Different?

It's so hard to tell how Micah is progressing. At times it is obvious that he is a bit "different". It might be his faces, the way he tenses his whole body in uncontrolled movements or the other times that his body is so limp, that show us he is unique. Yet at other times, I am able to see normal functions for a newborn baby.

It's hard to remember back to Kyle and what he was doing at this point in time. And I often find myself comparing the two. Wanting to know if Micah's development is progressing, and at what rate. The only problem is that I can't remember Kyle's development. (and maybe that's a good thing right now). Plus I've heard that the second child always develops at a slower rate than the first.

Having two boys also doesn't help in this matter. I've heard again and again that it's a major struggle for parents to not compare one's children to one another. And I've fallen into that trap. Because some days it is easier to see the differences between my children vs. the similarities. And this makes me wonder what the future will hold.

The one thing I do know is that these two precious boys will never be the same. They will be brothers and will have many similarities. The same parents, same house, same love of a Gracious and loving God. But in the end they will not be the same. Things like smiles, walking and talking will each be done at different times. Things like starting school, driving a car, Prom and graduation will all be different.

At times this is a troubling reality, but most of the time I'm able to realize that no two people are alike. Even if they are brothers. Each are unique in their own way. Yes, they'll be different - but not in a negative way.