For the past few months, I have had a lot of troubles with getting my non-verbal daughter, Gracie,  an evaluation for a communication device. Thankfully, that worked out and we had the evaluation. We are still working on the process of getting her a device, and anticipate it will take a few more months.

Dealing with all of these issues for the device, has taken so much of my time and energy. Last weekend, we had a borrowed device and needed to get video of Gracie using it as much as possible.

Last night, I viewed the videos and a few things struck me. Things not about Gracie, but about my other, healthy child.

Caleb was caught on video being loud, obnoxious, and doing things to distract us. What I didn’t realize at the time was that he wanted my attention, but I was too focused on Gracie’s needs to notice.

That hurt, and made me wonder just how often do I do that?  Stay so focused on Gracie and her needs, that I don’t give Caleb as much attention as he needs.  He is such a good boy and a wonderful brother to Gracie, and he never complains.  He understands about her needs and tries to help me with her.  But, he has needs too, and I have to be aware of them.  I need to spend more time focusing just on him and doing things that he wants to do.

We haven’t had much time this summer to spend together, doing something that he wants to do.  I think it is time that I plan something and stick to it!

Debbi can be found blogging at The Henry Family, Since 1997.