My Erik

Erik and I celebrated our 17th anniversary this year. Having a child--a special-needs child in particular--means I've gotten to know him in a whole new way. He truly is the yin to my yang, and together we are balanced. Here are some things he's taught me, in no particular order:

• Autism makes Soren who he is (still working on this one).
• Who cares what others think? (also still working on this one) and its corollary, Says who?
• Films can speak for us when we don't have the words for what we're feeling.
• The idea of opportunity cost (Econ major, natch).
• The nonsense of martyrdom.
• Spouses can and maybe SHOULD parent differently (wrestling, anyone?).
• It's really not that hard to put one's shoes away. (I think I got it now!)
• Amazon Prime is the best deal ever if you buy enough crap on Amazon (and boy, we do).
• The difference between Wednesday night wine and Saturday night wine (tough lesson, that one).
• Optimism. 

I could not be on this parenting journey without him. He lightens every load and makes everything seem possible. Soren and I are so lucky.