When I see Benjamin.

About two weeks ago, Benjamin didn't have his helmet on when Curtis and I took him to lunch. It was very strange NOT being looked at (whether it was because Ben wasn't wearing his helmet, or because we only had one kid, I don't know). The past few months I've grown very accustom to the looks, the questions and everything that has come with the helmet. When people would look at Benjamin and smile, I wanted to tell them, "He's not just your average cute baby! You wouldn't believe his story, and what he's been through!" But I didn't. I just smiled back as Benjamin waved. The whole experience gave me a glimpse at what my life with a helmet graduate will be like.

It made me think about the way people have looked at Benjamin, and what they see. When people look at Benjamin I think they see....
a helmet.
a little boy who has a problem.
his big blue eyes that pop when he wears the helmet!
something they aren't familiar with.
their child, who also had to wear a helmet.

We have been very fortunate, and haven't gotten any horribly tacky comments. We have gotten lots of stares, lots of questions, but also lots of smiles and encouragement.

When I look at Benjamin, I see...
my beautiful son.
his crazy smile that makes me forget about the tough times.
his mess of blond hair, that flips out over his ears.
a child who has endured a lot for a 12 month old.
a testimony to God's faithfulness.
evidence of grace.
a little boy who is very loved.
a little boy who has received more prayers than I will every know.

Tomorrow might be the big day! Curtis is coming with Benjamin and I to Austin, and we are hoping and praying that we will be done with the helmet! Please pray for safety, for good news, and peace to rest in God's will (even if that means more helmet time or another helmet).