Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
I’m certain that anyone reading this who has children would agree that, though we love them endlessly and unconditionally, they are exhausting. If you have yet to enter into the world of parenthood or are not the caretaker of a young child, allow me to give you a little insight into my world. I love both of my babies for the joy they emit, for their strengths, for their imperfections. For me, I do not view my job of raising them as a responsibility, however, a privilege. From Jacob and Maggie, I have gained a greater knowledge of myself and of the world around me, and I consider myself better because of them. It is, however, taxing caring for two little ones who both have such extensive needs. Over the past week or so, Jacob has become increasingly sick. What started as a bad cold has now escalated into a full-blown ear infection. Tyler and I had once become accustomed to Jacob’s ear infections and could even spot the signs of an imminent infection before his former pediatrician. With the placement of his tubes, Jacob had been ear infection free for right around one year, but as I sat up with him Sunday evening I knew what we were dealing with. For hours, Jacob sat in my lap alternating between cries and screams. He was so tired, but the pain was too intense for him to sleep. I rocked him, doing my best to try to comfort him. At one point he even took my hand and placed it on his ear as if to say, “You’re the mommy, and it’s your job to make me feel better. Make my ear stop hurting.” I sat in the darken room praying with Jacob in my arms and cried with him, feeling helpless. I knew nothing to do but put Jacob in His hands. Jacob finally fell asleep around 4 a.m. Lucky for me, I had an appointment four hours away at the Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Cincinnati. By the grace of God I made it to the appointment without falling asleep at the wheel. I was also able to make it back to Lexington just in time for Jacob’s doctor’s appointment. He did indeed have an infection in his right ear. With the antibiotic prescribed, Jacob slept peacefully last night.
I am proud to report that he is making gains at school. With potty training improving everyday, it is easier for Jacob to concentrate on other skills that his teacher is working on. Several days last week Jacob baselined on many of his tasks. I am also proud to have one the most caring and ambitious women I know as a best friend. Not long ago my college roommate, Sarah, asked if she could organize a group for the Walk Now for Autism Speaks in honor of Jacob. On May 19th, the day before Jacob’s third birthday and two days before Maggie’s first, we will be joining other people affected by autism to promote awareness. I can’t think of a better birthday celebration, or a better reason to bust out the double stroller.
Today I am thankful for modern medicine and caffeine (and as always, for my closest family and friends who do what they can to support us in our journey with Jacob).