"Little Guy"

There are many days that I sit back and try to take in all that is our life.  I know that in the midst of the crazy things that happen in our household there can always be found some important life lessons.  This is most often true with Cade and Kai.

In the midst of learning about Cade's diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder and all that comes with it I am often consumed with making sure that his "Sensory Diet" needs are being met.  I am always thinking about whether he's getting enough swinging, when was the last time I brushed him, what kind of schedule are we on...and so it goes.  I often forget that he is also a 4-year-old little boy full of curiosity and wonder.

Today as I sat in our den doing laundry I could hear him long before I saw him..."Hi little guy!  How are you little guy?"  He is always talking to something imaginary, but I could tell as his excited voice got closer that he had found something.  In he came with what I thought was a feather.  "Look at my little guy, mom!  He's so cute!  Wanna touch him?"  And up to me he comes with a butterfly in his hand...just sitting there on his hand letting Cade pet his wings.  I was surprised...and so excited that my little boy was able to experience the wonder of nature in such a real way.  "I wanna keep him...do you have something I can put him in?"  Of course I found a bowl, all the while just praying that he didn't squish the tiny creature in his hand. 

As he bounced outside to show Kai his new "Little Guy" I thanked God for Cade.  Each day we do have trials with him, but they are getting fewer on most days when things are going well.  I am able to have conversations with him that are always so funny or inquisitive, like the one where I found out he planned to be a zucchini farmer and marry the little 5-year-old who lives across the street and have 30 kids (Lord help us all!).  In the midst of dealing with his special needs I sometimes get lost in all of our compromises, when I should sit back and enjoy his mischievousness and imagination.  I am thankful that today was one of those days where I could do the latter, if even for just a moment.  I have a good feeling that 4 is going to be a good year!

As for the butterfly?  I had to sit and explain to a very unhappy little boy that God did not make butterflies to be kept in bowls, but to fly around so that we could enjoy them.  And that he would be able to show another "Little Guy" to Kai next time since this one flew away...