Split the V, Dot the I and Rock that C-T-O-R-Y

I declared a victory the other day.

 I've been filling camp forms out for Noah for over six years.  And for that time, I've always included his diagnoses in the "need to know" section.  I've written explanations, I've included doctor's notes, I've met with the camp leaders and chaperones.  I just wanted them to understand my child. I just wanted them to give my kid a chance. I just wanted my kid to have a good time at camp like all the  'normal' kids.

This year, I didn't write a thing.  I filled out the permission forms for his necessary meds, but I left the "need to know" section completely blank.  We're good.  Noah's coping so well, most people don't even recognize his differences come with diagnoses.  He's learned how to handle his symptoms, he knows what he needs to do to be okay.  No one needs to know this time. To them, he will be just another typical, quirky, awkward teenage boy.

This is my prayer.  I know there are so many parents who long to be at the place we're at in Noah's life.  They long for one word out of their child; I get not just entire conversations, but emotions and feelings with them.  There are parents who rely on respite care, who would give anything to be able to send their child to camp, who would give anything to be able to safely send their child just to school, or a friend's house for a playdate.  They would give anything to be able to take their child to the grocery store and not have to deal with the stares of the misunderstanding, ignorant and uneducated.

My prayer is they will experience the same joy we have.  These hard working, dedicated parents and children deserve the same grace, mercy and blessings we've received.

These parents and children deserve VICTORY, too.