We often take for granted the little things that are surrounding us each day. Paved streets, light poles, stop signs, running water, fresh food at the local market, a roof over our head...all of these are huge endeavors to create. However, rarely do we stop and think about the privileges they are. I have traveled the back roads of China and I can tell you with certainty that this list is just the beginning of a much longer list of things I often take for granted. Whether it is in the United States, China, or many other countries in the world, you will find both ultra modern and complete poverty and yet you will always find a reason to give thanks.

A few months ago we experienced severe damage to our roof during a big storm. Our insurance company connected us with Ron Miears of Lifetime Roofing and within hours we had a strategy and plan for repairing the damage. I can't begin to imagine tackling this endeavor on my own. The storm was heavy in our area for a few days and this kept the repair team from being able to inspect and determine the extent of damage. Although it was terrible conditions, Ron offered to come over and lay a tarp over the primary areas where the water was entering our home. The ceiling had a small leak 22 feet above our entry and was dripping water onto the hardwood floors. It was a small leak and a bucket did the trick. No need to risk anyone becoming injured. Once the weather cleared, Ron and his team came out to the house and what we thought was a minor leak was something much more menacing. There was extensive damage and an entire roof replacement was necessary. Had we focused solely on the area that was leaking, we would have completely missed the damage that was throughout the roof in areas we didn't even know about...yet.

I am so thankful for Ron and his team for the incredible workmanship and diligence with which they worked. True professionals who guided me through the entire process. Honest, fair, open, and willing to explain things over and over again when I did not understand. The entire process made me think back to the early years when Sam was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. In those days SPD was called Sensory Integration Dysfunction and along with this diagnosis we were told Sam needed to start speech and occupational therapy if he was going to have any chance of success in the future. Dim prospects, stress, fear of the unknown, and lots of questions. We were new to the entire special needs world and we needed a guide to help us find our way. Like with our roof, we needed someone to take us under their wing and lay out options and be honest with us. After so many years the list of names, faces, and people you feel such gratitude towards becomes very long. We often are not ourselves during times of extreme stress and anxiety. It takes someone who can be patient with us to allow the growth and learning to occur.

As he did with therapy, Sam dove head first into the roofing project at our house. He often talks about all the cameras that were used to film his eating therapy, OT, and his various routines so that he could watch them over and over and learn from them. Just like his father, Sam is a photographer. Over the past few years Sam has become a fine journalistic and documentary photographer. He applied his skills at chronicling the roof repair process and refers to them often. I suspect he is continually learning from what he sees. Sam had hoped we would stay in a hotel for a week while the roof was torn off and a new one put on. To the surprise of our entire family, the process was very fast. The men who worked on our roof were thorough and complete in their tear down, build, and clean up. The process and systematic approach fascinated me and Sam. One of our favorite parts of the process was watching the heavy equipment bring in the shingles. It's amazing what having the right tools and equipment can do, whether you are building a roof or traversing the pathways of therapies associated with autism.

Looking back on the anxiety and frustration that I felt when I heard the first drop of water fall from our foyer ceiling to the floor below I have to laugh a little. I don't know how many times I have gotten worked up over a challenge to quickly find that there was an expert, a seasoned helping hand just a phone call away. I hope this week you find the helping hands that you need and that you stop for a few minutes and give thanks for the little things that surround you and make your life better.