Declare Victory

Declare: (v.)
1. to make known or state clearly
2. to proclaim
3. to state emphatically

Victory: (n.)
1. a success or triumph over an enemy in battle
2. the ultimate and decisive superiority in any battle or contest
3. a success or superior position achieved against any difficulty
4. success in a struggle against difficulties or an obstacle

I think it is time for me to truly declare victory. Looking back on the past six weeks - the majority of my summer so far, and my entire time working at my job - I feel proud of myself. I never knew how many challenges could be compacted into 42 days, but I have persevered.

I have had an autistic girl with no verbal skills say thank you in sign language to me.
I have had an autistic boy with very little verbal skills learn my name and read words like "comfortable."
I have had an autistic boy use the word "elated" because I taught him what it means.
I have gone swimming in the ocean and felt 10 years old, pretending that my kids were monsters and diving under waves with them.
I have gained confidence.
I have gained patience.
I have begun truly overcoming depression.

It is difficult to put my feelings into words, so instead I will just say that it is time for me to declare victory.

Freedom.