"Some Pig"

I love the book Charlotte's Web...it is the first real chapter book I can remember reading as a kid.  I love how Wilbur, a short-legged "squeaky" little pig, is befriended by sweet Charlotte...and how she makes it her mission to help save him from the chopping block.  It is a story of innocence, friendship, love, real-life heartbreak, and triumph.

What I love most in the story is how Charlotte uses her web to create a saving spot for Wilbur.  The sweet spider surprises the farmer first with "Some Pig"...just two simple little words that sends the farmer and his family into a life-changing ride.  Some Pig...what a description.  Wilbur was some pig...he was able to beat the odds, and with a lot of help and encouragement from the others in the barnyard he was able to triumph over adversity.  Let's face it...without Charlotte and the others Wilbur would have been a crispy strip on a plate before the summer ended.

Tonight I am bragging...full of pride for our little "Wilbur" here at home.  Cade was chosen by his teacher as a "Terrific Kid."  Yes, those irritating little yellow bumper stickers that always made me roll my eyes...we now have one.  The little paper certificate stamped with his name...about to be proudly displayed in our house.  The little blue pencil...snatched up before it could be sharpened to be included in his keepsake book.  We are now the parents of a "Terrific Kid" -- and even though we thought he was pretty terrific already it sure is nice to have someone else say it!

 Just before the program started.

So yesterday I watched through teary eyes as my little four-year-old champion...my brave little man who has battled so much...I watched as he nervously chewed on his shirt sleeve then calmly marched up on the big stage to shake hands and accept his award.  My heart sang as I listened to his teacher's words...even as I prayed he would be able to keep it together to go on the stage, shake with the right hand, let the man put a sticker on his shirt...and I soared as he calmly came off the stage and waved his certificate at my camera.

 Cade and all of the other "Terrific Kids" in PreK and Kindergarten (he is the 4th from the left on the front row - or the only one who isn't holding his certificate up!)

Cade was pretty proud!

Cade's battle is ongoing and his battle scars are many...but I consider this one milestone on our road to recovery from all that autism and sensory processing disorder has stolen from him.  For as much as it is true that when Cade was born I never imagined we would be fighting this battle, it is also true that I did not think he would be able to get this far in the war at only 4 years old.

And just like Wilbur, Cade has had many "Charlotte's" along the way to help him fight his battle.  Kelly, our first OT, helped us find our way when we were so brand new at this.  And then Julianna, who Cade so quickly bonded with in Colorado...she had the ability to really see inside of Cade and help him find his way...she paved the way for his success back home.  And our OT Heather, who has become another family member to us...she can get Cade's full potential out of him more than anyone I know.

Mrs. Teri, who always saw Cade as just another little boy...she has always allowed me to be just another mom instead of a "special needs mom."  And Mrs. McTeer and Mrs. Burdette...they took a wobbly little boy and have made him into a shining star this year.  And so many family members and friends who have helped us "fit it" when it really wasn't possible to do so.

And I will forever be indebted to a couple of little people...little ones whose tender hearts have helped to make my little boy comfortable and at ease.  Little Noah, who never failed to bring a smile to Cade regardless of the situation, and who was always able to understand - even at three years old - that Cade needed a little extra TLC.  He will forever be a true friend to Cade and, even though he has moved away, hold such a special place in our hearts.

And little Ginnifer, Cade's angel this year...who immediately took Cade under her wing on Day One of such a scary "big school experience"...she remains his favorite person in the class (ok, so a little obsessively, I must admit!).  Her sweet, sweet spirit is far beyond her years, and she will always be remembered for her kind soul and motherly disposition.  I can rest assurred that she is taking care of Cade while he is at school.

Charlotte wrote many other phrases to help Wilbur fight his own battle..."Radiant" and "Humble" were also included in her mantra.  But my favorite was the second choice she made...

          *Charlotte is looking for a new message to write in her web...
           Goose:  "How about terrific, terrific, terrific?"
           Charlotte:  "Cut that down to one terrific and I think that will do nicely."
           Wilbur:  "But Charlotte, I'm not terrific."
           Charlotte:  "You're terrific as far as I'm concerned."

Yes, Cade...you are terrific...and I am so proud of you.  So just keep licking your battle scars and keep on fighting, my son...for this battle will be the toughest I pray you will EVER have to fight.  And I will be right here with you, fighting for you and right beside you, until we win...