Eight Things I Learned In April

1. Grief Can Hit You Out of Nowhere.

Grief found me in April. I shed a lot of tears, but I needed to let it all out. I’d been in get-it-done mode since we got Jackson’s diagnosis in January. I hadn’t allowed myself to grieve and grief is part of the process. One of my blog readers shared something very profound with me after I wrote about my grief. She wrote,  when we ignore grief it can easily turn into a root of bitterness.

I don’t want to be bitter. I want this chapter of our lives to make me better. So I allowed myself to grieve. I’m sure there will still be days when the tears fall; but there’s so much to be thankful for. There will be days when I feel defeated and frustrated – but hope will always linger.

2. Texas Bluebonnets and OU Tulips Never Get Old.

3. The Nuts & Bolts of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)

This month I read a book that every parent of a CAS child should read. Speaking of Apraxia: A Parents’ Guide to Childhood Apraxia of Speech is a tremendous resource. You can read my review of the book here.

4. Wright’s Law

I have to know my rights as the parent of a child with special needs. I’m still learning all the ends and outs, but I quickly learned this month to be armed and ready to fight for Jackson. We went through our first battle with the school district, and I’m happy to say that because I knew a little about Wright’s Law, we got Jackson placed in the Development Delayed Preschool program. He will start school in August.  As parents we must educate ourselves and be willing to fight for our kids. We’re their biggest advocates!

5. The Importance of Friend’s On The Same Journey As You

Krystal and I both have little boys with CAS. We sit in the waiting room together each Monday and Wednesday while they get speech therapy. We talk and share the challenges and the joys of this journey. We cried over Mexican food not long ago. She gave me a pile of books about Wright’s Law. She encourages me. I’m so thankful for this new friendship. Not just the one between Krystal and I, but the one between our boys.

6. I’m Really Out of Shape

I hate my hips. I’d give anything to be the skinny mini I once was. But PCOS kind of wrecked havoc on my body and there’s 10 pesky pounds that just won’t budge. I feel like those pounds are stuck to my hips with super glue. I really want to loose the weight, but I struggle with sticking to a work out routine. Because I hate working out. Ugh!

But John and I have started the T25 Workout. We’re trying hard to shed a few pounds and get healthier. But can I tell you something? It’s kicking my butt! I’m SO out of shape. But I’m going to keep at it; because I really do feel amazing once I complete a workout. And I need slimmer hips before swimsuit season.

7. I Love Sharing Our Story 

I was invited to speak at a women’s event in Kansas this month. I was reminded just how much I love to share the story God has written for our family. I’m definitely a writer first; but I would love to branch out and do more speaking events. I love how God uses the hard parts of our lives for His glory. There is purpose for every hard thing we face. We just have to look at our hardships with eyes of faith. We have to face the struggles head on with hope.

8. We’re Going to Destin! 

We booked our summer vacation and I’m so excited. Not too excited about the 13 hour drive, but I can’t wait to take Jackson to the beach for the first time. I think he’s going to be in awe of the sand and the waves. I also booked a family photo session on the beach to capture the memories. Counting down the days…

 

What did you learn in April? I’d love to hear! I’m linking up with Emily over at Chatting At The Sky, where other bloggers are sharing the things they learned this month, too.