It is strange for some to see Tommy playing with or doing something “child-like!” He is a larger boy of almost 19 years, but he doesn’t realize that he is an adult or what that means. He enjoys what he enjoys. He truly is a “big kid!” Anyone that would think that he needs to change or be structured more to “act his own age”, does not understand what a joy it is to not worry or be stressed about what others think or say about you and your actions. Stares, glares and whispers don’t affect Tommy in the least. Those things affect the parents or the family caring for this adult child. Personally, I have worked through those feeling and choose to let Tommy be Tommy! Don’t get me wrong, I firmly believe that he needs to be taught right from wrong and have respect and manners. I also believe that we have been successful in that lesson.

I recently posted this image on my personal social media account. I loved the words and how they impressed me.

After posting I received a comment from a friend: “I think of Tommy as I read this. To be in his world, if just for a moment - not saying it’s easy, but he is ALL OF THIS!” This so touched my heart, and she was completely right. To just dance, shine, give and love unconditionally, that is my Tommy!

Out of the mouths of babes…

I received a phone call last Friday from Chris, my son in law. He began to explain that Reagan, my grandson told him to “just call DeeDee, she will say yes to me spending the night!” Is he not the smartest thing at 3 years old?!! LOL Sure enough, he was right! I said YES! It was discussed that we would make and decorate a cake or cookies the next time he was here, and he has a memory like an elephant, as did his mother, so a cake we made and decorated!!

Reagan will sometimes lead Tommy by the hand and get him to play with him. Very sweet, since Tommy is a big kid, he enjoys some of the same things as Reagan.

Plans were made to do a little shopping Saturday, and we found ourselves at “Build-a-Bear.” Both the boys picked out their animals and watched them be stuffed. They then proceeded to the “heart ceremony” followed up with a bath and dressing.

Tommy built a reindeer and doesn’t he “Shine like Rudolph!”

After leaving build a bear and a few other stops, it was mentioned that we should see if Santa was at the mall. The boys shared some Santa seat time and then sat individually. Tommy did not understand as Santa tried to get him to sit on his lap, a decision I am sure that Santa was happy about in the end - LOL As far as the time with him, there were no problems getting him to smile for his photo!!

Favorite Photo

We ended our weekend at the church for our Christmas Dinner! As we walked in Tommy greeted Anna, his Easter Egg partner and now Merry Christmas partner in crime! LOL She just melted as he hugged and told her he loved her. But things changed quickly as the pastor’s daughter came into view! They were taking family photos. Tommy stopped to flex his muscles for her, which you will agree can make it hard to pose for a photo with this AWESOME DISTRACTION! LOL

She graciously as always allowed Tommy a photo! He even smiled for our family photo!

Christmas can be monotonous to some and bah humbug to others, wishing it was over before it began. But for Tommy it is the most wonderful time of the year! Of course, he likes to receive his “Christmas wishes” but he also likes the lights, trees and decorations. I honestly hope he never loses that shining spirit.

So through the remaining days of this holiday season and into this new year, just try to…

Dance, Shine and Give! But most importantly, Love like Jesus! He is the reason for the season!

- God Bless