The Lucky Ones
Often times people say to us “he is so lucky to have wonderful parents like you”. What a compliment! I would love to think that we are such wonderful parents that the good Lord knew it and sent Welles to us ;) BUT the truth is, if people could watch our little family on a day-to-day basis, they would know it’s quite the opposite. WE are the lucky ones.
We get to enjoy the little things because of Welles. We are constantly stopped and reminded of what’s truly important.
Things are a little more work with a special needs child. We are still in the beginning stages, but I am already starting to see this. I sit next to him in his high chair and with my hand, I take his pointer finger and thumb and try and help him pick up tiny pieces of food. I am doing all the work and he gives me a blank look that says “mom, I have no interest in touching my own food”. His awesome therapists and doctor have me working on his fine motor skills. I can sit there all day and try and try to get him to pick up tiny objects, but he has decided he is simply not ready. Most kids his age are full on feeding themselves with finger foods and it’s easy to feel like we are falling behind. Truth is, we are. And it doesn’t matter. When he finally decides he’s ready to pick up that flipping food, it will make that milestone that much more celebrated! His little accomplishments will be so special when all of our hard work (even for the simplest things) pays off. How cool is it that we get to celebrate picking up food? ;)
I think all children bring those little reminders to their families. Their pureness and innocence speaks to our jaded souls. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and sometimes mix up priorities and forget to stop and enjoy the little things. Thank goodness children remind us.
Special needs kids just seem to always have those reminders in their eyes. At least Welles does. His eyes are so full of brightness. Even in my most frustrated moments those green-ish blues can completely change my mood and remind me to SLOW DOWN and enjoy the little things. I thank heaven WE get to be lucky enough to have those eyes in our home.
