Today, he did it.

Today we were reminded, as we often are, of the enormity of our blessings. To be frank, we were reminded that we have it pretty darn good.

This morning Keith took Henry bowling with other autism families. The Orange County chapter of the Autism Society of NC does this every so often, and since I parented solo yesterday, it was a nice break for me and a fun treat for the guys.

Henry was great and they had a terrific time. In fact, it sounded as if the whole group did very well. The lights and music were even altered for their comfort. Still, Keith noticed things. One boy Henry's age had 6 or 7 outbursts within an hour. That could have been us not too long ago. Another family had fraternal twins, boy and girl, who both had autism. Keith said the entire family looked like they hadn't slept in weeks. Then there was the dad who clearly hadn't accepted his son was different, who pushed him too hard -- to "roll the ball like this," to "make a strike this time."

Later, Henry achieved a milestone I once believed would never happen. Keith took him into a public restroom and Henry successfully used the toilet. Nevermind that Keith felt like a molester with the amount of protesting going on. ("Don't touch my underwear! Don't touch me!") Henry calmed down, sat down, and did it. He did it.

He. Did. It.

On my darkest days Mom or Keith has reminded me - Never say never. Just say not yet.

I have no doubt I'll have more of those dark days with each stage, milestone, and challenge, but today is one of the good days. Today is one of the life-is-good-and-my-kid-is-awesome-and-he-did-it days. Oh, and you know what else? When we were having lunch in the food court of the mall, you know what he said?

"Guys, let's leave. It's too loud."

And if that's not self-advocacy, I don't know what is.