Yesterday, I found myself in a conversation with Ian and Larissa and Mary about all that the church and so many others did for us in bringing Ian home from the hospital. We told about the many, many kind people who helped us tirelessly for a season build an addition (e.g. organizers, builders, contractors, givers, suppliers, agencies, businesses, family, etc., etc.). Ian was thoroughly engaged in what we were saying, nodding and shaking his head and smiling at all the appropriate spots.

Then, it occurred to me that he was eating popcorn. Popcorn! He was reaching into the big can of popcorn over and over stuffing his face with popcorn, some of it not making it to its destination – a lot like the way I eat popcorn! He was thoroughly engaged in our conversation, though, like he was watching a movie. I stopped my reflections when I realized again how far he had come. “Ian!” I blurted out, “you’re eating popcorn!” That must have sounded a little silly from his perspective, but I couldn’t help it. Six months ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed of giving him even a kernel of popcorn for fear that he would choke on it.

Mary and I continued the conversation with him tonight about all the ways God had blessed us through so many people in helping to bring Ian home. Once again, he was fully engage, nodding and shaking his head at appropriate times. At one point Mary said something like, “people in the church, your friends, they really love you!” The grin on his face was priceless.

Steve