Today started early. Up since 2:30am, I guess I am anxious about the day. Both kids have made their way to our bed and I am being crowded out anyway. The sudden chirping of the fire alarm in my bedroom confirmed that it was not meant for me to sleep any longer. As I stumbled through the bedroom, I stopped to look at the clothes I had laid out for all of us. Ansley and I with our bright blue “I Love Someone with Autism” shirts….Ethan’s slightly darker blue shirt, for the Special Olympics. Everything is ready. I know what today holds. We’ve done this before.

I keep going over in my mind – I need to make sure Ethan stretches really well….He needs to be hydrated, it will be hot out there. Sun screen- Where did I put it? I’ve got the goldfish crackers packed- do I have enough?

Today Ethan will be celebrated. Today whatever Ethan does will be enough. Unlike the days of things like IEPs, where we listen to what he ‘can’t’ do, today he CAN do it. Today his best is enough. Today we will go and stand with other families that get it. We will support each other, compare our stories and cheer on our Heroes.

My Hero has fought his way out of the grip of Autism. Yes, he has quirks. Yes, it takes him longer to learn things….but he always catches on…..it just takes the right approach. And time. Precious time. Time, patience, love, therapy….these are the gifts that God has Blessed Ethan with. The resources have been provided over and over. The ‘Right’ people somehow are always brought in to our lives. And when we encounter the ‘Wrong’ people, God Always handles it. The gift of dissension – What a Beautiful Gift.

Psalm 5:12
(NIV)
Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

It is so very obvious that God is in control of Ethan’s life. I am amazed at the work he has done in him. The lost little boy is growing into a fine young man. A young man that is connecting with the World more and more with each passing day.

I know what today holds. God knows what our lives hold. I rest in the assurance that there is a plan. I trust and know that it will be great.

Jeremiah 29:11
(NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

So I will go wake my sleeping babies. There are bows to put in Ansley’s hair. There are meds to take. There is a car to pack with snacks, sun screen and laughs. This will be a Great day. This most definitely will be a Great life.