Choosing Thankfulness

Sometimes having a child with special needs can make day-to-day life a bit overwhelming. However, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought it would be nice to focus on the things that I am thankful for:

• Instead of being sad that Emmett can't do what other kids do, I am thankful for everything he CAN DO.

• Instead of being disappointed that he is still very much like a one-year-old, I am thankful that I get to ENJOY THE BABY PHASE LONGER!

•  Even though Emmett wakes up by 5:30am almost every morning, I am thankful that HE SLEEPS THROUGH THE NIGHT.

• Although having several therapy appointments every week can be exhausting, I am thankful that HE HAS HEALTH INSURANCE, which makes these appointments possible.

• Instead of thinking that my older son is missing out on a "normal" childhood, I am thankful that having Emmett as his brother will make him A MORE COMPASSIONATE PERSON.

• Even though Emmett can't tell me with words, I am thankful that he has A BEAUTIFUL SMILE AND AN AMAZING LAUGH that tell me that he's happy.

• Even though it took him over three years to learn how to walk, I am thankful for EVERY BEAUTIFUL STEP.

• Even though Emmett often cries when we leave the room, I am thankful that HE LOVES TO BE CLOSE TO US AND GIVES GREAT HUGS.

• Instead of being bitter that I have a child with special needs, I am thankful for ALL OF THE AMAZING PEOPLE that we have connected with because of his special needs.

• Even though our days can be challenging, I am thankful that GOD CHOSE US to be Emmett's parents.

• Even though he may not be like other children, I am thankful that EMMETT IS FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE, just the way God intended.