Thankful

Man it’s been a year.

I’m exhausted. 

Exactly one year ago we took Johnny in for his autism evaluation. It was nerve wrecking and intimidating. 

The next month, five days before Christmas, my husband and I went on date night to see Star Wars. On the drive home, we got a call that Johnny had jumped off the couch and broken his arm. 

One week after that we got the official diagnosis, Level Three Severe Autism. 

Then 2020 came. Covid. Toilet paper. BLM. Election. 

As Thanksgiving approaches, I have a hard time feeling the spirit of gratitude. Can I just skip to Christmas and eat sugar cookies and fudge?

Although, when I really take the time to think about it, I do have so much to be grateful for. 

I’m thankful that with an official diagnosis we have been able to get Johnny more help and resources this year. The evaluations, paperwork, and observations are hard and taxing but I’m grateful people and programs are there for my son. 

I’m thankful we survived our first, and hopefully only, broken bone this year. Johnny was a champ in the end. No surgery was required and we made it through.

I’m not thankful for Covid, but I am grateful that so far my family has been healthy and safe. That we have been able to lean on each other during this surreal time. 

It’s made me really grateful that we have a backyard and wifi.

While the toilet paper jokes get old, how lucky are we to live in a place where that was many people’s first concern? We always had food, water, shelter, and power. I am so grateful for those things.

I’m thankful for the opportunities to learn and grow this year, when it came to social justice. I have been disappointed by a lot of people this year but I’ve been taken aback by the love people have shown one another, as well.

I’m so thankful for my husband helping me through it all. Being there and holding my hand through all the uncertainty. I’m grateful he’s been able to work from home. I love having my best friend and partner around.  

I’m thankful for my Johnny. The kid has worked hard this year. He’s completing goal after goal. I’m thankful for his silly spirit and loving heart. I’m grateful that he has been able to adapt to our new world relatively well. 

I’m thankful for my daughter. The spunkiest two year old you will ever meet. This girl is so resilient. She loves her brother and already checks on him and makes sure he’s ok when he’s having a hard day. She gives the best hugs and also the best side eye. She’s my light. 

So, although this year has probably aged me several years, I can go into this next holiday week grateful for so much. If this year has taught us anything, it’s to be grateful that we are safe and surrounded by loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving.