Two Pictures Are Worth a Thousand Tears

In the middle of this long, dark haul called developmental trauma disorder, it can seem like we're making no progress at all. One day blurs into the next and change is imperceptible. But looking back at two photos of apple picking trips, I feel like we can claim a small victory.

The first photo is from October 2010. Mr. Grumpy was in full force. Nothing was right. It seemed like we heard nothing but complaints. He was just generally angry, and not just that day -- every day. We tried to take some nice photos to be able to share with his family in Ethiopia, but he was not at all cooperative. The most frustrating thing was that  he was enjoying the experience, and getting a big kick out of the tractor ride. But he was not going to let us know that. On camera, off smile. Grump!

October 2010

The next photo is from our apple picking trip this year, October 2011. Here we are on the tractor ride. T is allowing himself to enjoy the experience, and the smile is so natural and HAPPY. It's been a long walk through this fire, and I know we're not done, but our consistent, diligent, loving work is paying off.
October 2011

When I see these two photos side by side, I want to cry. Tears for all the heartache, and tears of joy. Praise the Lord, and pass the apples!

Comments

  1. barb_alootNovember 9, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    Priceless!! Hooray for all of you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. KNovember 9, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    Beautiful smile! Your hard work is an inspiration to us.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kristen [Teamfuest]November 9, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Amazing!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 9, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Great visual of what I'm sure has been a hard journey. But so worth it to see that grin!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rosanna SeaboldNovember 10, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    Thank you for sharing - what a precious gift it is to be able to step back and see the larger picture. Wishing you continued progress!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Barry and AmyNovember 10, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    What a beautiful boy!! So happy for progress!

    ReplyDelete
  7. MegNovember 10, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    Wonderful. I too am not really noticing the small changes...maybe someday I'll feel ready to come up for air and notice.

    I'm so happy for T! ...and your family!

    ReplyDelete

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