Jake's Journey with Apraxia

Thanksgiving is that time of year when we are all reminded to reflect on things in our life and show gratitude for them. I have so many things to be thankful for and I really try not to take any of them for granted – health, a loving family, and a roof over my head – are just a few that immediately come to mind. But, there are some blessings that are seasonal and only come once in a lifetime.

1. This baby girl, who Jake named Tuna, after the much-practiced Nancy Kaufman word, came to me in September. This stray kitty popped her frail, orphaned body out of our bushes at a time when I desperately needed a pick-me-up. Jake’s new diet and supplement plan had me physically exhausted and emotionally frazzled during those first few weeks. Going through this process is most difficult I think, because you have no words of affirmation to praise you for doing something so courageous and difficult. In fact what I got was the exact opposite of what I needed – my older kids were complaining that there was “nothing!” to eat, and Jake was moody, hyper, not focused, and turned his nose up at many of the new and improved foods I was offering.

My first thought when I saw how sunken in Tuna’s sides were from starvation and life on the streets was, I can’t feed another mouth. But after seeing how desperate she was, I knew that the simple act of feeding her could change her life. Wasn’t the same true with Jake? Was someone above trying to “speak” to me? From day one and still weeks later, she rubs up against me, purrs loudly, and closes her eyes affectionately every time I feed her … and each time it makes my heart smile. She reminds me that what I am doing is important and that she loves me for it.

2. Every fall, the trees that line the streets in my neighborhood look like this …

And almost every year, my boys climb up in one of these trees and let me snap their picture. This year was Jake’s first photograph in the tree.

3. I am thankful for the beautiful art work that my other son LD creates on a regular basis.

4. And last, but not least, I am thankful that Lil’ Man can sing an entire song from start to finish. It is a huge, well-earned milestone and I am so proud of him. He started singing the Thank You Jesus song back in preschool last year, but we have been working on the clarity of it for the past couple of months. My goal was to have him sing the blessing before our Thanksgiving meal.

Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings to you and your little ones!