The Gifts of 2010

Every Wednesday over at Jillsy Girl She does a One Word Wednesday, Here she posts a word and you can link up adding a song, post, picture to describe what this word means to you. For me it is a great start for a post and leaves me thinking about it for a day or two. Most people will think of all the fabulous gifts that they could give or receive during this season, but in my home gifts are not of that importance. I mean, my kids love them but I try not to allow them to fall into the commercialized trap of Christmas. There is so much more than that. We used to make cookies and bring them to the Veterans hospital but since my dad passed away, that has been extremely hard for me to do.

I have the gift of children (although sometimes I wonder if this is a gift or a curse). For the moment, as they are sleeping in their beds, and I am drinking a nice hot cup of coughing coffee while hacking my brains out, it is peaceful and quiet and I may think about all the wonderful times I have with my children. I can consider whom I would be without them and like who I am with them. Perfect?? Nope, not even close. But I do what I can do and it isn't easy. It is heart warming though when they give you snuggles and on weekends when they awake and crawl into bed with you. These are the gifts that I receive with open arms.

The gift of children and family

While some may disagree, I feel that Autism was a gift for my family as well. Yes, it causes struggles and can be painful (in many ways), but it has made my family stronger. It has opened our eyes to whole different view. That I am thankful for. Now, I appreciate the smaller, finer details in life. The moments that I feel I had taken advantage of with my older children. The hugs, kisses, long chats.... I love you Mommy's when things are really tough. I look back and notice that at those times I would just say yeah, I love you too but now I find myself engulfed in the moment. Autism has changed my life and it isn't all for the better but it has changed my perspective. My kids are amazing and I have gained so much strength from the struggles and the triumphs.

The gift of acceptance

The gift of friends

The greatest gift I have found this year, and no I am not kissing any butts, is my friends and some family, I have found here and on Facebook. Whether you know it or not, you guys do a lot for me. Commenting on my craziness, acknowledging the difficulties, and filling my mind with funny and enlightening ways to cope. This helps me get through my, sometimes seemingly endless days (and sometimes nights).  I have compiled many friends, some who are more like family than my own, that openly have opened their arms to accept my quirky family and I. I thank you all for that. The gifts that I have are right under my nose and really don't take a lot to think about. I just had to redefine society's interpretation of gift as it means so much more to me.

Related articles

• Teaching Your Kids About Gift Giving (susanheim.blogspot.com)