That was in a card I got a long time ago. In truth - every day is filled with small miracles - we just have to be able to see and appreciate them.
I used to wear a t-shirt that said "I don't believe in Miracles. I rely on them". It was so true. I spent years not knowing what was going to happen with my son who had suffered brain damage. But life went on and I learned to recognize each one with him as a gift. And now, nearly 25 years after that horrific time - he is doing well.
Yesterday morning I heard lound shrieks coming from downstairs. Ash was down there on her computer in the room next to Ryan's. After last week and her ordeals with Stalker BF, I was worried and ran down. But it wasn't Ashley, and it wasn't crying. It was Ryan. He was sitting on his couch and laughing so hard it brought tears. I asked his worker what was up and she told me he had been in the absolute best mood for a couple of days. Better than she remembered in the past couple of years.
A few days ago I had been in his room, talking to her. We were discussing my plans to take Ryan to Disney World next month. He had listened intently and had really brightened when I came in the room. He is always like that when I am near him.
Ryan is a young man who had encephalitis at age 4. He lost most of his cognitive awareness. He cannot speak, does not appear to understand, has limited mobility and a severe seizure disorder. But he gets out of bed every day and attends a program with other friends, goes swimming and on fun outings. I make the best life I can for him.
But sometimes I throw all medical knowledge out the window. Because Ryan DOES seem to "get it" at times. Like yesterday. His worker (she has been with him about 6 years) told me he seems to know he is going to Disney again. This would not be the first time this happened. We had planned our first trip there at the time he became ill. Gathering things from his room to take to hospital when he was in a coma, I came across his travel bag, he had already placed inside his swimsuit and his stuffed Mickey. Heart wrenching! We did not go on that trip.
A couple of years later, on very frosty morning I was outside with him, waiting for his school bus and chatting to him as always. I would never get a reply but who knows? I said "Hey Ry, why don't we just skip school today, get on a plane and go to Disney World". And he looked me in the eye and nodded. I was shocked and asked him "Is that what you want? To go to see Mickey?" And he nodded again. It was definite, it was appropriate. Of course the drs say he has no idea what I'm talking about. I beg to differ. Needless to say, when I told my Mom what happened - she booked us right away on a trip (I could not afford it at the time) and she came with us. God bless my Mom!
I try to take him back every couple of years but it is difficult and expensive. Haven't gone for 4 years this time due to the constraints of moving, his elevator etc. But it is time.
So, I KNOW I am on the right track with him. He is excited despite the fact he should not even know what is going on. That is my miracle this week!
SO I went out yesterday and bought him some new summer pants, golf shirts and socks. It will be nice to pack some new things for his trip.
And I am more excited than ever about this trip to see the Mouse!!
We are surrounded by miracles. We have to learn to recognize them. What are yours today?
