Thanksgiving. Giving thanks. Being thankful.
Every year, despite the constant hum of chaos in my house, I am reminded to stop and give thanks. This year in particular, I am thankful for my four wonderfully unique children.
My oldest, who turns 8 in less than two weeks, is an easy child to parent. She brought me into motherhood gradually with her nature and to this day, I am continually thankful for her wisdom, compassion, and grace. Being the sibling of a child with special needs hasn’t been an easy road, but she looks out for her little brother and always seems to know just what to do for him.
My son, Will, is 6. He has a multitude of special needs that have taught me more than I ever wanted to know about myself, both the good and the bad. I am thankful for the perspective that he has given me, and how he has taught me to appreciate and celebrate even the littlest things in life.
My youngest child, age 2 1/2, was adopted from Vietnam. Originally, she was thought to have a medical condition, along with an extensive port wine stain covering her entire right arm. Turns out, she has just the birthmark. She is able to make me laugh as quickly as she can have my blood boiling. I am thankful for her spirit and her spunk. (Okay. Most days. Today I’m thankful.) She reminds me of the simpler days of parenting before special needs, and I am thankful for the healing she has brought to my husband and I. I am thankful that my girls have each other and for the sisterhood I see growing between them.
My fourth child, age 3 1/2, is a child waiting in China, born with a meningocele. He is waiting for his new mommy and daddy to receive word that they are allowed to travel to get him. I am thankful for the lessons he has taught me even before he joins our family. Adopting a second time means reprioritizing, as our budget gets made over once again. I am thankful for the unconditional love that surprises me, but overtakes me as I see his little face in pictures again and again.
This season, I am thankful for the person I’ve become since entering parenthood.
What are you thankful for this year?