The night before Thanksgiving, my wife asked Clay what he wanted to eat.
He typed, “Thanksgiving dinner.” The little guy was ready a tad early.
She explained that wasn’t until the next day, then asked if he had anything he was thankful for.
“So awesome to type,” he typed.
We had a quiet Thanksgiving with my parents. Clay ate about 400 dinner rolls, the forbidden fruit of wheat that he doesn’t get at home. What deep, insightful message did he have for my parents as we were leaving?
“Thanks for your food,” he typed.
What are we thankful for?
Having our older son home from college for the holiday. The chance to be with my family for Thanksgiving and to connect with our wider family over the phone and on the Web. That our old dog is out of pain and a our new one has found a home. For everyone who has helped on Clay’s journey out of the silence over the past year—family; afternoon sitters Stacey and Marissa; Kalil and other aides; camp counselor Trish; Jen, Joe and Jessica (the three J’s) at Networks for Training; Marilyn Chadwick of Syracuse University’s Institute on Communication and Inclusion; and his team at school, which agreed last week to begin training to get him typing in class. Of course, we are so thankful that Clay now has the opportunity to share his thoughts and feelings with us and all of the opportunities that will bring for him.
Here’s Clay’s message to everyone on Thanksgiving.
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.
Life With Clay 
#1 by Mary-Frances Bartels on November 26, 2010 - 3:04 am
Happy Thanksgiving to the whole Blumenthal family. I am thankful for the opportunity to read these posts.
#2 by kalil on November 26, 2010 - 5:48 pm
I’m thankful for the opportunity to have met you guys. Especially Clay. I have learned so much from you and will never forget the imprint that you have left on my life.