Your child's win is my success story, too

Recently, a "Bless you!" was heard after a sneeze.

Recently, a bus ride was taken with a friend, to purchase sneakers.

Recently, a book at the next level of reading was completed.

Recently, there was a successful therapeutic horseback riding session.

Recently, a bow was taken after a first Special Olympics swim event.

I cheered for every triumph. I did a mental happy dance. I relished them.

Only one of the above was done by Max—the reading. The rest were the children of friends and parents I have connected with through the blog.

As the mother of a child with special needs, I know the thrill of accomplishments, big and small. (Although, really, are any of these successes ever small?) I may not know the particulars of the challenges overcome or how long it took, but I so know.

I know what it's like to yearn for your child to do something. Actually, many things.

I also know what it's like to not let yourself hope too much that your child will do something because you don't want to set yourself up for disappointment, and because you know that there are things you can't control and what will be will be (even if your heart does keep hoping).

I know what it's like to not expect your child to do certain things—like say "Thank you!" or put on a shirt on his own—not because you don't care but because there are so many other things you need to focus on helping him do.

I know what it's like to not give up but accept.

I know that GIDDY GIDDY JOY JOY feeling of OH, YES, HE/SHE DID IT!!!

And so, when friends' children make achievements and have breakthroughs and generally do awesome, I know how sweet it is, as if it's my Max doing them.

And I am seriously happy for your children, and for you.

You know?

Yes, you do.