Heart Burst

It was an exhausting and emotional day watching Jake be promoted from 4th grade to 5th grade. I always cry when I hear Pomp and Circumstance -- don't you. My anxiety was simultaneously rising as Jake entered the ceremony where dozens of family members eagerly awaited their own graduates. 

He struggles with rooms full of people and having to sit and attend to something besides him! Thankfully his class was called up first. 

As he stood in front of the entire room-full of peers and parents, he started blowing kisses to me from the line. He flashed me the "sign" for I love you and waved excitedly. I was so proud of him, surely I was beaming. 

When the teacher started announcing the awards for all students, my mind flashed back to last year when he won "most enthusiastic"... I couldn't imagine what he'd get this year. 

Then it came -- moments after he blew kisses, he was awarded "Biggest Heart" award. While most think that kids with autism don't have the ability to show compassion, THEY ARE WRONG! (for the record many of his classmates are quite affectionate)

Love my kiddo and his big heart! 

Proud!