Show Your Hope!

9 Years ago this past Monday, life changed for Ralph and I forever.  We welcomed one of the biggest blessings into our lives in the wee hours of the morning of June 11th, 2003.

I could go on and on about all the trials and tribulations our sweet and amazing boy has endured (and actually did in the post I wrote out last night), but instead – I decided I would celebrate the BIG things…

He’s overcome developmental regressions, countless illnesses, physical challenges, and has dodged almost everything but the kitchen sink.

But that’s not what so amazing about Will….

What so amazing about Will is his contagious smile….

His incredible spirit…

His compassion…

His joy…

His laughter…

His positive attitude…

His kindness…

His determination…

His perseverance…

His innocence…

I can’t even begin to list all the ways in which he has changed me and made me a better human being and mother.  While my heart will always be heavy because he has had to deal with more than any child should, he has managed to embrace his light rather than cast it aside.

I look back over the first 2 years of his life and I regret not cherishing the special moments more, but I am eternally grateful for the fact that God gave me the most wonderful son to teach me how to release my expectations and learn to not only cherish the special moments, but to hold steadfast to even the most mundane ones.  It was then – and only then – that I was able to witness the true beauty that was right in front of me.

Expectations are a funny thing…they’re great things to hang your hat on in theory, but in practice…they fail miserably when compared to what reality can hold if you are able to release what you hold so tightly to.

Will is my hero, he is my light, he is my joy, he is my strength and he is my HOPE.  I am blessed beyond measure and count every day as a miracle and a gift because of what he’s taught me in life.  I have found the peace within the storm and the beauty that comes with learning to dance in the rain.  Will taught me that. I thank GOD for Will – God knew that I needed Will.

It’s funny how our children end up really being our teachers.  Humbling, actually.

So here’s to Will…

I love this boy with all my heart and soul and I can’t wait for my ‘teacher’ to show me how to continue to grow as a mother and as a human being.

Happy Birthday my sweet, sweet sunshine!

I love you to the moon and back……

**** Stay tuned for another blog in the next 24 hours as Ralph and I are in Washington, D.C.

We are heading to Capitol Hill for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation’s legislative efforts (UDMF) and then will be attending the UMDF’s National Symposium.