I CAN

As a special needs mum to two newly-diagnosed special-needs kids, I've noticed lately that I get stuck in their diagnoses. It is hard not to. At each doctor's appointment or therapy evaluation I am asked: "What are your concerns....?"

I'm not concerned that my son is the speediest runner in his class. I'm concerned that my son can not interract in appropriate ways with his peers. I'm concerned that my son and I do not communicate effectively.

I'm not concerned that Gracie has the sweetest demeanor since Polyanna. I'm concerned that her blood sugars range from normal to uh, much higher than normal. I'm concerned that she can't run without planting her face promptly on the floor.

I'm not concerned with my kids's CANS lately. I'm concerned with their CAN'TS. And well, that is concerning!

My son is the sweetest young man I know. His smile will light the inner depths of your heart. My son is the most caring older brother I know. He hovers over his Gracie ensuring her safety. If my daughter were to attempt to cross a busy street on her own, my panicked voice would quickly be accompanied by Sandis's panicked staccato screaming for her to STOP! My son is a FAST runner. He did not get that from me, though, because I am slow, he got that from God! My Sandis, he is awesome, he is stunning, he is exuberant, he is exactly how God intended him to be!

My daughter never stops talking. She has a gift for words that far exceeds her brother's (and my my is he wordy!) My daughter is very small in stature ( so itty bitty for her age at around the 7th percentile) but she is HUGE in personality and attitude. My daughter can bring the calmest person to the verge of a nervous breakdown. She is just that crafty! My daughter is very polite. My Gracie, she is sweet, she is cantankerous, and she is EXACTLY how God intended her to be.

Tonight, I'm going to focus on the cans of myself and my children. I've spent way too much time lately focussing on their can'ts. It is time for some positive reinforcement!