Small Victories, Big Smiles

     We are at the end of April. The end of Autism Awareness month. Obviously it does not end in this household; but this leads me to take a moment for this post. I was at the gym one day and heard a familiar sound. An autistic child out of rhythm with their schedule quite upset about it. It was swim day for her. It was not like the rest of the days. This was upsetting to her. Her aide was desperately trying to calm her down to get her dressed. I just walked around as if it were a normal day. After all it was for me. I see this too. Others stared wondering what was going on. Later, they were walking up stairs going back up to class. I asked if she made it in. And the aide replied with a big smile "toes" And in turn said that was awesome. She said it was small but it was something. That is what we get to enjoy as care givers of special needs people. Small Victories and Big Smiles.
      I was thinking for the rest of the time how we easily take God's Grace for granted. Than we have children struggle to do the easiest tasks. God says STOP. Don't take my Grace for granted. You better believe these kids don't. When Sharon gets something really gets something she gets the biggest smile on her face. I DID IT. I DID IT. It can be something very small. But we should all be so happy when we work hard and accomplish something. But we take the abilities that God has given us for granted. Nay we even ask for more. We see somebody more able then us and say why not me? But Sharon has been given the Grace to not be able to have time for such nonsense. She is too busy to have to think while doing the easiest tasks.
   And in the same sense we as care givers, parents get to enjoy this. Eagerly enjoying their small victories smiling right along with them. So we as parents can take two sides to this we can get bogged down by their many challenges. Or smile big at their many, many small victories along the way. Wishing you many small victories and BIG smiles.