Pushing Forward

This week was marked by the ever-constant range of emotions and frustrations one experiences when fighting for a child with special needs. I spent countless hours on the phone with our health insurance provider, trying to gain approval for some therapy. We cannot give Grant everything he needs - not even close - but we are trying.

At one point, the back-and-forth debate on "proving my son has an illness that warrants needing therapy" (at which I wanted to scream at the top of my lunges, He has Fragile X Syndrome!) was beginning to push me over the edge. I set my phone down and walked away. 

Grabbing my camera, I went on a walk through the backyard woods. The peaceful setting soothes me and helps clear my head.

A beautiful hymn often sung at my childhood church came to mind...

This is my Father's world, 
and to my listening ears 
all nature sings, and round me rings 
the music of the spheres.  
This is my Father's world:  
I rest me in the thought 
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; 
his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, 
the birds their carols raise, 
the morning light, the lily white, 
declare their maker's praise.  
This is my Father's world:  
he shines in all that's fair; 
in the rustling grass I hear him pass; 
he speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world.  
O let me ne'er forget 
that though the wrong seems oft so strong, 
God is the ruler yet.  
This is my Father's world:  
why should my heart be sad?  
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!  
God reigns; let the earth be glad!                    text by Maltbie D. Babcock

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This week in pictures:

We went to a birthday party for a family friend's son. Wes was all about the party hat and Grant was thrilled to see they used Curious George plates for the cake.

Grant hanging out with two of his buddies... I really cherish the relationship we have with the families at the birthday party. They have loved on us and are raising their boys to love Grant. That is the best present anyone could ever give to me.

One sweet boy kept checking on Grant and asking if he was having fun. It nearly brought me to tears to see the kindness my friend's son had for Grant and it was fun to see Grant so excited to get that attention from him.

 

Grandpa came back from his trip to Africa! The boys were excited to see him again and we all enjoyed hanging out together.

Slam dunk!

Sweet fellowship.

 

The boys stood at the door watching Grandpa and Grandma drive off.

Bath time! For the first time ever both boys managed being in the tub at the same time and there were no tears involved. Just a lot of splashing...

Wesley was mesmerized by his reflection.

Grandma pulled out a stack of Valentine's stickers and the boys thoroughly enjoyed plastering their papers with them... also a great fine motor workout for Grant.

Life is good. :)