he doesn't need the potty chart anymore

This chart has been hanging in our bathroom for years.

And I do mean YEARS.

It has been many moons of patience and energy (mingled with blood, sweat, and tears) to potty train Trevor. There were many moments of despair along the way. Moments of anger and annoyance and the occasional glimmer of hope which was kept us pushing forward.

Sometimes people will look at Trevy today and reduce or minimize the journey it's been to get here by assuming he's "nearly typical" now or only "slightly delayed".

It wasn't that long ago, he was still smearing his poo everywhere. All over his bed, his walls, himself. TMI, I know, but it was our life for a very long time. We've been through various layers of difficult and heart wrenching things, but it was the poo smearing that most nearly broke me.

Today, as I was looking around the bathroom planning for some refreshing, I realized that he no longer needs this chart.

I can't say that it ever just "clicked" for him, and we still have an occasional accident. He continues to require assistance with wiping and such. He is not close to being able to use a public toilet without a caregiver. 

But he doesn't need this visual support anymore.

This is kinda huge for me.

It's one of those "inch-stone" moments in the life of a special needs family.

I should go buy a cake or something.