I need to do Small Things Saturday today.
Because the big things are a little overwhelming at the moment.
Because we have always known that something was going on with McKenna and hoped for a diagnosis.
Because when you get a diagnosis, even though answers are what you have been waiting for, it takes a while for it all to sink in.
I haven’t wrapped my brain around it all enough to share the details yet but things will be fine. She will be fine. Our “normal” just got a little bit more different. Again.
So today I am thankful for:
a thoughtful, dedicated specialist,
a day with just my little girl,
and the chocolate-mustached face that smiled back at me on the way home from the doctors today, reminding me that she is the same perfect girl she was on the way there.
What small thing did you take the time to appreciate today?
And I almost forgot… the winner last week’s giveaway, the enlightening book “Big Daddy’s Tales From the Lighter Side of Raising a Kid with Autism.” is Ryan of The Woven Moments. Congratulations Ryan!
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I’m sorry to hear what you are going through, Jessica, but if there’s anyone who can handle the many curveballs life throws our way, I know it’s you. You are such a strong, resilient momma… and your daughter is absolutely beautiful and perfect just the way she is.
XOXO
“Normal” normal is seriously overrated.
Totally agree, I actually don\’t even remember what normal is.
I’m so sorry that your normal is changing once again, Jessica! You really are such a trooper! And always so positive, too. Thinking of you!
Thanks so much Liz, one of these days we will have no more surprises, hopefully!
Oh Jess. I’m sorry. I just saw this. Sending you & your beautiful girl love & good thoughts.
Thanks so much Krista.
She is beautiful and milk mustaches are the best! Sorry you are going through a transition. Please know that I’m always hear for you. No matter what time or what method (tweet, text, e-mail, facebook, etc.) xoxo
This week I’m thankful for fresh lavender, being home and fountains to throw pennies in.
She is absolutely gorgeous! No diagnosis can change that she is still the perfect girl that she was on Friday and that she will be next week or even next year. She is still your angel and your miracle!
Thanks Barbara, she is definitely a miracle and my husband and I keep reminding ourselves of that.
I’ve been thinking of you all weekend and I want you to know that you are in my heart and prayers…you are an incredible mom and person.I know that faith will bring your new “normal” to you in unexpected and good ways. Xo
Thanks so much Kir, truly appreciate your thoughts and support.
You’re right. She’s perfect.
Today I am grateful for life. My friend is dying and only has days left. Her son is the same age as mine.
Beautiful idea – to focus on the small things in the face of bigger challenges. I know you’ll get through it, and I hope the small things always stay just as beautiful.
Awww. I love that you can still look at the small things. Praying for you all.
She’s beautiful!
I’m appreciative of the time that I have with my husband. Even when we are painting a house and preparing it for sale and it’s hard work… we’re doing the work together.
Don\’t you love that? I love when I have extra time with my husband, no matter what we are doing.
I am thinking of you. I wish I had the right words to give you. The only thing I can tell you is I’ll pray that you both have STRENGTH. Strength for whatever comes…. and the strength to hold on to each other a little tighter.
You are in my heart.
Appreciate it more than I can say Ann.
Jessica,
I’m so sorry you are feeling overwhelmed. Your daughter is beautiful…absolutely beautiful!
Sometimes the little moments help us to get through the big ones with strength and clarity!
FWIW, I think Normal is overrated. Hopefully in time, things will work themselves out and make a little more sense.
Sending hugs your way!
Sending you all so much love my friend.
I appreciate the new cool mornings and early sunsets as I know Fall will be here soon.
Jessica,
Things will be fine. You have such an amazing strength to handle it all, there is no doubt it will all be okay. McKenna is lucky to have you as her Mom. Hang in there!
My love, thoughts and prayers are with you. Just so you know. 🙂
Let us know what you need
Thank you for your neverending support Kristen.
I’m sorry things are challenging right now. I’m thinking of you. I do the same thing when life is tough…focus on just the little things. Packing a lunch, folding the laundry, whatever it is I know I can handle.
It’s all about the little things…it has to be, or we would never appreciate anything. Praying you find a little bit of peace and rest with the new diagnoses you guys were given. 🙂
Thanks Courtney, we will be fine, it\’s just going to take a little while.
Thinking of you Jessica. Xo
I understand. Anytime our normal changes, we have to adjust. When it changes dramatically, it definitely takes a while to visualize a new reality for ourselves, our little ones, and our families. I always wish with all of my heart that no one had to deal with hospitals and health mysteries, but I’m glad you have a diagnosis and that she will be fine. Hugs to you as you settle into the new normal.
Thanks so much Jessica, you stated it perfectly.
