Hope is the Thing With Feathers

Hope. I have it. Some days it is stronger than others. I have hope for big things and hope for little things. Every day I hope that Randy has a good day at work. I hope that Jackson has all of his ball stuff for practice. I hope Riley' s phone doesn't go off in class again. I hope Knox says something hilarious so I can laugh. I hope Asher doesn't pour a box of cereal on the floor. These are small hopes. I have big hopes for each of them too. I want them to all be successful, healthy, and to just have a good life.

I met a stranger today. She noticed the Autism sign on my bracelet and asked where I got it. I told her that it was a gift. She began to tell me that she used to teach special needs kids. I told her about Asher and she lit up. Her friend's son is Autistic. He is a big part of their lives. He is now 25 and living on his own. He has a job and a really good life. This made me start thinking about Asher's future. I'm so caught up in his day-to-day that I don't think about him as an adult.

I told her I was just beginning this journey. Asher is only 2 and I haven't really even thought too much about him going to school, much less him being a grown man. She looked me in the eye and said, "Don't you ever let anyone put a limit on him. If they try to, push past that limit." **I felt hope.**

I also took a yoga class tonight for the first time. The instructor told us to think of a word to inspire us. "Hope" came to mind. I know Asher will fulfill my biggest hopes for him. He will understand. He will speak. He will be independent. Namaste...

"Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -

I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
                            E. Dickinson

Yep, hope is the thing with feathers. It is inside of me. It is in my soul. It will not stop. Asher is WORTH being hopeful.

I hoped he wouldn't make a mess. There's always hope for tomorrow😊💙