The pendulum swings

One year, One week, one day, one hour.
It's astounding how much perspective can shift in such a little time.
4 years ago, it started officially. The search for help. The fear of what we would find out, the fear of what could be waiting for us.
3 years ago, I had a plan of attack, but no real answers. Life was calmer, a lull in the storm.
2 years ago, I got the answer I didn't want. Autism. After that intial flurry of testings, meetings, and planning we started to see slow progress, a lessening of all the anxiety and tantrums, a gradual acquiring of awareness. A shift from living in crisis mode to family life again.
1 year ago, wow. An avalanche. Changes for the better. Still some bad days, but I could breathe. I could hope. Our family could make plans. That may not sound like much to someone on the outside, but it was heaven to me to know I could get out of the house and do family things without a "sensory pack" and an emergency back-up plan. Most days.
6 months ago, one month ago. The difference is night and day. This year has been good for my baby girl. I hoped it would be. She's on track, she's holding her own in a regular Pre-K classroom, with no supports other than OT and speech once a week. And Mom for a teacher. She knows 21 letters, she can count to 30, she can ask for help, she will play with friends-when she wants to. She can not get her shoes on the right feet.
She can paint, she can get sand on her hands, she can ignore the A/C running and the squeak of her crayon to listen to her teacher's directions. She still talks to herself all day long. She says please and thank you-when she wants to.
It was a good, good day today. Tomorrow may not be as great, but so far so good. *Fingers still crossed*