Monday, August 24, 2009

Little Things

So I, like most parents, never anticipated raising a child with special needs. Never planned on missing a first step, or a crawl. It never occurred to me that one say I would have to, on a daily basis, fight to keep my child alive. I had the same visions as most everybody else: taking my little one to the park, or chasing him through the mall.

Well, fate stepped in and changed things. Obviously, I live a different life now, a life that has taught me to stop and appreciate little things.

I've really been pondering those little things lately. Every single day I see a miracle or two, in the form of a little boy defying a deadly disease. Every day he does something that amazes me: he eats all of his food (a serious miracle in itself), or he will move in a way I didn't think he was capable of. I joy in watching him trying to pat along with "Little Einsteins." The other day I was as proud as any mom watching a first step when I helped Dakin hold his arm up (while sitting up!!) and he fed himself a Pringle. I am amazed as I watch him discovering how to use the muscular ability he does have to manipulate objects. In the midst of complaining about Dakin developing a two-year-old attitude, I am secretly joying in it. And I get to see this stuff EVERY DAY. All things that, had he been a neurotypical child, I might have overlooked.
I am so grateful to him for teaching me the beauty of little things. I am so fortunate to get to be his mom.

10 comments:

Greek Goddess said...

That is sweet. What a perspective.

Junior said...

Finding joy in the little things makes life amazing. Dakin you such a cutie and you have a very special mommy.

MamabearMills said...

He eats better then my "healthy" 2 year old! you are lucky! heehee

annalee said...

way to go Dakin! i love the way you are celebrated DAILY, just as you should be handsome guy.

Sky said...

amen to that, its the little things that mean the most, and your little man is a treasure!!!

Sara said...

amazing :) (but you knew that already)!
lots of love coming your way <3

Jodie said...

That is awesome that Dakin is doing so great! Sometimes it is hard to find joy in the little things. Thanks for reminding me of how lucky I am to witness the everyday things my kids do. You are an awesome mom!

Foster mama K said...

There is a different type of bond/love between a caregiver and a medically fragile child. A bond that only some one who has been there done that, can understand. My love for Teagyn is like no other. Typical children grow up, and become independent, these little ones depend on us 110% to just live another day.
I would never change my experience with Teagyn for anything in the world. That little girl taught me so much in her four short years. You are a great mom, Dakin is just as lucky to have you, as you are to have him.

Congratulations on yet another milestone little man, keep up the great work!

April said...

You are surrounded by miracles everyday! What a great perspective you have!

Dorie Howell said...

Devon, I don't think anyone of us can truly understand the trials that you and your family go through everyday. It is so easy to take those little things for granted. As our PP babies approach their second birthday, Dakin Jr. is a constant reminder that miracles happen every day and you are blessed enough to see them.