When we parent children with special needs, we must learn to be grateful for the little things. Sometimes we have to step back from the bigger, more overwhelming picture, and celebrate the smaller successes. Even when progress isn’t being made as quickly as we’d like, there are a whole lot of things in our lives that bring us comfort and peace. We only need to remember and reflect.
Try to think of ten “things” (not concepts) you’re thankful for—ten objects or sounds you interact with in your environment. Here are some I thought of:
I am grateful…
…for the sound of the school bus. It’s like a timekeeper. In the morning it means my son has just a few minutes to get his hair combed and collar straightened for school. In the afternoon it means he is coming back home, and I will soon hear his footsteps at the door.
…for apples–Kyle’s favorite food. I buy them in large quantities and often see him crunching them as he paces around the house. And because they’re plenteous, the rest of us end up eating them, too.
…for warm cheeks put against mine, along with spontaneous hugs or “I love you Moms,” from my kids.
…for the first snowfall of winter, when our front yard trees look like lace. And for the gasps and voices exclaiming, “Mommy, it snowed!”
…for the Beatles song, “Obladi, Oblada.” It’s magical. The minute it starts to play, a smile spreads across Kyle’s face.
…for little pills, vials of insulin, and other medications and devices that improve my children’s lives.
…for the shoes I have to pick up each and every day, left all over the house. Although I complain about doing it, I miss those shoes when they’re gone.
…for hot chocolate with whipped cream. Just because I am.
…for the seasonal artwork that decorates my refrigerator all year long. Right now there are two googly-eyed owls made of construction paper, balancing on a crayon-colored tree.
…for this little blog, and the fact that I convinced myself to try it, even though I wasn’t sure I could impart any information that was important or special enough. (And I still wonder sometimes, but I’m here.)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Kristyn Crow is the author of this blog. Visit her website by clicking here. Some links on this blog may have been generated by outside sources are not necessarily endorsed by Kristyn Crow.
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