Today is the day that all of us have dreaded for months. As Whitney mentioned below, today was her last day as Tony’s official lead therapist. She was here in the beginning and we have watched her grow as a therapist just as we have watched Tony grow in his skills. They have both matured and learned a lot together over the past year. Tony is a different child than he was this time last year and I honestly believe that Whitney has been a huge part of that change. Whitney gets things out of Tony that no one else can. I have allowed and trusted her to make decisions about Tony’s program because not only is her clinical knowledge vast but I know that she has always cared about Tony in a way that few employees would have. Whitney has become family to us. She has always been willing to not only treat Tony like a pupil, but also treat him with love and compassion. If I had a younger sister, I would love for her to be like Whit… tall (yes, I am still jealous), blonde, gorgeous, loving, and brilliant. Morgan also adores her as an older sister figure. Whit has truly been a wonderful role model for her.

Needless to say, I am extremely depressed that Whitney is leaving us. However, I know she’ll be back for visits and respite weekends. We are lucky that she’ll only be three hours away because otherwise we’d all be spending tons of money on plane tickets or gasoline. Plus, I’d be fed-ex’ing her Anton’s delicious dinners all the time. I also know how wonderful it is that she is furthering her education in a manner that will allow her to help other children like Tony. I am proud to say that she worked with our son and helped him learn so very much. I am even prouder that she has chosen a life of working with autistic children because I know how much her presence and expertise will benefit everyone she encounters.

We’ll miss you Whit!