Hope

I took God's Grace to the Dr last week for her 3 year checkup. She is growing just fine, weighing about 38 pounds and very tall. This Pediatrician is a new one, who had not met Jaden before. He asked me if she was mildly autistic. I told him she was diagnosed severe autistic in October of last year. He was very surprised, as he thought right now she might be mildly autistic, since she looks into eyes at times and interacts with her family.
Then, today, we met with some ladies we had not seen in 6 months and they both noticed that Jaden was doing much, much better. They noticed that she interacts, that she is listening to my voice more, and obeying some commands. They also noticed her looking at them when they called her name.
It is much harder to see the improvements when you are battling it daily. I am so grateful that others can see how far Jaden has come, and are quick to encourage us. This past year has been so difficult, and a lot of hard labor, and I realize we have much work to do still. It is so worth it. I often tell the Lord, "Thank you that she is happy. If all I can have is for her to smile and laugh a lot, to be content going in the car and the stores and other places, to be sleeping all night, and to enjoy it when we interact with her--if that is all, it is enough"
I choose to be grateful for this child and the things that God has done. I want complete recovery but will accept the amazing things He has already done with gratitude.