Please don't let me forget this moment.

I don't even know if I can describe today. I almost hesitate to write about it for fear that it will lose something in the translation, but I don't ever want to forget today. So I'll do my best to share with you one of the coolest moments perhaps in my life. Definitely one of the coolest moments in my life with Ryan.

Today we had therapy with Dee Dee. You might remember that she is Ryan's Occupational Therapy. If you remember that, you might also know that we love Dee Dee. Of course, you probably also remember Nelda, Ryan's nurse, and I'm sure you know that I think Nelda has been a huge blessing.

Today Ryan was working on kneeling next to his little desk/table and pushing on a big vibrating button. He was sure in a good mood! Lots of smiles.

Then Dee Dee suggested some tummy time work. That's not always his favorite thing. It's hard work. But he cooperated with very little fussing. He quickly made it obvious that he wanted to work on crawling. So Dee Dee put him on his hands and knees. She helped him with his knees and I helped him with his hands.

This is where it gets really cool...

He crawled (4 or 5 moves) to me. When he made his way to me, I picked him up to give him big hugs. His legs were really stiff. He had worked his little muscles SO hard. I hugged him tight and put one hand under his shirt to rub his back. He leaned his head against my shoulder and with his hands grasped at my shirt as if to hug me back. We hugged for a moment like that with me support his weight, one hand under his bum and one hand on his back.

THEN he pushed his little head up and his body away from mine and looked right at my face. Right at my face. And he talked to me. Not with words like ours, but with Ryan words. He held his body and his head so strong like any toddler would.

I wish I had a word to describe what I saw and felt.

I think it must have lasted for a full minute. He had a lot to tell me. Perhaps he wanted me to know that he is going to crawl. He is determined. Perhaps he was reminding me to keep the faith. He sure is a strong boy. Whatever he was saying, he was saying with full purpose.

It was one of those moments that I hope is written on my heart, never to be forgotten.