Happy Birthday, Little Big Guy!

Today, my little son turned 4. Here was this little baby, and now, as I look at him, I can see glimpses of who he will be as a man.

Here is my son, who has changed my life so incredibly in the last four years, and all for the better. Here is the boy who is teaching me about life, and even about who I am. Here is the boy who strengthens our entire family in love.

Here is Alec, whom God has planned great things! This little guy who holds onto my hand, and yet, is learning to let go.

My Alec, who sings every note on key. Whose robust giggle makes us laugh, too. I look at him and I see miracles in the making. In him I see a future that I have refused to let slip out of my dreams, and step by step, I am seeing those dreams take shape.

My song for Alec is still in the making, but oh, what a song it's going to be! He is so very special, such a wonderful part of our family.

I hear sentences tumble out of his mouth. I see understanding where there used to be fear. I watch him dance, ride a bike, run. I know the taste of victory, because my son is showing me what it's all about.

I can never forget the mountains we have crossed, and I have learned to only focus on the one we are cresting this very day, instead of the many in our future path. We have learned to stop and turn around, and see the glorious vista of where we have been, to know the sweet salve of the Father, when we realize we were not alone, not ever, not even one step.

This is a miracle, his life, each breath, his very existance.

I pray each night that Alec will be all that God intended him to be. And I believe that he will be that man, and with each day, I see autism slip away, and Alec come forth. Lately, I have heard him ask, "Sing your prayers, Mama". And he has sung them with me!

With each daily step, and even in the times when I feel we have had to take a step backwards, I thank God, because I know His faithfulness to us. I know I could never get through this without Him, and I know that He cares so much for not only Alec, but for all of the children whose songs have been stolen away. I believe He stands ready to defend these children; to touch them; to restore them. I know firsthand.

Go on Alec! May the day come when you read this story yourself and know just how far God has taken you! Maybe then you will realize, as I do, just how very much He loves you. Often, this is one of the most difficult concepts to understand about God ... just how much He loves you, and is waiting for you to come and call His name.

"He took on himself our sicknesses and carried away our diseases" Matthew 8:17