That photo is amazing – so sweet and simple. I love what you said, “reminding me that she is the same perfect girl she was on the way there.” We love our kids where they are at, and not where we hope they will be. Your daughter is blessed to have you.
The perfect thing to appreciate :).
What a beautiful photo. You know we’ll all be here to support you when you’re ready to reveal, and as you go through it as well. Hugs to you.
I know you will, thanks so much Leigh Ann.
I like KNOWING. Even if the knowing is hard.
Because after the KNOWING comes the ACCEPTING.
And that’s where the relief is, friend. Hang in there.
I\’m glad for the knowing but just trying to wrap my brain around it, ya\’ know?
Congrats on winning the book. If you could email me your address at fourplusanangel (at) gmail, I will make sure it gets to you.
With our oldest, John, I keep pushing for the doctor to diagnose him with Aspergers but so far, no diagnosis. But as time goes on, he does get easier to handle and I think he does his best to “blend in”.
Our “Normal” is a little different too. I like that saying! m.
Some times it is so hard for the doctors to diagnose Aspergers, because the kids can be overachievers in so many areas. If you think it will help him get more assistance in school I would keep pushing for it. This is one more thing we could talk forever about.
Sending you prayers. Answers sometimes help in knowing what you are dealing with and what steps to take, but they can also be frustrating b/c you wished for a different answer. xo
Exactly, I was hoping sooner or later we would get a diagnosis but it is still going to take me a while to let it sink in and figure out how we will manage this one.
I can empathize with the unknowns…when you “know” something isn’t quite right. My Maddie is the one I worry about…she’s significantly delayed and while I keep being reassured she’ll make those milestones, I do worry…..Charlotte on the other hand….a booger, but seems good to go. 🙂 Big hugs and good thoughts to you as you embark on your new normal.
These preemies keep us on our toes don\’t they? We were in the doctors today with several other kids who were preemies and they had very serious health problems, definitely put things into perspective.
ive been in that place, waiting for a diagnosis for my child before too, and it does make you stop and see more and really be present in a moment.
I took time to hunt for toads and get dirty with my 3 yr old son, getting a tupperware dish to make a swimming pool for two small toads we found. The hurricane kicked up a ton of little amphibians, he is in heaven. It’s so fun to hear his little toddler squeal of glee 🙂
Don\’t you love seeing things through their eyes? My favorite part of being a mom.
ha, typical schmipical…
McKenna’s a doll…and you’re a fantastic mom…though really, this motherhood lark is much harder than anyone let on before I had these babies…
whatever it is, just remember to keep breathing…now you know for sure what it is, and now you can do everything McKenna needs to help her out…
Hugs…
It is much harder and where\’s that white picket fence?
What a beauty. Every small reflection tends to help one’s spirit. Glad you are still making time to reflect. My thoughts are with you and your family as you process McKenna’s recent diagnosis.
Thanks so much Kate. xo
I’m thankful for the fabulous recipe for a fried green tomato sandwich that a friend shared with me today.
Also – If you don’t mind, I’ll pray for your family as soon as I finish this comment.
Truly appreciate it Sue.
Sending you hugs— Love focusing on the small things. Know that you have an army of people around the blogosphere ready to do anything and everything….and that your love for McKenna and your entire family will get your through so much! xo
It is amazing to have the support of all of you Elena, just reading through all of your comments is making me feel better. xo
What is normal anyway but what is usual for you! She is beautiful and the same girl she was yesterday 🙂 Sending you lots of love though as you all get used to the diagnosis and I hope knowing how many people love and support you (even from a distance) will give you comfort.
You are so sweet, thank you Stephanie.
She’s beautiful. She is your perfect little girl. Sending lots of love your way.
Thank you so much Kim.
Hugs to you; I’ve been thinking about you (and McKenna).
Sometimes if you build up a lot of little things, the big ones seem slightly smaller, and I’m glad that you have a good doctor and a diagnosis and a perfect, chocolate-loving little girl.
I kept reminding myself while we were there that it could be worse but it is still going to take me a bit to wrap my brain around it all. Thanks so much for your support, as always.
She is beautiful! Sometimes the little things help us find our way through the big things
So perfectly said Evonne.
I’m sorry about what you’re going through. I also can’t help but be curious…what was the diagnosis?
If it’s secret I understand.
I’m so sorry hon. Hugs to you!
Thank you Jen.
Sending much love to you my sweet friend!
Thanks Galit!
Focusing on the small miracles of life is an awesome idea!
Definitely necessary to keep going some days.
She’s beautiful. With Autumn and the start of new terms approaching I have been appreciating having my family with me before two of them leave to go to uni.
So you have two leaving home? How tough!