A Sunday Starter Kit

Step one, how to get up. The good news Owen slept late, after getting in bed with me. He woke and it was light outside, so I couldn’t exactly use the nighttime excuse. He asked for his milk. I somehow was awake enough to think through this. I told him he needed to go potty first and then he could have milk. First surprise of the day, “let’s go potty wanna go potty”. And off he went. He had a successfully unsuccessful attempt. Just getting there is half the battle to me. Step two, now for me to do all the things I need to do without upsetting Owen. The proper attire must be worn around the house. He squats on the floor, playing his tablet, waiting for me to finish my routine, to see if he approves of the steps I’m doing, and what I look like. One false move and he screams. He wants me to have coffee in hand, sitting on the couch, ready to assist him when he needs me. I switched to hot tea mostly, but he still thinks it’s coffee; we’ll save that information for another day. I’m trying to put last week all behind me. It has to be one of the hardest weeks we’ve had in years. His emotions, my emotions, his growth, his setbacks, all mixed together to make a week of daunting and trying moments. He technically didn’t have setbacks, but there were these moments of pure pain, for both of us. One minute he is trying to wipe himself and the next minute fecal smearing is back. But yesterday is gone, the week is gone, and today is our now, our future. He walked up to me, said, “let’s wipe your nose”, picking out a wipe from the container and handing it to me. To say I was floored is an understatement. I knew my nose was fine, so I said, “let’s wipe your nose” and he let me. He had been picking it earlier and needed help, I suppose. The why isn’t important, but these actions are amazing. Step three, let’s get this day started. After many anxious moments this morning, me going to the bathroom at the wrong time for starters, has now turned calm. As he was sticking his pancakes in his toes, he said, “let’s go to church to see frAndz”. Yes buddy, let’s go. We are off and running. Some days the valleys can feel low, but keeping walking forward, climb the mountains, and shout your victories into the sunset. Remember you can accomplish great things, one step at a time. Smiles to all and donut daze!