…And all through the house
My Stinker was squeaking
A bit like a mouse
It wasn’t too, bad but it did make me pause
That I’d sure like a gift from dear old Santa Clause
One for myself cause’ I’m selfish that way
But one also for you to arrive Christmas Day
Just a wee little something for us all to calm down
When Tourettes takes our smiles and turns them to frowns
See, you folk are emailing me all over the place
That your kids’ tics are growing at quite a fast pace
You’re all freaking out – “Could it be sugar or Grinches
That’s causing the coughs and the crazy nose pinches?”
And while some of it’s diet and perhaps lack of sleep
The truth is that none of this might cause the squeaks
It could just be that tics go up and go down
And who knows the darn reason those darn things hang around!
So Dear Santa, it’s Andrea… help me to feel fine
For my son feels content – help me, too, fall in line!
Bring me a present that might not mean healing
But instead comes with grace and with thanks and good feeling
For my boy – he’s so big now – oh, my, how he’s grown
Give it ten years and I’ll be here alone
I don’t want to be thinking, “I missed this great season…
…I was freaked out and stressed. I blame tics for the reason!”
No, let me remember that all kids have stuff
It’s our love and our compassion that must be enough
So to moms out there struggling, with all of my might
Take my virtual hugs – it’ll all be alright!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Love, Andrea
In closing, here is a video from my sweet little Stinker and his biggest fan, Pip.
Check out more posts about Tourettes at the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome where this blog is syndicated.
Happily Ticked Off 
Oh, what a CUTE picture! I was delighted when I clicked on it and it slowly stretched into a big picture so I could get a good look at your babies!! They are getting big!! Stink is so handsome and looks like a total tween. Pip is gorgeous and looks like her fabulous mom!
Big hugs!!
Beautiful! I am smiling but at the same time tears are running down my cheeks. So very true, thanks for the reminder. I will be printing this for sure. So thankful for you and your sweet, comforting words just when I need them the most .