From Pre-K to Purpose: Celebrate Every Milestone

There she stood—cap slightly crooked, diploma clutched tightly in her little hands, eyes scanning the crowd for mine. In that moment, as my daughter graduated Pre-K, I felt a wave of emotions crash over me: pride, joy, relief, and something deeper—confirmation. Confirmation that every late-night worry, every early morning therapy session, every moment I questioned if I was doing enough… it was all leading to this.

Our proud family celebrates Marjaani's Pre-K graduation. She's proudly wearing a purple cap and gown.

This wasn’t just a school milestone. This was a victory for a child who was diagnosed with autism at three. A child who once struggled to express herself, now confidently walking across a stage. And for me, it was a reminder that as Mamas, we must celebrate all wins—not just the big, loud ones, but the quiet, hard-fought ones that happen in the everyday.

The Road Behind the Ribbon

My daughter’s journey has not been linear. There were times when milestones came slower, when comparisons crept in, and when the world didn’t always make space for her unique pace. But she grew—in her own time, with her own rhythm—and she bloomed.

This graduation moment was not defined by grades or academic honors. It was marked by progress. By eye contact. By transitions without meltdowns. By friendships formed. These are the wins that often go unseen, but they are huge for children on the spectrum—and for the parents who walk alongside them.

The Power in Celebrating Small Wins

As special needs parents, we often focus so much on what’s next—what still needs to be developed, improved, or overcome—that we forget to pause and acknowledge how far our children (and we) have come.

But here’s the truth: every “small” win is a monumental step forward. Every word spoken, every smile returned, every brave moment in an unfamiliar space deserves to be honored. These wins are proof of strength, courage, and resilience—especially in our children, but also in us. Please celebrate every milestone.

Marjaani and her classmates beam with pride in their purple caps and gowns, celebrating a milestone in front of a festive "Congratulations Graduates" banner.

A Word to Every Mama Reading This

I want to tell you this plainly: you are doing enough. And when your child hits a milestone—whether it’s learning to tie their shoes, making it through a loud environment, or simply smiling after a tough day—celebrate it.

You don’t need permission to cheer. You don’t need a certificate or an audience. You just need to look at your child and recognize the light in them. Because that light is real. And it shines because of the love, patience, and perseverance you’ve poured in.

To conclude, my daughter’s Pre-K graduation confirmed something I’ve always believed deep down: that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress. That our kids are capable of beautiful things. And that mamas like us deserve to stop, breathe, and say—“We did that.”

Marjaani in her purple cap and gown holding up her certificate with a big smile at her Pre-K graduation.

So here’s to celebrating every single win—loudly, joyfully, and without apology. Because you and your child are worth every bit of it.

With love,

Dr. Simbi Animashaun

Proud Autism Mama & Founder, Horizon Over the Spectrum, Inc.