Smiley Sunday

There is nothing more contagious than Owen’s smile. He can light up a room with that grin. Owen woke up happy. I woke up cranky. Okay, so maybe not completely cranky, but for one day, just one day, I’d like to wake up on my own time. Today was not that day. Although, Owen slept in his bed all night, he still woke up on school time, not weekend time; not that he understands we can sleep late. Then he came to my bed. I wanted quiet for a few more minutes. The peace before the storm. He wanted to shout it from the rooftops, that he was awake, and happy. Well, when you have a big toothy grin, two inches from your nose, you tend to have a whole different perspective quickly. “Wanna milk”, Owen said. I said, “dude give me five minutes”. He insisted we both be awake. And he’s having a great day. Within a few minutes of waking, he asked to “go to de potty”. Yes, yes let’s go to the potty. There is great excitement attached to being asked to go to the potty. His words are on point today. Asking questions without me prompting him, listening when I tell him to do something, and telling me to do something that I always tell him to do. I stood at the refrigerator, getting a sauce out for my cheeseburger, when Owen came from the other side of the room, closing the door. He said, “close the refrigerator”, and walked away. I had to laugh. I have Owen’s milk cup in the refrigerator, ready for him to get it, hoping to encourage more independence, but sometimes he still forgets to close the door. He’s come so far. I can see huge strides since he turned seven. Every day it’s like watching a flower bloom. Some days it’s the overwhelming sensation of being overwhelmed that gets me. I want calm in a universe that never seems to provide it for me, but days like today, make me see the hope in our future, and these changes happen every day. I believe in Owen. Find your hope, believe in happiness, and know that tomorrow will be a new day. Smiles to all and donut daze!