My Smart Cookie

Hello everyone, I have been a little absent from blogging lately. I apologize for that. It has been crazy at home and work. But I did blog a couple of weeks ago about Natalie being our every day miracle and I am so happy to report that Natalie continues to amaze us every day.  I wanted to share one of these amazing things that occurred last week.
Natalie loves Nestle Crunch Bars. So last week I purchased one for her. When I opened it I stared at the letters imprinted on the bar. I decided to use this as a learning tool and cut up the bar by dividing the letters. 

I thought that I would give each letter to Natalie one-by-one and teach her what the different letters were.
I thought that I would be teaching Natalie something new and fun. But, once more, my daughter would be the one to amaze me.  I handed Natalie the first letter, and noticed that she was examining it and not eating it. She looked up at me and we smiled to each other. But before I could say the letter she exclaimed, "C!"  I was stopped in my tracks. I think time actually paused for a moment. You have to understand how off guard this caught me. She RECOGNIZED the letter and she SAID the letter! After eating it, I gave her the next letter and, again, she yelled, "R!" next "U!" Next the N. But this one she did not say. So I said it for her, "N." But when I gave her the next C she said "C" and then the final letter....Yes! she said "H!" I was so excited! She actually recognized and said all these letters:  C-R-U-C-H
I honestly do not know how she does it. She simply amazes me. Watching my daughter deal with her struggles associated with Autism and being non verbal, old and new, is truly inspiring.
It was one of those days where you look back on it and say...wow...it was a great day.  Thank you God.
Here is one quote and one poem that truly captures my feelings and I wanted to share with you today.... Living with silence teaches a great deal. When you cannot speak, you learn to share more from the heart. Instead of giving words, you give love -Author unknown

A Special Child
by Sharon Harris

You weren't like other children,
And God was well aware,
You'd need a caring family,
With love enough to share.
And so He sent you to us,
And much to our surprise,
You haven't been a challenge,
But a blessing in disguise.
Your winning smiles and laughter,
The pleasures you impart,
Far outweigh your special needs,
And melt the coldest heart.
We're proud that we've been chosen,
To help you learn and grow,
The job that you have brought us,
Is more than you can know.
A precious gift from Heaven,
A treasure from above,
A child who's taught us many things,
But most of all- "Real Love"