Language
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Swedish

Insurance Funding Request

Did you know Firefly products may be funded by your insurance?

Learn More
Back to Firefly Blog

It’s the little things

It’s the little things

Yesterday as we were watching TV, Sawyer reached over and held my hand.

All parents know the warm feeling they get when their child does something sweet like this.

It feels so good to be reassured that you, as a parent, are doing a good job.

For Sawyer almost all his communication is non-verbal.

He can’t say “I love you” (yet).

I hope that some day he will be able to say it with his eye gaze and maybe even his voice.

He says two syllable words but most sound the same.

He shows love by smiling, laughing, kissing and now holding hands.

The absolute hardest part for us aside from the obvious medical stuff is trying to figure out what Sawyer is thinking.

He is incredibly bright and we are finding more and more how bright he is.

He knows so much and hears everything we say.

He’s been using his eye gaze to tell us more and that has been incredible.

I still find myself doubting and questioning what he is thinking or trying to tell me.

I wish I didn’t question it but sometimes it’s hard to believe what is right in front of you.

For years we have relied only on Sawyer’s non verbal communication.

When we ask a question he gives us a big smile for a yes.

We give two choices and he follows with a smile when he chooses.

That has always been how we communicate.

Now when he says things like “all done” when the teacher asks him to work more, I think, can he really be saying that?

It’s almost unbelievable to me how bright he is.

He has overcome so much and now is being snarky and playing jokes with more than his non verbal.

He’s using his eyes to read words that are in front of him!!

It’s been so fun to see.

As of right now it’s just one and two words but I have no doubt that at some point he will be saying full sentences and asking for more of what he wants.

For now we will soak up all the little words and ways that he communicates love and his wants and needs.

Firefly Blog

Real life stories, issues and experiences of day to day life by special needs parents and
healthcare professionals.

Francie Khalaf

Meet Our Blogger

I am a wife and mother of two children with cerebral palsy. I believe in making lemonade out of lemons.

View Francie’s Profile

Become a Firefly Blogger

Would you like to write for Firefly? Join our blogger network of parents, therapists and professionals.

Get In Touch

Become a subscriber today

Join over 40,000 subscribers to our weekly newsletter with insightful articles just when you need them.

Join Mailing List

By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Click here for more info.

Accept & Close

No Interest if paid in full in 6 months on

Purchases on $99+

US Customers only. Subject to credit approval. See terms below

Paypal Credit

Pay now or pay over time with PayPal Credit. Just use PayPal Credit in PayPal checkout.

Subject to credit approval.

Purchases of $99+:

No Interest if paid in full in 6 months on purchases of $99 or more.

  • A minimum monthly payment is required and may or may not pay off the promotional purchase by the end of the 6 month period.
  • No interest will be charged on the purchase if you pay it off in full within 6 months. If you do not, interest will be charged on the purchase from the purchase date at the Purchase APR applicable to your account.
  • For New Accounts: Variable Purchase APR is 25.49%. The APR is accurate as of 6/1/2018 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate (as defined in your credit card agreement). Minimum interest charge is $2.00.
  • Individual items that are less than $99 qualify for special financing when combined for a total of $99 or more in a single transaction.
  • Multiple separate transactions of less than $99 per transaction cannot be combined to meet the minimum purchase amount.

Purchases of $98.99 or less:

Buy now and pay over time with PayPal Credit when you spend $98.99 or less.

  • If you pay your balance in full each month by the payment due date that is on your statement, you can avoid paying interest.
  • Or, make minimum monthly payments, or any additional amount of your choosing, until you've paid off your balance according to your standard account terms. Please note, interest charges may apply.
  • We'll send you email reminders when your payments are due. You can also keep track of your account and view your statements online at any time.

About PayPal Credit

  • PayPal Credit is a reusable credit line available on purchases at thousands of stores that accept PayPal. It's also available for purchases on eBay and exclusively at thousands of other online stores. Plus, it comes with the same security and flexibility you trust from PayPal.
  • If approved, we start you off with a minimum credit line of at least $250. See FAQs for more info.
  • For New Accounts: Variable Purchase APR is 25.49%. The APR is accurate as of 6/1/2018 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate (as defined in your credit card agreement). Minimum interest charge is $2.00. See Terms and Conditions tab for more info.
  • If you miss a payment your late fee could be up to $38, even less if it's your first time. See FAQs for more info.

Please wait...