Tuesday, February 3, 2009

You Would Never Know


Yesterday, like most days of the week, Evan had therapy after school. We have the sweetest outpatient speech therapist. She is a doll! I love her even more because she also went to OBU! :) After every session they have, she comes out with Evan giving me feedback on their session...things he did very well and things we still need to work on. Yesterday was one of those days. One of those GOOD days. The words she spoke made my day, made my month! She said, "Today was a great day. It was one of those days where if you didn't know, you would never know." I know my eyes got big. I said, "You mean that he has autism?" She said, "Yes!"

Wow! How awesome is that??? As a mom of child that struggles with autism, something like THAT said about your child is beyond WONDERFUL! Derek and I see glimpses of the "you would never know" all the time, but it is so nice to hear it from someone who works with him all the time.

If you were around Evan for a little bit, you probably wouldn't know. However, if you hung around for a while, you would probably start thinking to yourself that he doesn't talk much or that he wants to be in a different room than the rest of the group or that he doesn't play exactly like other children you know.

Overall, autism stinks! That pretty much sums it up. However, along the way, we have learned how to manage autism, and it no longer manages us. It doesn't dictate what we do as a family. It doesn't have complete control over my thoughts every day. It doesn't keep me glued to my computer every day (like it did for four years) searching for "the cure." It doesn't keep us from much at all that we want or need to do! I am very protective though, and if it is an activity that I know will not be fun for Evan or too overwhelming for him, we just don't do it, but for the most part we are just a regular family. We try not to take ANYTHING for granted. Evan is such a happy and healthy child, and that is what is most important to us. We have challenges, but it's okay. It's really okay.


Thank you, Jesus, for this precious child you have entrusted to me. Thank you for days like yesterday. Thank you for the wonders you work in him every single day and for what you teach me along the way.

28 comments:

Cortney said...

I am so happy for you! I know that news made your heart sing! By the way, that is a great picture. He is one gorgeous little boy!!!

Traci said...

Wow! That is BIG, Leigh Ann!! I feel so happy for you right now.

I am one of the only moms in my circle that reads Twilight instead of books on Autism and I feel bad about that but, ya know, it can't manage your life- like you said.

Awesome news!

Jenna said...

I just loved this post. And I am so proud of Evan! I know that just made your heart sing to hear that. Leigh Ann, you are such a good mommma - Evan and Ella Grace are blessed to have you!

Heather said...

This is SO AWESOME, Leigh Ann! I love seeing pics and hearing about Evan. He is so precious! And I know that made your heart so happy to hear that from the therapist! I have another good friend here in town with a son with autism...and I pray for the boys and you two every day!!! God is working....SO ENCOURAGING!

Amanda Ledford said...

That is so wonderful! I am so proud of him for doing so well! I pray for him everyday. I know God has a wonderful plan for him!!!

Laura said...

I have tears in my eyes! And I could look at sweet Evan all day! He is so cute!

LOVE YOU A GOOGLE... said...

Oh LAH! I love that post! I just love sweet Evan and you are right he is a very amazing little boy with an even more amazing mom! :) You were the perfect person to be entrusted with such a wonderful little boy. I am sure it is awesome to have those "you would never know" kinda days! You have proven what a strong person you are and you family is so precious! I just love you guys! What to go, Evan! :)

Rachel Wheat said...

How great! That is so encouraging. You are the most amazing mom!

Jacquie said...

There's that "momma heart" again. I just love that about you!! And you're so right... validation from someone else, something you already know in your heart, is a huge blessing!

mother of three fellas said...

I LOVE photography too!! I'm taking classes here at the First Baptist church. We go to McArthur First Assembly. Where is New Life? I have heard of it, but not sure where it is.

Yes, that is granite on the steps. You would think it would be slick, but is not, YET anyway ;)

That is great news to hear about your lil' man!!!

I'm glad you left me a comment! Blogland is so friendly!

Lauren said...

Tears!

It's strange that I haven't even met Evan yet, but I feel like I just want to give him a huge hug.

It amazes me how resilient children are, and how precious the lessons are that they can teach us.

You have a wonderful family,LAH - they are a great testament to you as a wife and a mommy!

Anonymous said...

Awww. This is a great post. He is so handsome!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, and your blog is so pretty!!

Megan said...

Praise God! Evan is such a cute little boy.

Faith said...

He is so precious! I'm glad he had such a fantastic day...I know you are so proud of him!!

Laurie said...

I am so happy to hear this. I hope there are many many more days like this. You are a wonderful mother! Evan is so handsome.

Meagan said...

WOW! That is SOOOO wonderful LAH! I am so excited for him and for you all. he is so precious and I can't wait to see him face-to-face one day!!!

Tracy said...

Leigh Ann, I cannot imagine Evan would have been any luckier to have you and Derek as his mommy and daddy. You constantly amaze me with your posts. They show lots of love, patience, and thanks.

Becky said...

What wonderful news! I know you are tickled pink.

Betsy said...

THAT is a happy day!! I know you love that little boy so much. You are a great mom to him, Leigh Ann!!

Kandi West said...

I think Evan is a pretty lucky dude to have you. :-)
I'm very thankful for your day...I know it meant a lot.

We've Got Scents said...

What a wonderful blessing. I will pray for more days just like this was for your wonderful family.
Blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22

Anonymous said...

This is such a beautiful post Leigh Ann! Evan is just such a beautiful little boy, I love it when you post pictures and I can see his sweet face!

Megan L Hutchings said...

Ever since I met you and heard of Evan's story I find myself praying and rooting for him everyday. This is such great news and I know it made your heart smile!!!

The "Hey-Copter" day looked GREAT!!!! EG's hair is just adorable ;)!

Jill said...

Yeah Evan! I am happy for you guys. It is days like this that give you confirmation that you are doing everything for a reason! You will be suprised over the next few years how far you see him come. Claire made A/B Honor Roll this 9 weeks! Who would have thought that a few years ago? Maybe we are on the right track afterall!

His Doorkeeper said...

Leigh Ann,
Evan is such a special boy and you are a special mother! He is truly blessed to have such wonderful parents. God has something very special planned for Evan, I just know it!

Thanks for being so open with your feelings on autism.I know you must help many many people who are struggling!

Blessings!

Kelly said...

Yeay for a good day!!! I pray for many many many days like that in the future! I wish I could take the autism away but you and Derek handle it so well - you are inspiring. I love you so much!

Melissa said...

Love his pic. I know what the you would never know feels like...Thank you God for all he is doing working with our children and not allowing autism to take over! God bless!