Wow, friends. I have to share something amazing that happened today. I know that so many of you have been praying for Haven for so many months. Many of you have journeyed with us since the day we brought her home.
Today we went swimming for the first time this summer–praise God for warmer weather. It was Haven’s first time in a swimming pool. I knew she would be afraid, but like most new things she tries, she adjusts pretty quickly. So I took her in the water with me. She had her armbands on and a little round floatie around her waist. Of course she was afraid, but no tears–just a look that said, “are you serious, I have to get in here?”
After about 10 minutes of being right beside her, I took a step back to pull my wondering four year old closer to me in the water. I kept my eye on Haven, letting her know that I was right there. The next thing she reached out toward me with her hand….and said “ma-ma”. Huh? I was shocked! Then she said it again, “ma-ma”.
Oh my gosh, it is the first time she has EVER said anything like that. Now and then we can get her to imitate us (but it is hit and miss as to whether she will even try), but she NEVER voluntarily says anything…ever.
I was so excited. It was absolute music to my ears–to hear my daughter actually say a word. I was so tearful. Of course I could not get her to say it again–but she did it once, and that is good enough for me.
Such a tiny little baby step–but for our daughter who has been completely non-verbal for almost nine years, it is such a huge milestone.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, I am so grateful.
Rejoicing!
