Thanksgiving Thanks

So obviously I have not done such a hot job of keeping up with the blog this year.  And I am not making excuses for it, whatsoever.  2013 has seen a lot of joys, challenges, triumphs and defeats.  But I feel like our little family lived every moment of it all. 

With the holiday season upon us, kicking off with Thanksgiving this week, I thought it would be appropriate to quickly reflect on what I am thankful for, from what I learned this year.

1. I am thankful for Mike.  We celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary this year.  And I was reminded how much fun we have together.  We took a trip up north to Door Co, and laughed the entire time.  This trip came after a rough few months earlier for us as a family.  But through adversity, we came together with strength, commitment and a lot of humor.  Can’t ask for much more!
   

2. I am thankful for my growing boy.  As he gets older, he is gaining more confidence, independence and his own way.  We are seeing more and more his sense of humor, his likes and dislikes, and the desire to do things on his own.  Since he started Kindergarten this year at “big school,” it has been amazing to see this growth.  He is learning to make friends; he is trying so hard in everything he does.  I worry as he gets older the factors of adolescence.  Growing up is hard.  I can’t even imagine the outside factors we have ahead of us.  I can only hope for acceptance, tolerance and of understanding.  But I’m also excited to see who this little man will become.

3. I am thankful for the system.  The system?  Yes.  The school system that is giving our son support that he needs, even if we have to push a little for it.  And for our health insurance that pays for his advanced therapy.  And for the people that work to help him so much.  Without these systems, we would be alone and in the dark.  And we’ve met so many wonderful, good people along the way. 

4. I am thankful for those that came before us, to fight for assistance where it’s needed.  Sometimes I don’t feel like a “Warrior Autism Mom” because the people that came before me have set up such a positive path.  I still fight where I need to, but knowing I don’t have to fight as hard, and can concentrate on my family makes things that much easier.

I could keep going, but I haven’t blogged or written down my thoughts in a long time.  So I’m a little tired, yo!  Until next time!