Advantage #2 of having a child with Aspergers

#2: We appreciate every new skill she gains so much more because we know what she has to overcome to get there, and we more fully cherish in absolute awe the ease at which Robbie gains new skills.

Clara learned to put her hair in a ponytail a few weeks ago. This was a satisfying skill to teach her because it was one that she actually wanted to learn and not one I was forcing her to learn (like tying her shoes, which we are still in the process of learning/teaching). The look of satisfaction and joy on her face when she did a ponytail successfully by herself was just plain awesome. When she does something difficult, her success is all the more special when I take the time to consider the obstacles--whether they be sensory, interpersonal, communicative, or physical--she has to overcome to get there.

When Robbie does something new, it is amazing in a very different way. It doesn't take him a lot of effort to do it, relatively speaking. He loves to climb and open and take out and take apart. He gives the best little boy hugs in the world. Michael and I look at each other in wonder as we watch him grow. Lately he has taken to closing his eyes when he sees us coming to take something away that he shouldn't have. Sorry, kiddo, we can still see you.

And then the new level of gratitude comes when we see the two of them interacting. They truly love each other and I am thankful beyond words for that relationship and pray for it to grow and blossom as they grow older.

Michael captured this peekaboo exchange the other night. No narrative needed.

Well, I guess you can have too much of a good thing sometimes . . .