With the Thanksgiving holiday this past week, the things I’m grateful for have been top of mind. I saw so many posts from friends saying what they’re thankful for, and I drafted my own in my head but never got around to sharing it. Today I want to take the chance to share some of the things that make me feel grateful every single day.
Laughter
I cannot resist the sound of my boys’ laughs. Gage and Caleb both have infectious giggles, and they are usually fairly easy to come by. Even if Caleb is mad and crying about something, a game of peek-a-boo or tickling his thighs 
can almost always change his tears to laughter in no time. I am so grateful for the fact that Gage is able to express himself through laughter and smiles. While he may not use spoken words, I’m so glad that he’s able to express his happiness to those around him, and consequently brighten their days, and mine, at the same time.
Joy in the Simple Things
I love seeing the sheer joy that kids get out of the smallest things. Some of Gage’s absolute favorites are watching me fold laundry, putting a 
new trash bag in the trash can and taking a bath. He can’t contain his excitement about these seemingly mundane tasks. It’s a good reminder to me to find joy in all parts of our journey.
Perspective
Although our journey has not always been a walk in the park, I am grateful for the ways my perspective has changed throughout it. Challenges have a way of forcing us to step back and see things differently. I’d like to think that regardless of my circumstances, I would grow to be more understanding, open-minded and empathetic as time went on, but who knows if that would be the case. What I do know is that since becoming a special needs mom, I have a new way of thinking about and seeing things. I’m not sure if I would have found that perspective otherwise.
Friends and Family
This one is obvious. We are all so lucky that we have each other to lean on through this life and don’t have to do it alone. But I can’t help but think we hit the jackpot with our support system. I get to keep in touch with my best friends from childhood, rely on parents and extended family for help when we need it and stay connected with former colleagues and friends from college. All of these people and more help us so much and I’m so grateful for that.
Opportunities to Share
One of the things I’m most thankful for in the past year is the opportunities I’ve had to share more of our story. Opening up about the challenges we face and the accomplishments we celebrate has been so therapeutic for me. 
Whether it’s our story shared through 7 Billion Ones, a blog or Facebook post, or speaking at the First Steps State Council meeting, I’m so grateful for these chances to share. Not only because they help me understand myself a little better and work through things, but because it allows me to make connections. So, for anyone who follows our journey, posts a comment, sends an encouraging text or simply clicks a link and reads my random thoughts for the week, THANK YOU!
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34