I post a lot about how we struggle and how I despair. How I hope for a cure and hate that there isn't one. Rarely do I remember to step back and give thanks (to whoever, whatever is meaningful in the moment.). I'd like to take a moment to do that now.
I am thankful - so, so very thankful - for the little boy that Tom and I brought into the world. I am thankful for his strong little body - which has been through so much and continues to carry him where he wants to go. I am thankful for his beautiful smile and his joyful laugh, which have been untempered by the unfairness of everything going on around him. I'm thankful for his brilliant mind and his quirky sense of humor, which make him the clever little ninja that we know and love. But more than all of these things, I am thankful for his spirit.
Aidan is easygoing. He's laid back and calm. He's adaptable to anything. "We need to wake up at 4am to get you ready for surgery, Aidan." Okay Mommy, I can do that. "We need to go to bed at 6:15, because Mommy and Daddy have lots of work to do tonight." Sure Mommy, no problem! "We need to stay up until 11pm, even though bedtime was five hours ago, because Mommy needs some adult interaction with Teddy's Mommy." No problemo, Mama! I'll be a nice, quiet, happy boy.
Part of being a Shields is adapting to everything thrown at us. No one does this better than Aidan. His easy acceptance of What needs to be done today makes everything possible. More than possible. Worthwhile.
I am thankful - so, so very thankful - for the little boy that Tom and I brought into the world. I am thankful for his strong little body - which has been through so much and continues to carry him where he wants to go. I am thankful for his beautiful smile and his joyful laugh, which have been untempered by the unfairness of everything going on around him. I'm thankful for his brilliant mind and his quirky sense of humor, which make him the clever little ninja that we know and love. But more than all of these things, I am thankful for his spirit.
Aidan is easygoing. He's laid back and calm. He's adaptable to anything. "We need to wake up at 4am to get you ready for surgery, Aidan." Okay Mommy, I can do that. "We need to go to bed at 6:15, because Mommy and Daddy have lots of work to do tonight." Sure Mommy, no problem! "We need to stay up until 11pm, even though bedtime was five hours ago, because Mommy needs some adult interaction with Teddy's Mommy." No problemo, Mama! I'll be a nice, quiet, happy boy.
Part of being a Shields is adapting to everything thrown at us. No one does this better than Aidan. His easy acceptance of What needs to be done today makes everything possible. More than possible. Worthwhile.
Thank you, beautiful boy. Thank you for sharing the light inside you. Thank you for making every room you toddle into brighter. Thank you for making this life worth living.
I'm thankful for that beautiful boy, too. His smile, laugh, and spirit are contagious. He is such a joy.
ReplyDeleteYou should see the joy that the sight of *you* brings to his face!
DeleteThat is so sweet. It made me tear up at work. He is a terrific little boy.
ReplyDeleteThank you! We definitely think so too :)
DeleteI do have to say Aidan is a very special little boy. I love getting to see him every day cuddling up with him and just making him laugh. I could be having the worst day and I go next door to see him and he just gives you a hug or that smile and everything is better. Caroline you and tom are very strong, and you are raising an even stronger little boy, who it seems even through his struggles is just happy being Aidan.....
ReplyDelete~Miss Nikki
Thank you so much, Nikki! It's always really rewarding to hear that he brings joy into others' lives. Maybe we're doing something right! :)
DeleteTeddy's thankful to have Aidan as a friend - and Teddy's mommy's grateful too!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe're grateful too. I love everything that you and your beautiful family bring into our lives :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful post about your beautiful son. <3
ReplyDelete