Thankful Thursday (heads up: a little lengthy, today)

Today I'm thankful that Dominic invited me to his music program Tuesday evening. I wasn't really planning on going, but when Dom greeted me Tuesday morning, the conversation went a little like this:

Dom: "Aunt Sarah, who's coming to my program?"

Me: "Uhh...Nana & Papa."

Dom: "Huh? Nana & Papa do?"

Me: "Nana & Papa are going to Dominic's program."

Dom: "And?"

Me: "And...your mommy & daddy."

Dom: "No!! And?!"

Me (glancing to mom for some help, only to get a shoulder shrug): "Uhh...Maya?"

Dom (now smiling and flapping his hands): "Maya do?"

Me: "Maya is going to Dom's program."

Dom: "And?"

Me: "And Gus...Gus is going to Dom's program."

Dom: "And?"

Me: "And...Aunt Sarah!!!"

Dom (now grinning from ear to ear, flapping, AND hopping): "And??!!"

Me: "And UNCLE SAM!!!"

I later informed Uncle Sam that he HAD to be at the program, whether he wanted to go or not. It was too late for me to go back on my word at that point lol. The program was in a very hot & crowded gym, and I was a little worried about how Dom would feel in there. But, he was a champ! Of course, all of us - Steph, Mike, Mom, Dad, Sam, my aunts, and me - were wiping tears away through the smiles. It's such a blatant slap of reality to see him in a group of kids his own age who don't have the same challenges. The motions seemed so easy for them. They sang their little hearts out. Dom, on the other hand, just stood looking at all the people, smiling, trying to take it all in. I think it was somewhat overwhelming. At one point, he sang the words and did the motions to a song he reeeeeally liked - it was a lullaby. And yes, that's when the waterworks started flowing for the rest of us, especially when he laid eyes on his mama & Aunt Sarah. ;) Just look...

A little sensitive when he first entered the gym

"Hmmm...I think I like all of these people looking at me..."Maybe a little nervous here...maybe a bit of a tummy ache lol Definitely loving the lullaby"Mommy!!!!!!!!!" I was proudly called out, as well..."Aunt Sarah!!!!!"

Today I'm also thankful for sweet moments. Let me give you an example.

Last night, we were preparing to leave the house, and after several requests made by both Mommy & Daddy, Gabriel would not sit down to put his shoes on. He simply carried them in his hands as he paced the living room floor, whining, "I can't do it. I can't put my shoes on. Mommy, will you put my shoes on? Daddy, will you put my shoes on?"

I, of course, kept answering him every time he asked, saying, "Give me a minute. As soon as I have myself ready, I'll get you ready."

Finally, Sam had heard enough. Very frustrated, he exclaimed, "Gabriel! You know how to put your shoes on. Get them on!"

I knew Sam was tired, hungry, & cranky - we all were at that point. I told Gabriel, "Tell Daddy you just need some help."

So Gabriel - still whining - repeated my statement to his dad. Sam, still agitated, replied with, "Well, you want to do everything else by yourself. You want to be Mr. Independent when it's convenient for you, and you put your shoes on by yourself any other time, so why won't you put them on right now?"

Gabriel looked at me for a response, and I patiently said, "Tell Daddy you're still learning."

At this point, Gabriel got a very serious look on his face, and he spoke very clearly (no whining whatsoever), "Daddy, I'm learning to be myself." At that moment, Sam's heart melted & "my cup 'runneth-ed' over." Just like at Dominic's program. ;)

I have another special "thank you" that warrants its own post, so stay tuned tomorrow.

Until then...

Be Thankful,
Sarah