Over the weekend Riley got up and got dressed, by herself. She then went to the bathroom, by herself. Next, she went out into the kitchen, by herself, and poured herself a breakfast of pumpkin seeds, raisins and peanuts. She also got her brother a bowl of cashews. She was happy, happy, happy.
We can’t think of one time that she screamed over the weekend. This morning she got up, dressed herself for school, did her vision therapy, ate breakfast, then worked on some art at the dining room table. Then, she jumped on the trampoline in the living room (yes we have a trampoline in the living room, who doesn't?)for a few minutes before going outside to wait for the bus.
As we stood there at the end of the driveway we did our little thing. We say two lessons from A Course in Miracles and we alternate words.
Riley: My
Me: heart
Riley: is
Me: beating
Riley: in
Me: the
Riley: peace
Me: of
Riley: God.
and
Riley: The
Me: hush
Riley: of
Me: Heaven
Riley: holds
Me: my
Riley: heart
Me: today.
Seth watched from the living room window and we both sent him the I LOVE YOU sign with our fingers. He did it back, then pressed his nose to the window, making himself look like a little pig. Riley laughed.
Standing there in her pink coat, she kicked at the ground a couple of times and then asked, "What if I rode the bus home?"
You see....I’ve been picking her up everyday since the beginning of the year. Riding the bus in the morning when you are fresh is very different from riding the bus after a long day of sensory bombardment.
I smiled.
"That’s your choice Riley. If you ever feel like you’re ready to ride the bus home, we can talk to your teacher about setting it up."
"Well, I’m a little bit scared." She said quickly, squeezing the straps of her backpack tighter.
"It’s totally up to you. You don’t have to. You’ll know when you’re ready."
"Okay." she said, releasing her grip.
A minute later I kissed the top of her head and she climbed onto the bus. Still a bit awkward but she alternated her feet, which is a big deal to those of us "in the know." Alternating up the bus steps was different for her.
Riley has never fixed herself breakfast before. She's never woke up and walked out into the kitchen on her own. She usually needs a lot of redirecting to do simple tasks like getting dressed, and she often balks at going potty.
But the last three days she’s been doing it all herself.
We started week four of vision therapy today.
My heart is beating in the peace of God.
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17 comments:
Tears . . . of happiness and joy in my eyes. God is so good! (Sorry - I know you have worked hard too, but what a picture of His love shown through you. Meeting Riley where she was at and loving her to where she is now. Too cool!)
How fantastic is that! Congrats to your daughter for such amazing progress.
My heart is racing and swelling with love for you guys! It's so exciting to see our children grow up and accomplish wonderful things, and it's so bittersweet. I'm so happy for you. Go, Riley! Go Seth! Go parents. You guys are awesome!
And your heart and Riley's heart and HT's heart and Seths's heart will continue to beat in the peace of God.
Outstanding Michelle!
My heart is beating with tremendous excitement and happiness for Riley and for you.
Thrilling. Just thrilling.
Your faith and enormous effort is clearly paying off.
Congratulations on this wonderful, wonderful progress.
Your faith and enormous effort is clearly paying off.
Congratulations on this wonderful, wonderful progress.
I am crying.
May this blessing continue and grow.
May she go by leaps and bounds down the road to perfect health.
It's hard for me not to feel slighted now that I know your kids are growing up with a trampoline in the living room. Your post made me smile (and I'm still wondering about your first name!).
Amen, Riley!! Nice to read some happy news. Enjoy!
Courtney,Shannon,
Lousy Comcast lost your e-mail addresses in the switch. Drop me an e-mail so I can add you back to my address book.
kay?
What a major accomplishment! Not just one thing, but the whole weekend. Major.
Keep the faith!!
We do not have a trampoline in the living room. Now I am wondering if I am in the minority??
BTW, if you are interested, the sign for "I really love you" goes like this: Cross your fingers in the "hope" sign (which is also the sign for the letter "r") and stick them up along with your pinky and thumb. The only finger that should be down is the ring finger.
I needed that. Thanks. GO, Riley! GO! You are all an inspiration to me.
It's a strange and beautiful kind of blessing when simple things are celebrated for what they really are - amazing. So moving!
And the blessing you give each other by the bus - wow.
Michelle
What wonderful news! You told that story about Riley so beautifully. It's very moving. Yay for Vision Therapy. I feel very happy for you. I love the idea of the alternating words you do with her. What a blessing you are as a mum to your beautiful girl. Keep up the great work. One day at a time is all it takes.
Wow! Miraculous. You, Riley, Seth, the course, vision therapy. This feels big!
Gor-effing-geous!
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