For a long while now I have been sad because when people talk to me about my sweet Colby I often only hear "negative" things about him. Most of it was being said in what others thought was a "positive" or "helpful" tone but often it left me feeling like I have been failing him as a parent. Knowing full well what kind of energy he has and that he has a harder time expressing himself, I was getting feed back about his traits and it was hard to constantly hear others point this out to me as if it was a bad thing. However, even on his worst days this kid is one of the brightest lights in my life. He is strong both mentally and physically. He is sweet and kind. He is helpful, even if it sometimes takes some extra motivation. He is funny. And his laugh, OH his laugh!!! It changes the world!!! Today he went in for testing to see if he qualified for the Child Find program through our local school district and it was a wonderful experience to watch. This was our second time having him tested and this time all of the other families seeking testing too canceled before our test time so it was just us in the room. It gave the teachers the chance to focus 100% on him and he did a fantastic job. He had fun, he was happy, he asked questions, he was polite, all without any promoting from me. He was allowed to be 100% himself and he was brilliant. As the teachers talked to me after each test rotation they genuinely complimented him over and over and over again saying things I know about him but don't often hear from others. The comment that almost brought me to tears today was when one of the teachers told me "he is smart, SO smart!" I think that is one of the first times someone has said that to me out loud. I've known it forever because I see first hand how he processes and thinks things through and I have been proud of every single accomplishment he has ever made. However when people talk to me about my children I usually only hear that phrase in conjunction to his sisters. And even though he is quirky and stubborn and sometimes speaks as if he's trying to talk to you at a rock concert, he is my boy. My son. I love him with all my heart and I am so proud of him and how strong and bright and SMART he is. I love you Colby man. I LOVE YOU!!
