Slow Down and Look

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I need this reminder. I'm usually pretty good at looking for the bright spots every day, but the last few weeks, we have been so crazy busy with more fun coming that I felt like I was going from one thing to the next without really paying attention.

Someone mentioned Casey's smile to me the other day. The woman asked if Casey was always happy (ahh...no!) because she always had such a beautiful smile when she saw her. I looked at Casey later and realized how happy she was to be making a Wal-mart grocery order. She was giggling and had the sweetest smile on her face.

She really does love the little things in life. She gets excited by writing a meal plan or knowing she is going with Crimzen and Julie. A ride to Grandma and Grandpa's house brings giggles the whole way. She loves to sit and watch people (especially kids) and giggles when little ones get into trouble.

Sometimes, in the day to day stuff we all deal with, I forget to watch for that sweet smile of hers. I forget that Rob has one just as beautiful and it's so amazing to see both of them grinning.

Rob enjoys the little things like she does, but he tends to hold his smiles for those really special times. He gets the giggles and makes everyone around him laugh, too. A pack of cards. A new pair of socks. A walk at the park. Watching a home DVD while snuggling under blankets. Pringles. Pez. Simple things - things that bring a huge smile to them.

I wish we could all be more like them - to be happy and excited about little things. I do tend to be that way, but when life gets crazy, that's one of the first things I forget. To stop and look at the miracles around me every day.

Life with autism isn't easy. It's hard to remember to take time to breathe and take care of yourself. I urge you to sit for a minute and think about the little things that make you smile every day. A few minutes just for you will do wonders for your ability to care for your child.