Pretty Isabella is Seven

Isabella had her seventh birthday.  We took the family to a local fun center for Isabella's birthday.  It is an older fun center but it has a carousel so it is perfect for Isabella.  We had a good time and because it was a week night it was fairly slow.  I went on the carousel with Isabella twice, took a break and we did a couple other things, then we went on it again.  Isabella seemed to be tiring but I knew I had enough, so I asked Brent if he would ride with her.  I watched as they went around and I actually think Isabella was getting dizzy.  It struck me as funny because a year ago, she couldn't get enough.  Awww, she is getting older.

It is funny when you have a child with special needs how other parents with special needs kiddos want to talk.  They are generally interested in what her "problem" is.  That is still a good question.  I can only tell what her symptoms are and her observed diagnosis is.  I was at the store the other day and saw a mother with a child who was communicating as Isabella does, with squeals.  The mom was very tired looking and kept trying to shush the child.  My heart went out to her and I just wanted to say something to her to try to encourage her.  I talked to her for a moment but am not sure I helped.  I think sometimes just knowing we are not alone in our struggles makes us feel like it is ok.

At Isabella's birthday celebration there was a married couple there, probably around our age, with a little 2 year old downs boy.  We smiled at them and went on with our evening.  The mom approached me at the end of the evening and just wanted to talk about our kids and experiences.  Their son was nonverbal and very busy.  They had noted how Isabella was the same.  The mom was so sweet and just wanted to talk.  She talked about how special her son was and how they love him and wouldn't change him.  I never know what to say when people make that comment.  I love Isabella with my whole heart but if I could there are things I would change.  I would never let her have another seizure.  I hate seizures with a passion and get emotional just typing that.  I would change Isabella's lack of comprehension.  She has little fears and will wonder off given a chance.  I live with a constant check in the back of my head with where is Isabella and is she safe.  I would love to be able to say stop Isabella as she tries to dart off and have her actually stop.  It is not that I don't love my Isabella Bear but if I could there are things I would change.  To sleep in one morning and not go into panic mode if I don't hear "Isabella noises."  I think that is probably true with all our children, there are things I wish they didn't have to deal with: teeth problems, vision problems, allergies...  We live in a very imperfect world and I rejoice that I know some day these problems will all be behind us.  If we know Jesus as our savior our eternity is beautiful.  I will have that long talk with Isabella someday and get to know her in a way I can't here on earth.  I rejoice that my God is good and he is walking beside me loving Isabella more than I do.  Happy Birthday Isabella, may our heavenly Father watch over you and protect you in ways I can't.

Have a blessed day
Alicia

Isabella was so excited to get her cupcake

the carousel, Isabella, Brent, August, and Latisha

Danika, Aidric, Sierra and Cassandra

Aidric is tall enough to ride the bumper cars and loved it.