Today Aiden got his voice!

For those of you know us well you know that at age 3 Aiden is completely non-verbal. He makes noises and he definitely has inflection and volume, but to date no words. This inability to communicate has certainly been a difficulty for us as parents, and a source of some frustration for Aiden. It is unfortunate that most children in his situation either become agitated by caregivers' inability to understand, or they simply settle for whatever is being offered. This is the case with my little guy. Instead of getting mad he just takes whatever you offer or

















he hands over the remote control in hopes of having the TV turned on.

Today we entered a new and exciting era in communication for Aiden; assistive communication! (I don't think that's the official term but it's late and my brain is in a holding pattern.) I am sure that many of you have seen the commercials for the "Easy Button". Well, this device looks much like a really big easy button. It has a recorder built in to allow a single word, command, need, etc. to be taped and replayed when the button is pushed.

We put a picture of Maisy on the button, taped the word "Book" and tried it out. Aiden got the idea right away. He pressed the button, it said book and someone would read to him. Then the book would disappear and he would push the button again. He repeated it over and over! He really got it.

At snack time we used a picture of cheerios and taped the word "eat". He would push the button and hold out his hand for me to give him a pizza puff (we didn't actually have any cheerios, but he still got the idea). Truly, I was amazed. Once again, I have underestimated my sweet, very quiet little boy.

I believe that this is just one more opportunity for the Lord to say to me, "Christa, I am much bigger than you think I am. I don't fit in your box, and neither does Aiden. Let us out!!" I am ready to open that box and let God be God, and let Aiden be Aiden. What a blessing he has been to me so far. Why would I expect anything less?

As parents of children with disabilities, I believe that we can become so wrapped up in the syndrome that we sometimes miss the beauty and blessedness of the child. With the demands of therapies, feedings, schooling, insurance and medical issues it is easy to lose perspective. And yes there can be heartache and difficulty, but there is also personal growth.

Thank you all for reading tonight. Please let me know by leaving comments. As we come into the home stretch, I am in need of some personal encouragement. Pray for our final 3 days, and my ability to translate this into a do-able home program. Please continue to pray for Shannon. She is a dear person and someone who I would consider a friend at this time.

Blessings to all,
Christa