Autism Awareness Day

This boy is my world.

If you read our "Meet the Family" page under the header,

you'll read a short description of him there.

He's so much more.

This day every year helps to remind me

how far we've come.

C has made great strides, even in the last two years.

He's now a strapping 18-year old young man

with dreams and aspirations.

He always wants to cure the world's ills,

not being deterred by something as inconsequential as reality.

Autism Awareness Day is just another day to most,

but to us, it's personal.

We live with it day in and day out,

and it affects every aspect of our daily lives.

It's one of those things that as a parent,

you wish it could be you dealing with it

instead of the ones who mean the world to you.

We cope with it the best we can,

one day at a time,

but most days consist of at least one struggle.

This life is not easy, but awareness over time

will allow those of us affected to be better understood.

We don't seek pity or charity,

just the chance to prove

that autism is not something to be feared.

Over the years, we have met some amazing folks

who have shown their Godness to us

in the way they interact with C.

His way of moving through the world can be challenging,

but the blessing is in 

seeing others' compassion and understanding.

Recalling his para when he was in public school,

that woman is an angel on earth.

She believed in him when no one else did.

His therapist from Florida that we've recently reconnected with,

accepts him just as he is, not trying to change him.

Our family doctor here in the Piedmont,

is the most patient and kind doctor we've ever had.

These blessings in our lives have helped me be a better parent, 

a better person and a believer in the best of what humanity can be.

We will be lighting up our porch for the month of April,

to celebrate the progress of C and the world at large,

in coping with this very difficult condition.

We are so grateful to have this boy in our lives.

I can't imagine life any different.

God Bless all the Autism Families in our world.