One thing that I have quickly learned on this journey with my sweet boy is to appreciate the very smallest of things. To some people, things that are HUGE in our world would often be overlooked in theirs (and I don’t blame them, I used to overlook them too). But that’s the thing with autism, it’s the babiest of baby steps and while we might be behind, we are all traveling the very same road.
I heard a mom the other day in Target say to her little girl, “What do you mean NOW you have to go pee? We were just in the bathroom and you said you didn’t and now you do??” She was so frustrated with her daughter. Part of me wanted to sprint over to this mom and say, “you have no idea what I would give to hear my son say he has to pee, or KNOW that he has to pee, or even say a single word to me signaling a basic need!” Of course I didn’t say anything because you never know what another person is dealing with. She could be a single mom, in a hurry to get to her second job and the last thing she needs is to make another stop in the bathroom causing her to be late. I get that it’s not always easy to appreciate the small things, but sometimes it is so hard to watch and wish for the things that so many people take for granted.
The posts of tired moms saying, “I’m sick of hearing “mama, mama!” over and over,” complaints over why their toddler liked a certain cup one day and now hates it today, the little things that kids do that drive their parents crazy… I would honestly kill for half of the time. And I’m not saying feel sorry for me. I am saying be appreciative of those little things that you might be overlooking in your life. Try to love every stage of kids being kids. You never know what you have until you don’t have it.
I have to remind myself, just like anyone, to remember to celebrate our smallest victories. My husband always reminds me, “Find joy in what Channing can do and not what he can’t do.” And sometimes it’s hard to not focus on the things we are missing. But if I’m asking you to appreciate the small things in your life, I will 100% appreciate those in mine!
When after almost 3 years Channing started giving us kisses… I was on cloud 9! Still, to this day, I never miss an opportunity to get one of those kisses and enjoy every second of it. When Channing grabs the hand of one of his cousins and pulls them to sit beside of him… I could burst into tears. When he signed “more” for the first time… I gave him an entire bag of skittles because I wanted him to know just how awesome his gesture was. When I asked him to turn off the light and he flicked the switch without so much as a second request… I messaged his speech therapist. When I was able to hold hands and walk with him inside therapy without him running away or wanting to be held… we celebrated when he got inside. He may not be saying “mama” or telling me when he has to pee, but I promise to celebrate every tiny step that will one day lead us to those awesome moments!
So mamas, dads, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends, celebrate those tiniest of things. LOVE those little things. Whether you have a child with special needs or not, I want you to appreciate the small gestures that make these little people so amazing. Thank you, my sweet Channing, for always showing me that it’s the little things that matter the most.
channing's joy 
Beautiful Lauren! Channing is such a gift to us all! His bright smile and beautiful blonde curls make me smile every time I see them. When we almost loss Alex I was constantly in awe of the small things but I must confess, as time has gone by I often over look them myself. This is such a sweet reminder! Hugs girl…you’re doing great Momma!
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Thank you Lauren for reminding us it really is the small things in life. After reading your thoughts I reminded myself it applies to everything in life. A little money is a lot if you have none, a warm cup of soup is huge if you don’t know where you next meal is coming from, a smile and a hug can be life saving if your heart is breaking and a child saying “mommy” to someone who yearns to hear their child’s voice is like winning the lottery! That is my prayer, for you and Chad to hear his voice! It will happen, maybe not today or tomorrow but it will happen when you least expect it and oh my what a day that will be! Those 2 small words to most of us will be EPIC to you and Chad! Thanks for opening you heart for us to be a part of your journey!❤️🙏
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Beautifully written. Thank you for the reminder. You are wise beyond your years! Xoxo
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Such a beautiful reminder. ❤️ Thank you for sharing your heart and your story. Channing is precious and so very blessed to having such a loving family.
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Girl ur an awesome mom and yes ur right we probably all over look the smallest of things…but it’s like you said…don’t over look the small things bc the future holds bigger and better things!! You’re a very good writer and this means a lot to me to read about your absolutely adorable son Channing!! Oh my goodness I still am in awe of his name and the blonde curls and his always happy face…even when we met in high school you have always had a bright smile and a happy attitude about everything!! And that right there reflects in ur adorable son Channing!! Your whole family is beautiful thru and thru!! I’m happy and blessed to know you and to read about your darling family and absolutely adorable son!! Love ya lots – Heather!!
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Your post make me smile and appreciate everything that the world That the world has to offer. Channing will do well and will continue to flourish with a wonderful attentive family.
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Celebrate the little things as they too are so important. Keep the Faith!
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Beautifully written, Lauren. Both your life, and Channing’s will be blessed by your attitude. Thanks for sharing your insights. Our children are grown now, but my wife and I also did our best to try “to love every stage of kids being kids” as you’ve suggested. My best to you and your husband as you raise your darling son.
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Lauren-
Your entire blog is such a sweet reminder to embrace the journey that is parenting. I’m guilty of losing my cool and getting frustrated with all of the little frustrations raising small kids brings. Reading about your experience encourages understanding and patience for all of us, no matter what challenges we have. I never knew how quickly parents are critiqued and judged for EVERY. SINGLE. THING. until I became a mother. Channing is so blessed to have you guys as parents (and such wonderful aunts and uncles and cousins). Keep your head up and remember God choose you to raise this precious boy and he is a gift! In my prayers always!
Courtney
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Thank you so much, Courtney. You’re right… we are judged and critiqued on every thing and it’s not fair.
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