Joy Thing #3- A boy who vacuums!

But not for the reaon you may think.... Yes, I admit it brings me joy because then I didnt have to do it.... but this was a moment in my day when I had to just ...pause....and remember, and be filled with gratitude.
It doesnt seem like very long ago that this same boy was terrified by vacuum cleaners. And when I say terrified- thats what I mean. At 2 1/2 (roughly my daughters age) he would scream and run at just the sight of one. I have one distinct memory of living in our previous home, and trying to get something out of the closet while holding Zach on my hip. I bent over slightly, and he caught sight of the vacuum and started wailing like you wouldnt believe. I thought I had injured him or he had seen a monster or something! Becasue his verbal skills were not typical at the time, it was hard for me to figure out why he was so upset. But then I realized: it was the vacuum!

Turning it on in his presence was like absolute torture to him. Just pure sensory overload. I remember initially thinking he was just so dramatic... until we started to wonder if more was going on than we realized. Any kid of loud sound- hairdryers, loud dogs, truck horns, the train whistle, would send him into a fit. When he was about 3 I read "The Out-Of-Synch Child" and it started to click for me.

So I say all that as a little "flash back" to give some context as to why I was so overcome this morning at watching him vacuum. Not only did he ask to do it.... he was enjoying it! I was almost in tears, just realizing the faithfulness of God and thankful for the progress He has allowed Zach to make. I've had such moments of doubt, wondering if he would ever "get better".... and even now struggle sometimes with worry about some of the challenges he continues to have. I get frustrated that I dont see (in my mind) any progress, or "fruit", but then little moments like this give me a clearer glimpse of just how far we have come.

So today this is one thankful mommy- (with a clean floor, I might add!!) rejoicing in all God has done to get us to this point and reminding myself of His goodness, despite my fears! I believe there is more progress to be made for my son- all my kids really- and I'm continuing to pray for God to give me His perspective on who they are becoming!