Getting to Feel Love

Eli has finished his first week of ABA therapy. Three days a week, 7-8 hours a day. 

He's doing awesome. 

I have listened to the therapists and assistants talk about how incredibly smart he is, about what he has done and not done, about little improvements he has already made. 

I've seen the changes.

Today he made it through the entire day without needing to hold a train during transitions. 

My favorite part of the day is when they tell him "mommy's here" and he comes barreling straight into my arms. Today he nuzzled into my neck and said with such excitement, "So Much!!" (As in: "I love you sooo much.") Every one in the center reacted to his sweet, sweet demeanor. I am always grateful for how much he cuddles and squeezes and holds on. 

Seeing the other children in this clinic, seeing their parents ... I am so grateful that my son will wrap his arms around me. So grateful that he squeezes my neck. So knee-bendingly grateful that he can tell me "so much!"

I am so grateful that I get to feel and see and know his love. 

I am grateful that my touch doesn't hurt him. Grateful that he needs those tight squeezes and bear hugs. I am thankful that he knows how to communicate that. That he knows how to show that. 

So very grateful.