“I can’t wait!” she said to me one day, when turning seventeen.

Lots of candles on the cake this year, and Yay they’re all for me!

Not an unusual statement, it seems from where you sit.

But I’d share with you, “There’s a miracle, and this is it”.

You see, this is the girl that couldn’t say much until nearly the age of four.

Who knew this daughter diagnosed with Autism, would rock our world to the core.

This blond-haired, brown-eyed girl filled with all kinds of exuberant spunk.

Would take all we knew as parents and throw it down with one slam dunk.

There have been many days filled with hugs and kisses, and plenty of high fives.

But just as many, have been the days that have entirely changed our lives.

ASD, IEP, ABA, and more.

The alphabet soup of which we must keep score.

Therapies, diets, doctors, Special ed and special school.

So much to do, so much to gain, at times it seemed too cruel.

But deep down in the aching places of my mama’s heart and head,

God whispers, “My daughter remember I’ve already gone ahead”.

I am with you in the grieving, in the striving, and in the loss.

I am here and my endless love for you was shown upon the cross.

This seventeen-year-old girl named Abbey, whose name means, “My Father’s Joy”.

Was the tool that I hand crafted, for my special purpose to employ.

She’s exactly as I made her, and the plan I had for you.

And I CAN’T WAIT to see all of the things that she will do!