Scrapping the difficult times: Layout: "U-Shine"

Title: U shine

This layout is a result of seeing a prompt to scrap your fears, or that page that you keep putting off. This page is about a time of uncertainty, self-doubt, fear, and a myriad of other emotions. However, now I'm able to scrap this, because the outcome has been an amazing turnaround. 

Journaling:

Omar, On Sept. 1, 2008 you started part-time (3 hrs.) preschool at _ _ _. This was your first experience being away from home. You showed no attachment in separating from us. However, in a short time your teacher had some concerns regarding your behavior.  We were told that you mumble only a few words, and lack the spontaneous speech that is the norm for 3 year olds. Also, you preferred to be an observer rather than participating in-group activities. You shut down in this classroom. We had to swallow a big lump of fear, and face the possibility that you might have a developmental delay. To baba’s dismay, I added symbolic irony to this situation by dressing you in a turtle costume for Halloween (for a planned photo opportunity in the park after school). You stood out from the rest of the boys in their superhero costumes, and I wondered if you felt it too. We moved you to the _ _ _ school system, and got a whole team of specialists involved:  Speech therapists, child psychologists, etc. The speech therapists’ findings indicated that your speech is above the norm compared to your peers. Despite a few areas in need of improvement, no label of disability was applied to you. What I’ve learned from this experience is to give you confidence to be unique. You may never like to dance or sing, and even call me “crazy” when I dance and act silly around you. You may continue being a wise old man trapped in a child’s body. You may never be chatty or hog the spotlight. Nevertheless, you shine bright! (Photos: October 2008; Journaling: April 8, 2010.

Supply list:
Patterned paper: Basic Grey (orange and teal), Making Memories (beige), Creative Imaginations (black swirl); Tag: Prima; Trim: Luxe Designs (green), My Little Yellow Bicycle (orange); Flower: Allison Connors for Creative Imaginations; Alphabet stickers: American Crafts (yellow), Scenic Route ('U'); Thread: Coats & Clark; Border punch: Fiskars; Pen: Zig Millennium; Font: Arno Pro Smbd; Other: twine


Thanks for looking!