Cat - Hi Melissa,
So glad to have found your blog! My 4-year-old son Elliot has autism, and I have written about him on my blog. Just like Elijah, he loves Starfall and computers. Thank you for writing about and sharing your beautiful nephews!
Janet - How wonderful for Elijah! And, as a mom to two little ones, we LOVE Starfall!!!
heather - How amazing for you to be there to witness such a milestone!
Judy Subaitis - You have just made my day!! We were so excited when he began using the touchscreen in the classroom a few months ago! This will open up even more opportunities for him to learn AND communicate. I am very excited for the next school year!! I plan to give all my students more opportunity to learn using computers- and I guess I need to get a laptop for Elijah!
sarah - I am one of Elijah's school therapists, and I am so thankful you were able to speak so elequently about autism in general, and our special Elijah and Noah specifically. Miss them so much, and can't wait to see them both!
Alicia - That is so awesome! I will have to share this with my dear, dear friend--her son has autism and he doesn't really speak yet either. He's been going through a lot of therapy and has been taking some big steps....maybe this can be one of those big steps. : ) Thank you for sharing!
kelly lawson - This made me tear up big time! What a lucky little man to have such an awesome aunt that cares so much about him, he's a total doll.
Since you are so well read on the topic, I am doing research on Vaccinations for my little man on the way, do you have any suggestions?
Stephanie - This is a great experience, but I can't help but think how much his parents must appreciate and love on you for how much you love him. :) Super sweet.
Truc - That's wonderful news, Melissa! Elijah is adorable.
Christina Peterson - My kids love starfall too!!! Such a great site and what a great accomplishment for Elijah!
jess - don't you know i have a HUGE smile on my face AND tears in my eyes! yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michelle Adams - GO Elijah!!!!! That is so totally awesome!!!!!
Tira J - What a powerful story to share! Wish I could have hugged Elijah while I was at your house last week. Hug him for me and tell him to fight on and congrats on such a huge accomplishment.
maura kate - bravo elijah! my life pre-photography was as a teacher, advocate, and autism specialist, so i especially love your features like this, melissa. thanks!
elena - Melissa, that is awesome news! So happy to hear it. Prayerfully he will eventually type messages for all of you to read.
jacqui - This was a great post to read ,very inspiring and obviously dear to your heart .I love your photography but this is extremely enlightening too
Cynthia Rust - As the aunt of a 23 year old niece with severe autism and othe issues, I appreciate these "tiny" victories! They are huge and worth the recognition you give them! Blessings!
R. J. Kern - What a refreshing read and a great way to start the day. Hope & faith is such a powerful force, and I love celebrating it with our Littlest Heroes.
courtney - Elijah reminds me SO much of my nephew. Austin is 9 years old (10 next month) and he is still working on the potty training. Almost there though! He is barely verbal. He can say enough words to help you figure out what it is he needs but he could never put full sentences together and sometimes it's rough understanding him. Austin also loved a learning game on my sister's computer but its not Starfall. I'll have to tell them about this game and see if he shows any interest! Thanks for doing this weekly spot. I hope one day I can keep Austin overnight but right now he's not comfortable overnight anywhere but his own bed. I'll cross my fingers for a change in the future though.
Robin - How cool Melissa! I know how small steps for others are giant leaps in Elijah's life. I rejoice with you and with him today -- keep up the great work being an awesome and involved Aunt.
Sarah - Wow. Congrats. Reading this story reminds me of the complexity of life and the world we life in. Small steps are definately worth celebrating.