It's the little things.

For anyone who has experienced bouts of anxiety or helped someone else suffering through anxiety, you will know that the small steps forward deserve a celebration.

It's been 19 months since Alec's first symptoms showed up, following the abuse by his teacher. The roller coaster of emotions he felt, that our family felt, is a ride that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Here are the things we are celebrating in Alec's recovery:

• He can now look at a menu in any restaurant and choose his own meal.
• He can sit through a meal and not have the urge to run away.
• He is once again testing his own blood sugars, measuring out his injection, and giving himself needles.
• He joins us at the family dinner table and eats with us.
• He laughs...multiple times a day.
• He plays with his friends again.
• He rides his bike and goes to the park...on his own.
• He says his prayers before bed, and sleeps through the night (no nightmares)
• He tidies his room.
• He cares for his dog.
  

Most of the things I have listed seem really insignificant to most people. What's so remarkable about an 11 year old boy acting like an 11 year old boy? Well, for 18 months, he wasn't doing any of these things....the anxiety caused panic attacks, which essentially stopped all 'normalcy' in our lives as a family.

I am so grateful that God has restored our beautiful son to us. I won't take these small steps for granted ever again. We are truly blessed.

Praise God!