Question Every Parent Should Ask About Their Child's Speech, is a re-release of a highly valuable conversation with Luba Patlakh, a speech-language pathologist. Luba reveals the most critical question every parent must ask themselves about their child’s communication and shares the warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
If you have any lingering questions about speech, language, or when to seek help, this is a must-listen.
Webpage: https://waterprairie.com/2025/09/22/early-speech-therapy/
IEP Tip: Write the Encouragement Yourself
I saw a powerful post on LinkedIn this week where a man shared his junior high report card. His teacher had left a section meant for an encouraging comment completely blank while leaving a rather discouraging set of comments at the bottom of the report. It was a reminder that sometimes, the words we most need to hear aren't written for us.
Your IEP Tip: Don't wait for the school to write the perfect narrative about your child. During the IEP process, you have the opportunity to provide a Parent Input Statement. Use this space not just to list concerns, but to brag about your child. Write the encouragement, describe their unique strengths, and share the positive narrative you want the team to embrace. You are the expert on your child's brilliance, so make sure it's documented.
Finding Peace in the Path Ahead
During those 15 years in Massachusetts, through all the challenges, I learned that the hope of a beautiful new season isn't only found in the freshness of spring—it's also found in the vibrant, reflective colors of the fall. The road we’re on with our children may be challenging, but it’s still good, and it’s preparing us for new possibilities.
If you are facing a challenging IEP meeting, or just need clarity on the path ahead, I encourage you to reach out. Sometimes, having someone there to help you find the strengths and possibilities in your child's educational journey can make all the difference.
Schedule a free consultation to find out if IEP coaching is something that would benefit you and your family.
Wishing you a week full of hope and beautiful change,
Tonya
