This year has been crazy! I'm a little late on my yearly "Thanks" post. I blame going back to work and enjoying Asher too much to have time to blog! Anyway, here it is a little late, but just as genuine all the same.
This year I am grateful for my husband and our little boy. Last year someone asked me if Asher just lights up our lives. I like the way that was put. Asher lights up my life. He is the light in a world that can sometimes be dark, his light is a constant reminder of hope and love, and what can happen if you just have faith and hold strong to those hopes. This year I am grateful that as a Momma who has a miscarriage disorder, that I was able to bring Asher into the world and that despite many setbacks, he is happy and thriving. I am also thankful for my husband, who works long hours, has endless patience, and does whatever he needs to do to provide for our family including staying home from work for a whole week while Asher was sick so that I would not have to call out of work at a new job! I am grateful that Phill understands Asher's allergies and sensory issues because he has been through them himself and that Asher can have a Daddy that can understand him because he has been through the same things and love him from that angle. It takes a lot of patience and empathy to be Asher's daddy and I think that Phill is just the right daddy for the job.
I am finding myself yet again, incredibly grateful for modern medical science. Over the year and a half since we got Asher's difficult diagnosis, I have had the pleasure of meeting many momma's on the internet whose kiddos have simular set backs. I am reminded every time they share a gorgeous picture of their kiddos, that just a decade ago none of these children would have survived. This year I am thankful that Asher has the talented Doctor's at Tufts Floating Hospital for Children and Boston Children's who make sure that he is happy, healthy, and whole.
I am also grateful that medical science can provide us with the information we need in order to plan our family, even if that means the answer is "No you cannot safely have more children" I'm glad I can use that information and make the right choices for my family. I'm also grateful that living in this decade means that our options don't "end" here. That "No" is just the first step on a different path.
Words cannot describe how grateful I am for my friends and family! For my sister Michelle who cares for my son everyday when I go to work like he is her very own child. Knowing that he is safe, being watched over diligently, and loved puts me at peace so I can focus on work while I can't be with my little boy. For my real life close friends, who get me, and support whatever I do. For Ali and for Aiden. For my sister's who have just recently come into my life...who are wonderful amazing women! For my Donna, who is the worlds best grandmother and the greatest friend and support I could ever ask for. And for my brothers who have both decided to make huge sacrifices so that we all may have safe lives. For Joshua, who has recently become a United States Marine and For Nathaniel who will be leaving shortly to serve our country as a Military Police officer. It has been an absolute gift to be their sister. For Addie, who continues to become an amazing young woman. I am grateful that she has direction in life and the natural talent to back it up. Next Great Baker? I think so! I am grateful for our extended family, who shares the ups and downs of Asher's difficulties with us and strives to maintain the patience that our little boy needs!
I am grateful for Kylee who is the coolest little girl I have ever met! She constantly puts a smile on my face and is one of the few people that can make me laugh until my sides split! I am thankful for Ethan James who is now walking and talking! He even says "Please and thanks!" I am grateful to be the auntie of such beautiful and sweet children.
I am humbly grateful to Early Intervention. I can't say enough for these amazing professionals that do not get paid nearly enough. For Asher's OT who can see past his sensory issues and truly appreciates the beautiful little boy underneath! For the hard work she has put in during therapy with him and the difference it has already made. I am also thankful to work with professionals who have been able to give us wonderful advice for Asher and have shared much needed resources.
I am grateful for my new job! I work with some pretty talented and amazing people in a very good school district. I am grateful for Phill's job and the difference we both can make in the lives of others.
And last, but certainly not least. For the friends who have become like family, the ladies that I mostly just see through the internet, but have had the honor of meeting in real life...and for those who I will most definately meet soon...you know who you are. I am unbelievably lucky to have all of you and more grateful that you could possibly know for the friendship you have given me!
This year, I am thankful for Hope.
