I didn't think you had such a remarkable year. I must have forgotten what the truth was though because I just looked at all the evidence...the thousands of captured digital shots that sit in my phone waiting to tell a story.
This is what I found.
It was your first year at a BIG elementary school. Your teacher told me you were such a hard worker, maybe the hardest worker she has ever had. You learned how to color with crayons, walk to lunch on your own, throw trash in the can and put your book bag away.
Your teacher also told me that you have a couple best friends. And that when they are sad you reach out and touch them gently. You will say goodbye to one of your friends in just a few days, but I know the Good Lord will bring you another one soon.
You had a hard Christmas I must admit. Something was terribly wrong as you thrashed your way through ten sleepless days and nights. You even spent one night in the hospital. You were brave and beautiful. You fought to tell us what was going on. I'm sorry we never found out.
You gave Winter a good try this year. It was the first time you didn't cry to come in from the cold. You pushed the stroller through the snowy streets and swooped down to touch the flakes.
You giggled as they tickled your tongue.
You were a rock star at the dentist.
Something about the bright lights, mirrors and attention makes you feel at home.
You purposefully played outside this Spring. You actually found some toys and brought them to the water. You did not stim wildly upside-down on your back and eat dirt and leaves. Thanks for that...all so I could sit there sipping lemon-water, reading a magazine, painting my toenails, texting my friends, planning dinner and hollering at your siblings once in a while.
You said goodbye to your attendants Miss Kat and Miss Leslie and learned to enjoy your time with two new attendants. This is hard stuff...getting to know someone new. I know it takes a lot of work. It's hard for your Mommy too, June bug. Change is hard.
You participated in your very first Special Olympics taster! You weren't overwhelmed by the people or noise and were excited to show off your mad skills! Maybe a future sprint runner??
For the first time in our lives we were able to bring you to the beach and you didn't eat sand the entire time...just maybe ten times....BUT such an improvement! This made us so happy!
You also learned how to get what you want by communicating, by guiding our hands to the things you long for...in this case: ICE. You have become even more confident that we will follow your lead and it feels good to see you adamantly sharing your opinion with us.
My beautiful child, may you rest well this evening. May you always see the sunlight streaming through your window, may the water always beckon you to come (just don't always jump in), may your hugglepod and soft music always comfort you, may your Daddy always bring you smiles. May our God warm your heart so you can feel His presence all around,
within and beyond you for years to come.
I love you, Iva June.
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