I check on my four kids every single night before I go to bed. I make sure they are breathing and covered up and safe. I’m pretty sure every mom does that. I even sometimes wonder at what age I will stop doing so...
Anyhow, last night, I was positive this one was sound asleep as I bent down to kiss his perfect cheeks.
As my lips made contact, he opened both eyes, but didn’t make a sound.
What he did do was lift up his hand, tap my shoulder, and wave his two fingers at me.
‘Yes buddy, two sleeps until Santa.’
He smiled and gasped, as if we hadn’t had this exact exchange 75 times during the day. And he went back to sleep. It was the sweetest thing.
He didn’t acknowledge Santa until he was nearly ten years old. See a diagnosis of nonverbal autism changes timelines. Age becomes just a number too.
At age 14, the magic of Santa is very much real.
This morning, when he woke me up by tapping me on the shoulder and giggling, he held up one finger. It was still dark but I could make it out.
Santa comes tomorrow night friends. Just in case you needed a reminder.
Who needs words....
Last night we read The Night Before Christmas together. He was fascinated that Santa will be coming down the chimney. He’s ready and waiting for him!
And yes, my garland is falling down. Remember those three boys I mentioned? They often attempt to tear this house apart brick by brick.
Merry Christmas to each and every one of you! I know the holidays can bring out an isolation in our families. I feel it too. Please remember you are never alone on this journey. We are out here! Walking the same path. As a thank you for following, I am gifting 50% off my monthly subscription. This means for $3 a month, less than a cup of coffee, you can get weekly essays from me on the tough, real topics we face, live videos, zooms, and early access to my events.
A fun video to share with you.
One of the things we have learned over the years is to modify things that don't work for us and to get creative. Cooper has never been able to successfully visit Santa...too loud, too scary, too much waiting and pressure. He also up until recently never cared. But all that has changed. He is very intrigued with the big guy. So, a few years ago, we invited him and his wife to come visit us in our home. It's amazing. This year I am thankful once again for kind people who make a difference in our lives. Remember, we have to look back to see how far we've come.
Please, if click subscribe to our YouTube channel while watching. It helps my videos get into the algorithm and hopefully help more folks. My hope and dream is that when a parent hears the word ‘autism’ for the first time, and they Google, that they see my sweet boy, thriving and living his best life.
Merry Christmas friends!
Love,
Kate and Family
Is the 50 percent off for a year still available? I don't see how to claim the offer. Thanks :)
Merry Christmas Swenson Family!