I could stop with the title above, say nothing else, and every special needs parent in the world--especially the moms--would know exactly what I mean. But here I have something very specific in mind. My son Noah graduated from elementary school in June of this year. Each child had to share his or her "words of wisdom" with the audience. Noah walked through the cardboard archway on the stage, emblazoned with "2008" and boldly said into the microphone, "I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. The Little Engine that Could." Meaning no disrespect to the other parents there, my ears heard the loudest applause for Noah's "words of wisdom." As he always does when he's on stage, he took a bow, then walked to the left of the stage, to get his diploma from the principal. Then he exited the stage and walked back to his seat, collecting congratulations and Hi-5s from his classmates.
If ever there were a motto for special needs kids and parents, "I think I can" fits the bill. It's what we tell ourselves when we can't do any more, but know we must. It's what we hope our children are telling themselves when they tackle the everyday tasks that for many of them are like climbing Mt. Everest. It's all wrapped up in that one little phrase. When Noah proudly spoke those words, I cried. Tears of joy, tears of heartache, tears of laughter. All the things Noah means to us. But at that moment, it was all good. He had climbed a mountain, and planted his flag at the top. I think I can indeed...
