Not So Many Words

**Originally posted 3/5/14

I say this all the time, but I am continually blown away by the things Chase teaches me and shows me every day! I know that all children are a blessing in their own special way, but Chase has taught me so much about life, faith and humility in the four years I have been blessed to be his mother.

I see God working so many miracles through him and teaching me so much in the process. Some days feel like a constant roller coaster, but I have learned to try to see the positive in every situation. It’s not always easy, but I know that things could always be worse. There are people in this world going through much harder things and living in much harder circumstances. I never want to minimize other peoples’ struggles, or act like our life is so hard. I try to be thankful every day for the things we have and the opportunities God has set before us.

Patience has never been a virtue of mine though. I am proactive when I want something, and can be an instant-gratification kind of person. I have mentioned in the past, when we took the leap of faith to move our family to Nashville, was one of the toughest tests of faith and patience I had been through to date. But God continues to show me ways to practice patience every day, not just with the boys, but with myself.

Words don’t always express “I love you.” For the longest time all I hoped and prayed for was for Chase to talk…to say ANYTHING. I still long to hear him talk and say “I love you mom,” but again I am learning patience in God’s timing with this; and He has opened my eyes to the many other ways Chase communicates and says he loves me, in not so many words. He has shown me that actions speak louder than words and love can be expressed in many other ways!

Hugs have always been something Chase has been really good at giving and he always knows exactly when they are needed. He gives the most tender hugs and I know it’s his way of saying, “I love you mom.” In those sweet moments I thank God for him and everything he teaches me, not by what he says to me, but by what he shows me through his actions. I watch him interacting with Miles and playing in his own unique ways and it warms my heart. I watch them playing “chase” through the house, wrestling and laughing together and his unspoken words fill the space.

Looking back on the last year and everything we have gone through to get to this point has made me realize even more how thankful I am that God has given me this opportunity and platform to share our story, a story that Chase cannot tell himself, to advocate for him, and help other people on a similar journey!

Thank you Chase for opening my eyes every day to something new and teaching me so much on this journey we are sharing!