I’ve shared about it over and over again, so it goes without saying that Gage has brought so much joy into my life. But one of my favorite things that Gage has added to my world is new connections. People I would have never met if it weren’t for him. Whether they are therapists, teachers, other special needs moms or online connections, I feel so lucky to still have a growing circle at this point in my life.
I remember several years ago after graduating college and starting my full time job, thinking to myself, “well, this is it.” I felt like I’d already met and made all the friends I ever would. It didn’t make me feel sad or like I was missing out on anything, I just thought that’s how it would be and I was fine with it. Fortunately, I was wrong. But I felt like once I was past the stage of meeting new people in college or getting acquainted with my coworkers, the new connections would fade. I thought I wouldn’t have the same common ground with people I encountered that made bonding natural and easy.
I’ve since realized that’s not the way we’re meant to live. I’m a firm believer that God puts the right people in our lives at the right time. He proves it over and over again. I’ve got to remember not to get too comfortable with those I already know that I’m not open to new connections. Because Gage has 
introduced me to some pretty great ones! He’s a natural charmer and super likable like his daddy, so it doesn’t take long for people to love him. Their investment in him gives me a chance to connect as well.
And as far as common ground, raising kids with special needs is some of the most conducive to bonding that I’ve ever experienced. I’m so grateful for the other moms I’ve met that can relate to certain challenges and share what they’ve learned, or just listen and understand even if there’s not a solution or advice to offer. I’ve lucked into some pretty great new connections by chance, whether it’s me accidentally parking too close to another mom in the school parking lot or Gage being scheduled with a therapist who goes above and beyond to not only help her patients but help their parents too.
This week I had the pleasure of grabbing lunch with a group of moms with a little more experience in the world of special needs than me. They. Were. Awesome! They shared more about their kids (I even got to meet one of their sweet boys), gave me advice about equipment, doctors, hospitals and treatments and let me check out their wheelchair vans and accessible seating! It was refreshing to get their first-hand accounts and so much more insightful than my unending Google searches. Like I’ve said many times before, I’m so grateful for the awesome support system that we have and what I’m continuing to learn is that it doesn’t have to be finite. I have a feeling Gage has even more great introductions in store for us.