This week has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. We have been extremely busy, hence the lack of new posts. Also, Evan has been going through something. I'm not quite sure how to explain it. He just hasn't been himself. At first, I contributed it to the time change, but now I'm not so sure. Please pray for us as we seem to be going through some sort of transition. Maybe it is just him growing up. I don't know. It's nothing really serious. He just isn't himself lately. I guess everyone goes through times like this, but since he is my baby, it makes my heart hurt to see him struggling. I am hoping next week will be better.
I couldn't help but tear up (well, really flat out bawl) when I was reading an article today in a local magazine about a woman who has started a dance class for disabled children. Her daughter has spina bifida and wanted to take ballet, so she started a class. In the article she quoted something I had read before but had forgotten about. I think it definitely applies to families of disabled children or children with special needs. Here is what it said:
"In her 1987 essay "Welcome to Holland," writer Emily Perl Kingsley compares the experience of raising a child with a disability to planning a wonderful trip to Italy only to touch down in Holland. "So you must go out and buy new guide books," Kingsley writes. "And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place. It's...less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around ... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills ... and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts."
I don't think it is a coincidence I read this today after a hard week. I think this is a good way to describe our journey. As much as I wish Evan did not have autism, there have been unbelievable blessings that have come out of it, and I am so thankful for every single one of them.
Me and my favorite little boy in the whole wide world!
Me and my favorite little boy in the whole wide world!
22 comments:
Oh, Leigh Ann, that's such a fitting analogy. I hope you have a better week next week. Evan is a precious little thing and I know you love him to pieces. I hope things smooth out for him soon.
Sorry to hear you've had a tough week. Next week will be better I'm sure. I'll say a special prayer for your little guy tonight.
Leigh Ann - I love what you shared. I hope that is how you feel about your experience with Evan. I know there are so many wonderful things about being his mom. I'll be praying for ya'll - ya'll are a blessing to me!
Sweet Leigh Ann...I'm so sorry you've had a rough week. I hope next week will be better. It's hard being a mom sometimes!
I love that quote, forgot where I heard it in a show recently somewhere. Life has been hard for mine as well, not sure if the time change or the weather back and forth is the culprit but like you we take it a day at a time and live like we are in Holland as well. It is a beautiful place and I am blessed with this wonderful life. I am so excited to hear when a class for kids with disablities starts up! Awesome! Thinking of you.
Awww, Leigh Ann...this will get better. You know, kids just act different some times even when there are no special needs. I hope that is what is going on with Evan. It will be okay {hugs}!
He is such a cutie. You are very blessed...good days and bad days.
Hang in there, Leigh Ann! I'll be thinking about you and praying for Evan. I hope things get better soon!
Oh, Leigh Ann, you should have let us know last week about your week. We can at least be there to listen. You are such an amazing mom and an amazing person. Always worrying about others. I will keep Evan in my prayers as the next week starts. Love you!
I love that picture of the 2 of you - it is awesome.
He just may be my #2 favorite boy (of course Trav has to be my #1);o)
I know it's hard at times, but can I say that your trip to Holland led you to me & I can't imagine my life without your family - I so love you guys more than I can express..
I hope he (and you) have a better week.
Hang in there, girl! You are a fabulous mom.
Kindergarten is hard work! Maddy has weeks where she isn't herself either, and it always seems to come down to just being overtired!
I hope things turn around.
I love your momma heart, Leigh Ann!!! I just identify with you as a mom when I read your posts. You're already doing the best possible thing you can for your child - you love him with all your heart. As a mom of 2 grown boys, that means a lot as you go through each stage of their lives.
I hope this week is a special blessing for you!
What a fabulous perspective! I am thinking of you right now and I am sending you a big hug. Hopefully next week things will turn around:)
I have read that Holland story before. It is very good. I am sorry for the hard week. I will pray that this coming week is better. I LOVE your attitude!
What a precious post, Leigh Ann. I pray that this coming week is wonderful for you both =)
Boy this is so true! The Holland story is in our Occupational Therapist's office and it really is true. It's hard to explain. You do not regret having this child that has different struggles than others, but it's definitely not what you thought it would be. I do understand! We are headed to the neurologist soon to see what else needs to happen for our little one. It's a hard road, girl. The Lord is with you and He created our little ones with a special purpose in mind! This too shall pass so keep pressing on!
Love you!
This is such a neat post, Leigh Ann. I love that piece from the article--what a neat way to put a feeling into words. I hope this coming week is better for you guys. Thinking of you...
I read that same article in that magazine! I loved the analogy, too. You are so special, Leigh Ann, and a WONDERFUL mother! I pray for you and Evan every day...and I ask God to bring a cure for autism! Seeing Jesus in you encourages me!
I read that same article and thought of you. I'm so sorry you had a bad week. I will be praying for all of you. Love you much!
Evan is lucky to have a mom that loves and cares for him so much, and teaches him just by being herself that having a good attitude and a thankful heart is golden.
I'm sorry that you've had a rough week. I wish I could come down there and give you some time off!!
Sweet Lah ~ I have been thinking about you all week since there have not been many posts. I pray that Evan will make it through this transition with flying colors ;)!
What a great article! I did tear up b/c no matter how your life may be different than you imagined, there will always be windmills and tulips ;)!
LOVE YOU!
I know some days have to be hard, but I can tell that you are right there for every step.
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