Chicken Soup Entry

So Kati told me yesterday that the makers of Chicken Soup books, are accepting submissions for a book about kids and special needs. I don't think my story will be published, but I thought I'd post it here too so you all can enjoy it, and to see what you think.

Christmas Eve Miracle

My name is Amanda Bedard and I am the mother of two special children named Logan and Abigail. Logan and Abigail both have Autism.

It was a beautiful night, the snow was gently falling. The house was aglow. We had just returned from the Christmas Eve Service. The lights of the Christmas tree were sparkling; the smell of hot chocolate was in the air. It was a night that held magic for our family. Surely, it was a night to be remembered.

The traditional Christmas festivities were happening. Pictures were being taken by the tree. Music filled the corners of the house. There was lots of laughter, and lots of fun being had by all. It was getting late, and it was time for Logan and Abigail to go to bed, the next day would be filled with even more excitement and a good nights rest was what they needed most. Goodnight hugs and kisses were given all around.

Abigail was tucked into bed first; she was just 2 years old. Logan was next.

“Goodnight Logan, I love you” Daddy said to Logan as he does each night.

Standing by the front door, stands a little boy of 3 years old. Blond hair, blue eyes and a smile that shone brighter than the Christmas tree lights. There was a twinkle in his eye, like nothing we had seen before.

“I love you” a quiet voice spoke in return.

A tear falls from daddy’s eye. He rushes over to Logan and scoops him up in his arms. Bedtime was extended, and we basked in the moment of this pure joy. By this time, all those in the house were softly crying.

Little Logan was completely non-verbal at this point in his life. He hadn’t spoken a word since he was just one years old. We had accepted that he may never speak, but in that small corner of our hearts, we had always longed to hear those 3 little words. And here, on this magical Christmas Eve, he spoke to us as if he had been speaking all along. It was as clear as a bell and even now, years later, I hear his voice as it was on that enchanting evening: “I love you”

It was a Christmas gift that gave us such hope for the road ahead. We learned that blessed night that we were never to assume they couldn’t do anything. It pushed us to believe in them, far greater than we already did. We have learned to celebrate the smallest of accomplishments, realizing they aren’t small at all, they are each gigantic in their own way.