Stop to count the blessings in life.

With all that goes on within our daily lives both the good and bad it can often times easy to dwell within the unknowing and sink into sadness.  However, I'm a strong believer in perspective, outlook, choice, and ultimately the power of the positive mind.  There has been many deep paths tread upon in my life already that many haven't even seen a glimpse into.  Shall I let this end my focus on the power of a positive mind?  No.  It is what has gotten me through many deep struggles which enabled me to rise above.  Smell the flowers rather than focus on the dark looming clouds over head.  Have faith that when the rain comes it can also still help those vivid flowers.  Stay focused on what matters!

This is an image I took of Conner 2 summers ago.  Inspired by the giving tree!

Same thing applies within this blog.  I might grovel into the depths of daily life with a..now I can officially say this term I never thought I'd ever say..I have a special needs child.  This blog is more of a way to track situations, appointments, and ultimately vent upon the daily struggles we all run into with this beautiful boy in our life.  Heck, just within the daily life of a mother with 4 handsome boys I will humbly speak to say that isn't a simple journey.  It is a rewarding one.  Shall I let the 'looks' or 'comments' from complete strangers let my day become sour? Sure it bothers me from time to time.  However, it's typically the unintentional ignorance that strangers or even casual friends or family display towards this situation.  My focus is to let it go..and move on.  There are those who look at Colin with love and understand.  That alone is enough to release this frustration to journey onwards.

With plenty of research, educated professionals assisting in this boys complex body, support groups or friends/family who care to take the time to care, and of course faith--it has allowed me to get to the point of writing this blog.  Never take things for granted otherwise we never know when it will be gone or if we do that situation wrong make sure you don't regret your choices.

Some of the huge things in life that has taught me certain virtues of this would have to be: Years of running long distance casual and competitive, great friendships, supportive family members in dire need of support, being a survivor of domestic violence/abuse, years of being successful top sales experience, oh..and many more deeper reasons in life.  I'll leave it at that.  My close friends know the greater depths my life has been.  I know that often times it's too much for others to hear whereas it makes them uncomfortable.  Not the direction I'd like this blog to go.  Thus, we'll leave it at that.

What are a few blessings I can count?

• Having 4 handsome, happy, and for the most part..most of them are pretty healthy otherwise.
• A roof over my kids heads.
• Food on the table.
• Bills being paid, and some times being paid 3-6 months in advance for less stress.
• Choices.  Simplification.  Options.
• A vehicle to get from place to place. Thankfully, my dad cleaned it & fixed it recently!
• Technology.  It's like a gold mine.  If you look, you will find potential. If you ask, you'll get it.
• Love--it's more than just a word or feeling. It's should encompass everything we DO.
• Watching my boys learn by my direction. Very rewarding! Exhausting at times, but SO rewarding!
• Music--it allows the stress to melt, and my mind to wander into euphoria. Even for 2-4 minutes.
• Possibilities! If we don't take them or ask for them or find them..they won't be there. I enjoy this scavenger hunt in life.  
• iPad--this has helped Colin 'see' things he can't see or becomes frustrated from not seeing.  I can expand the image, and even give him firework apps so he can 'see' this & control his own!
• Friends & Family--I can't even express it enough.  Just being there, asking how things are, or a few kind words goes really far for me right now.  I savor it to surf out the dark clouds!  For those asking and involved in trying to help & find medical answers with Colin--thanks SO much!
• Life.  Need I say more?

This pretty much sums it up.  I could keep going on.  But these are a few things that make me smile, make me happy, and keep my eyes focused forwards to keep treading on which ever next path might happen!

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read this.  All of us greatly appreciate your support.  Silence with those who you need doesn't benefit us.  Withholding love isn't going to benefit us.  For those who help with these blessing we all truly appreciate you in our lives and love you all very much!

Do not take your lives for granted.  Or any of those small moments.  

Carpe Diem!

Thank you.

Cambryn