He was permitted

to drive with an adult by the State of North Carolina 2 months ago.

He was permitted to drive his mama crazy by . . . . . . well, I don’t know whom . . . . 15 years ago.

First, he drove me crazy with worry — at 6 weeks premature, he was not interested in eating.

Or breathing.

Or maintaining a normal body temperature.

Difficult child.

Later, he drove me crazy with love. Crazy with irritation. Crazy with hope. Crazy with confusion. Crazy with laughter.

When I remember the prayers I uttered while carrying him in my womb, I can see that God answered many of my requests for my firstborn in the affirmative.

But he also gave me MORE than I asked for.

It is some of that MORE that tested me. The MORE part of Sidney that is . . . . . . . . . well, different from me. As he matures, I step back further and further, and my vision becomes less cloudy. I can see more clearly how his differences make him stronger. And I find that I am so thankful for the way he is different and the way he challenges me to be different.