See Spot Run

What is it about kids? They run literally everywhere. They run to the trampoline, then to the swing set, and then to the pool. They run to you to greet you, they run from you when they are in trouble. I wish I had that much energy, but, I had never really thought about it until today. I opened the back door, and Cotton ran out.

He is not a runner. He is a slow walker, leaning on every available prop. When he runs, it is awkward and he uses one arm to propel him through space. But not today, today it was a straight shot to the swings, arms swinging in rhythm. When did this happen? Was I even there for it?

Yesterday, I had a conversation with Cotton's teacher. She said he should have no problem in the mainstream class next year for most of the day. What??!!!! My son!! In the mainstream class with his peers?? His aide was all teary eyed describing how he and his partner (another boy with ASD) were doing so well. Participating with the other kids with no problem during PE and music. She said you couldn't even tell they had ASD, they were just one of the group.

This has been a year of letting go for me. Letting go of taking full responsibility for every success Cotton has. I give all the credit to everyone working with him, and especially to the children who are teaching him so much, more than I ever could. I get to be the cheerleader now. I get to smile and cheer him on, I get to pat him on the back, and say you did it kiddo!

Before I get ahead of myself there is still a ton of work to do. We still work daily and will continue to do so for his lifetime. But it isn't therapy anymore, I think they just call it parenting.