6th Birthday

Today has been a very very good day. Crew woke up with a smile on his face and it has stayed there all day.

At his school they combined all three preschool classes for a birthday celebration. I sent ice cream. As soon as I opened the door to get him out of the van, his little friend turned to me and signed, "Ice cream at school today". Well, at least thats what I got out of it with my limited ASL knowledge;)

We did the "tie the balloons to powerchair" tradition and let him parade back and forth through the cul-de-sac. Its my way of letting my non-verbal child shout out, "HEY EVERYBODY, LOOK AT ME... IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TODAY" which is what I think he would say.

Today was a beautiful sunny day... dry roads and clear skies. Completely opposite of the day Crew was born SIX years ago. So unlike the blizzard conditions that nearly cost us our lives on February 4, 2004. It's impossible to celebrate a day like today and not think about it. I do get sad when I think about all that we've been through but today hasn't been like that much. I feel so much gratitude for having Crew in our family. Gratitude for the sweet spirit and light he brings into our lives. Gratitude for all that I've learned on this journey. Gratitude for the person this experience has molded me into. It has made me stronger and more sure of myself. I don't take the little things for granted. Every little noise or gesture he makes is noticed. I've learned a language not taught in books or in school, a language that can only be learned by living it. His eyes, facial expressions and body language speak volumes. It isn't a language we learn by choice but necessity. I'm so grateful for his hugs and his kisses.

Crew, it's been a great six years. I can't wait to see what the next six will bring. Oh, but not too fast little buddy...