Nothing better than when you get home from work and your little man gives you the best hug.

I can’t believe I have been Oliver’s mom for seven years (8 in April). It is going by so fast. I would be lying if I said it has been easy. I will say that it has been worth it. He is worth it! All the battles we have fought, all the tears I have shed, all the sleepless nights, all the hospital stays, all the doctors appointments, all of it has been worth it! His smile and laugh are worth a thousand words. His love is pure. I wish I could share it with everyone.

Oliver received a set of drums for Christmas. He loves music. Everything about music. I am not sure if this was a good idea, but he loves them.

I have days when I am exhausted and I don’t know what to do or what the right answers are with therapies or what the next steps are with him. It can be overwhelming. This is when I just wait. God is a big part of my life. I pray about it and wait for the right answers. When I have peace about it, that is when I do it. I never rush anything. Then I have the days I feel great and encouraged by the words he is finally saying! He said, “that’s funny”. I died laughing! I have never heard him say, “that’s” or “funny”. Wow! Hold on to the amazing moments!

Another thing that has been weighing on me as a mom are the kids that surround my child. I want kids that are going to uplift him and be kind to him. I have been told of multiple events of things that occurred that are heartbreaking. I know that kids can be cruel. I do believe that all of us are created equally. All of us have different abilities. I am thankful for that because this world would be very boring. I do ask that people talk to their children because the kids I hear and I am told are saying hurtful words are not kids I would expect to say such words.

One thing my husband asked me not that long ago was about my hobbies and that I needed to take time for myself. For years I have been focused on Oliver and my other two children, I haven’t taken any alone time or time away from my kids. I used to work out before I developed arthritis, but I don’t do that anymore. Now, I don’t do anything for me. If you don’t take time for just you, I highly recommend you find time for just you. It really is important for mental wellbeing.

Oliver’s best friend is Ethan (his 16 year old brother). He stole his hat and has been wearing it for a month. I took this picture and sent it to Ethan. Ethan wasn’t mad, but maybe frustrated is the word. Oliver wears it every morning. One cool kid.

We work hard and raise our family. We love them and do our best. We don’t know if what we are doing is right or wrong. We hope for the best because we love them so darn much. It doesn’t matter if you do every therapy or some of the therapies. What matters is that you love them, and that you are doing the best YOU can do. Know you are NOT alone.