I’m now on Day 8 of the Gratitude Challenge from Tiny Prints, but yesterday got to open mysterious Gift #2 and was excited to find a branded Flip phone gifted to me from Tiny Prints.
Isn’t it cute? They challenged us to vlog our gratitude, so I put together something that I think really expresses this particular piece of my heart.
When we found out last year that my youngest son would be our third child on the autism spectrum, we had many different emotions. One thing I can tell you for sure, is that we weren’t certain we’d ever see him doing things like smiling, getting a buzz cut, riding a scooter or even speaking. We had no reason to think we would see those things, but every reason to believe we would. We chose to believe.
Since we’d already had experience in these things, early intervention was our first line of defense. Today, I’m so profoundly grateful that the services, products, doctors and community are out there to support autism parents in helping their children be their best selves. We have daily struggles with these kids, but we never forget to be thankful for every little piece of progress.
Remember as you watch this video, that it isn’t just a hair cut, riding a scooter, talking, smiling. It’s proof that hope and faith, and believing in both, are worth every fiber of your being.
Enjoy:
My other Gratitude Challenge posts:
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=111404a4-2869-4197-8c35-04ad73339513)
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Good gawd Arianne, what a beautiful post and story. Now those are the things that really do matter. Love that we get to share in a just a little bit. Love you.
[Reply]
Thanks :) And I should probably point out that his two other brothers freaked out so badly while getting their hair cut that it was the laugh of the family that only the baby didn't cry when the clippers came out. He's a warrior. And so am I.
[Reply]
He is adorable. You should be very proud!
[Reply]
As someone who has had the same fears (and knows the struggle of trying to cut the hair of a child on the spectrum) I can only say I'm so happy for you. He looks like a little charmer, and I can see that early intervention must be having a strong effect on him. And you're right, we have to be thankful for every little step forward. Progress is always a time to celebrate.
[Reply]
Amazing!
I have no other words.
[Reply]
Thanks, it's amazing! This boy wasn't speaking 4 months ago. Not even a babble. So incredible. I hope and believe the best for you as well, my friend.
[Reply]
Not sure how I came to your blog but I have had you on my google reader for several months. All I can say is you are inspiring. My son suffered from viral meningial ensephalitis almost two years ago. It has left him with uncontrolled epilepsy. As moms, we want our kids to be okay. Life has forever changed for us but we, too, are learning to be grateful. Our son is alive. No, he will never be the same but I am learning to accept that and be his advocate. We can't change what happened to him, but we can help his future. Thanks for the video…it helped this mom.
[Reply]
I'm breaking into your house and stealing that Flip.
His smiles and laughter and shyness after the hair cut are breathtaking. You must be so grateful for all of this, for all that is him.
[Reply]
How beautiful. I worked in early intervention for 5 years with many kids on the Spectrum and I just want to second how amazing it can be. If you aren't happy with a therapist, find someone you and your kid love. A parent is an amazing advocate for their kid, but having a great therapist on your side is so helpful. What an amazing job you are doing with your boys!!
[Reply]
Wow, what an amazing video, Ari! I'd never know that was the same kiddo. Just awesome.
[Reply]
A beautiful video and a beautiful boy. I'm so happy that he's come so far!
[Reply]
What a beautiful story!!
[Reply]
Oh, love. I think the only thing brighter than his smile was yours. All that mother love…so beautiful. He is just incredible, and I am so thankful that this little boy that could have such a different life has you to bring the smiles and words to his heart. XOXOXOXO
[Reply]
This is the most beautiful post ever. Thank YOU for sharing… I'm literally wiping my eyes. xoxoxo
[Reply]
Arianne, I have enjoyed every single one of your posts on the Gratitude Challenge but this one moved me beyond words… I was so touched by the video and so filled with hope, love and awe. Thank you.
P.S. Glad you and your readers like the Flip. We had them custom made for the project on CafePress :-)
[Reply]
Thank you Anna, that means so much to me. I love to move people to
think and to feel. It's what life is made of!
[Reply]
He's so big! When did he get so big? I love him and his courage and his progress.
[Reply]
Oh my goodness, Arianne, you are making me bawl right about now. How beautiful and perfect he is. I can't imagine the pride you must feel for these precious moments. Thank you for reminding me just how precious they are. xo
[Reply]
Oh, you made me teary!! LOVE.
[Reply]
You did a fantastic job with his haircut! He is so handsome.
What is that song that is playing in the video? I love it!
[Reply]
Oh, wow, what a beautiful post and video. Thank you for sharing.
[Reply]
Simply amazing. I so adore you. This is just… fantastic.
[Reply]
I just now had a chance to watch this! I can't believe how big he's gotten!
Steph
[Reply]
I so love that you did this. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.
[Reply]
Amazing and touching post & video. Thank you for participating in our Gratitude Challenge!
[Reply]
Oh Gosh, Arianna, you make me smile and cry at the same time. I see so much of your children in my own son. I KNOW {and I mean, really know} how much of a milestone it was for him to allow you to buzz cut his hair.
I love your spirit, girl. Love it.
Nell
[Reply]