So here we go....

Where on earth to begin? Probably the beginning is the best place to start. April 18th, 2002- my bouncing baby boy was born. Healthy, strong and big....did i mention BIG? The second little miracle to join our family. I will not go into the long details of where our journey began, as that is a novel in itself. Suffice it to say, that our son had signifigant speech and language issues and was developing some "quirks" that were of concern. I did the usual short period of denial and wanted desperately to believe that he would out grow his issues, or was simply a late bloomer. Do you know how many people told us things like "Albert Einstein didn't talk until he was 5?" As ridiculous as those statements were, I wanted desperately to believe my son was just another brilliant boy who was stubbornly choosing to fool all of us. Funny, the things we will do, when truth is too hard to face.
Thankfully for Spencer , i did not stay in denial for long. I sought out help, and have had to fight for him every single day since then. Countless hours of speech therapy, home therapies, occupational therapy, social skills groups, assessments and specialists appointments. While it has been exhausting, all consuming and downright painful at times, it has been a trip that i would take all over again. He is strong, charming, compassionate and my gift to the rest of the world. He works so hard every single day, to fit in and find his way. Those who have been blessed enough to meet Spencer, have learned many lessons around perserverance, tolerance, and acceptance. I however, have been the fortunate one. I am lucky enough to learn a new lesson every single day, and my mentor comes in the form of a 5 year old boy with bright eyes and a toothless smile. Frankly, i can't think of a better teacher.

So if anyone reads this blog, i hope you can take something from it as the months go by. If noone reads it, thats ok too. This is something for me...to reflect and ponder and find catharsis in. But most importantly, to remember why i need to fight for him, and be thankful for all of the joy that he brings to my life.