The Lord knows when to send a nudge in the right direction

When you get told that one of your children has issues, and is not on the "normal" - whatever that might be, developmental curve, you know that you might face more challenges than other parents. Hec, even having twins just foretells that parenting might be more challenging.

We have had very very tough weekends, specifically pertaining to Little Man L who just did not take the transition to weekend etc very well. I have to say that the last 3/4 weeks or so have really been on a way better level, even if he was sick this past one. But often, on weekend nights, Hunter and I would sag down, exhausted after the day and the tantrums and issues it brought.

We have one little weekend ritual we love - we go to our  local playpark where the puppies play ball and the kids have a ball - expend some energy and hopefully foretells a less stressful and more sleep filled evening. Twice before after having a particularly tough day with our L we have been shown, in our little play park, that we should be grateful for what we have. Twice before we have bumped into parents with children with very evident disabilities - once quite apparently some form of cerebral palsy and once a child with Downs syndrome. Every time we have recognized that this was a call to us to appreciate our "Out of Sync" child for what he is, not more on the special needs chart.

Then, a third time we were shown that we should be tankful was right after a tough afternoon and was sent right to our doorstep and into our house. A old buddy of Hunter's came over to watch the rugby and brought his new girlfriend along with a surprise addition -her 11 year old daughter with Downs syndrome. Who can talk less than our little man L, functions like a 5 year old and who brought her baby doll along - resulting in awakening the Princess' mothering instincts towards her babies for the first time. A lovely loving girl and who my children played with like any other friend - I was really proud of specifically the Princess who is old enough to know that something is not the usual and took entertaining her guest upon herself throwing in some of her own stickers etc and sharing so much .And as her mom told me later about having her hysterectomy at age 11 a few months ago I just felt her pain and her loss.

But yes, I see it as the Lord showing us to be thankful - we face so much less than any of these parents. However you see it - the Lord, the universe, chance, you have to admit that this is more than co-incidence.Yes, I really need the potty training to come along mostly at the moment. I wish I could see him functioning in class where he apparently does so much better than at home.   We will keep our hope up, we will concentrate on the positive improvements, we will march on to get the best we can for our child.  As any of the parents of these other children do. We just have so much more of a chance to succeed and that I need to acknowledge. Even though a lot of times I feel we deserve a break so much.