Sunday, October 19, 2008

Back to reality....

I am back, all in one piece and with a great tan to boot! Thanks to the Gillelands for sharing a wonderful week with us despite freezing nearly to death in our tents! Such great troopers! Anyways, I have lots of emails to answer but since I am on my 20th load of laundry (literally), I have to put them off a little longer. I have lots of things to blog about so be patient and check back soon. The ideas are spinning. I just have to share one thing about why I am smiling tonight. Tate had his birthday celebration today with some family which was really his first real party. He is 4 but before he would never really understand what is going on. Tonight, he was so excited when we started to sing to him then he blew out his candle. To many, that is a very simple thing, for us, that is a miracle. He knew what to do and did it on cue. He then opened up his presents with excitement, saying "open" and "help" when he wanted to open the box. Just a few months ago, the idea of him saying anything was overwhelming. He waved and said "Bu bye" to grandma and bent to give her a kiss. I never appreciated these moments before with my other kids but tonight couldn't have been any sweeter. I love this little guy! Happy Birthday my angel Tate! Mommy is sooooo proud of you! I can't wait to see what this next year holds for us. We are winning our battle with Autism.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

I have been reading you blog for a long while and I am not sure if I have ever commented before. I am also a mother but my child is not autistic. I do however have experience with autism, in high school I helped autistic kids for two years and I have friends with autistic children. This post brought tears of joy to my eyes. Congrats on these major accomplishments. I saw so many families struggle with older children that were unable to do these tasks that you described. You are winning the battle! You are doing the right things for your son! Thanks for your blog, I love everything you write about.

Michelle

Sashay~Vanessa said...

I am sure Anne told you I was going to MISS you and boy I did. You make me want to be the best I can be and to always remember the to appreciate the things we take for granted in life. You are a inspiration for me and I am blessed to call you a friend. You are helping people you do not even know everyday.
Happy Birthday to Tate!!!! By the way Isabella is so impressed that Talon can write in cursive that she is trying to do it her self.
Love
Vanessa

Lori said...

I just read your post and it brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy for you and your sweet Tate. Thank you for helping me start off Monday morning with this happy news!

Paula said...

Happy Birthday Tate!!! Tate stole my heart during the time I spent with him in nursery. I love your little guy, so Happy Birthday and congrats on such wonderful memories.
Paula

Terri Burges Hirning said...

Yeah! Isn't it a wonderful feeling to celebrate with them and not just for them??? I know exactly how you feel and can appreciate just how much this means. Great news and I know more good things are to come!!

Kristy Treible said...

That is so great. I can totally relate and understand the joy of seeing your child progress. It makes you feel like you have accomplished so much when other people think it is nothing. I can't wait to meet Wednesday. See you then.

Kristy

Megan said...

That is so cute! Happy Birthday Tate! I didn't know he had a birthday! I am sure that was a great moment for you! Very special!

Melissa said...

Awesome! That is so good to hear! You are doing a great job Shari!

Tracey said...

Happy Birthday Tate... you are an amazing mom Shari. Keep up the good work - it looks like every bit of it is paying off!

Linda said...

That's seriously so neat. How exciting for you. Yeah for Tate!

Becky said...

Yay!! Oh Shari, that makes me soo happy. You all are winning this battle. I am so proud of Tate. I could see how far he has come by spending time with him in class at church. Way to go!

wendilee said...

I literally got teary eyed when I read this post. Tate has come such a long way. He is such a sweet hearted little man. I am so glad he got to enjoy is special day! I can only image how happy you were that day too! You are truly an inspiration to all of us mothers.