.jpg "grayson and his mama")
I sit here this morning in front of the computer looking through a few pictures from last week, and I came up on this one. Something about it explains it all. Explains how much he loves life… and how much life loves him. And more than that… how I feel, and how much I love him. Nobody knows this little boy better than his mama. Nobody. And nobody ever will. Nobody.
It’s taken me a long time to come out and say this. and i really don’t know how to say it… other than this..
Grayson has some speech and development delays. There. I said it. But — they do not — and will never ever — define him. To Joe and I, he is expressive and communicative… and the greatest thing on our planet. He makes us light up every day. He has taught us how to love life. He amazes us… every single day.
I honestly don’t know why I am writing all of this here… maybe so that I don’t feel like we are hiding anything or keeping secrets. And I guess I felt like there needed to be some kind of explanation of sorts.. so you could understand that Joe and I are not some pair of oblivious dummies sitting around just waiting for magic to happen. But.. we will not give up. We are not the kind of people that give up and turn to sadness. We are optimistic. We know that Grayson has a big bright future ahead of him.
We have a busy week ahead… busy weeks and months… Grayson is being put thru the medical ringer trying to pinpoint his delays, crossing off and ruling out countless possibilities along the way. but even through all of this, he is one happy little boy. And He’s got a mountain of support and love surrounding him. It’s our job more than ever to protect Grayson and to continue building a safe and positive place for him to thrive in.. and provide him all the resources that he needs. In these ways, he is most certainly one of the luckiest boys I know.
Nothing will ever ever change how we love Grayson, and so I’m not going to suddenly change the way I discuss him in this place. When we know more… and, if and when I am ready, I will discuss it in an educated clear-headed way as it specifically pertains to him. But right now it would come out as pages and pages of confusion and speculation and worry.
So for now, just respect that we aren’t ready to discuss the ins and outs of what is going on just yet. This is good for now.
Thanks for reading… and thanks for understanding. Understanding is the best gift you can get sometimes. xo.
Lauren- I love Grayson, and he is the sweetest little boy our family could ever ask for. It doesn’t matter to me (or I’m sure the rest of our family) what the medical ringer says about him. Remember that those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind. We love Grayson and Vincent and you and Joe, and that’s all that matters. I think he’s just the happiest little thing, like his “Auntie Allie,” and that’s the way we want him to stay :-) just like he is. Love y’all.
…first of all, i agree 100% with Auntie Allie’s comment! …and, 2nd of all-Grayson is my happiness :) …(and not to leave Vincent out—but he will have his turn when he gets a little older)….nothing thrills me more than taking our afternoon walks and playing in the garden house….and just seeing his happy face! He lights up my world each and every day!….well, you all do…
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! Honey :)
Lauren and Joe thank you for sharing. God tells us in his word that he knew us before we were even formed. This little boy has already touched lives! God has a special plan for both of you and for Grayson! We love you guys, and will be praying for you!
Psalm 139
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
My brother had speech delays. Now he’s trying to help his son navigate his way through those same waters. I hope y’all get the answers you need to help your son. He’s a beautiful, bright child and I’m certain he’ll do marvelously well.
Lauren~ First of all let me say that I just stumbled upon your blog and I am really enjoying it. I am in Iraq and it can be mind-numbing and soul deadening here. But your blog is a little bit of sunshine in my day. Funny thing is that I, too have a son with autism. He actually has Asberger’s syndrome which is in the spectrum. He is extremely intelligent and kind-hearted, but the day that I got his diagnosis I really cried my heart out. He has always been really affectionate and the therapist said that I should be thankful as some kids aren’t-they don’t want to be touched. So, for that I am thankful! Another coincidence is that I have an older brother that was speech delayed (no speech) until he was 4, when it was discovered that he was tongue-tied. They clipped it and he is fine now. And his sons name is Grayson. So, I can really relate to your blog and hope that you can continue it. It is obvious that our son is a blessing to the entire family and there are many of us out here that can relate and send prayers your way.