eSpecially Ben

Two years and lots learned. Here's a shot at just a few of those lessons: Perspective - Each time I record a piece of our family's history here, I am able to see the growth, changes and patterns that are a part of our life. Today, when I write about Ben's amazing progress with walking, I can compare it to a year ago when our biggest concern was seizures and finding the right medicine to control them. Ben's walking had taken a "step backward" and I had not even realized it until he started walking so well in May after a change in medication. A year ago, I was distraught over Ben's school closing, and now he may be at a place that will provide him with as much, if not more, opportunities for growth and independence than his old school. Introspective - Keeping up with posts for a blog is time consuming. To be consistent with current topics and regular posts is difficult. Finding the right topic to write about, ones that will interest readers, i

 This is a letter I received last week from a company where Ben gets his orthotic braces made. I had been frustrated with the entrance to the building - no handicap accessible doors - and said so in their patient satisfaction survey. I am glad for this response and really appreciate the office manager writing to tell me about the changes being made. Advocating is a tough business and it does not always get you the results you want or expect. And sometimes, people do not react the way you think they might - both positively and negatively. I am checking this one off as a "Success."  

The photo above is just one from the weekly CD we receive from Ben and Logan's Sunday School teachers, Mr. Terry (photographer) and Mr. Jim. We also get an email telling us about the happenings within Sunday School and lessons to be studied for the following week. The emails, photos and updates are all wonderful, but they do not convey the love, unconditional support and pride that Mr. Terry and Mr. Jim have for Ben. You get that from talking with them. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about how much Ben is loved every Sunday when he walks through those doors. This love carries through to the other kids in the class - the other boys and girls treat Ben with respect, love and friendship. As for Ben, he joins in the class, sitting, listening, eating and occassionally taking a break by walking down the hall to visit his little brother Sean, and sneaking a second snack from that wonderful Sunday School teacher...but that's a post for another day.