One Word is NOT Enough

Hi all....

Happy halfway through summer!  I wanted to share that I was recently asked to use one word to describe Autism......my reply was that I just couldn't.  And here is why....

Autism is....

hard

crazy

tough

unexplainable

emotional

sad

But it is also......

fun

joyful

interesting

silly

sweet

inspirational

I have to be honest.  JB is who he is because of Autism.  I am not sure I would ever want to change that (and I think I have shared that plenty of times before).  What I really am is.....

HOPEFUL

I am not necessarily hopeful for a cure.  Nope, not really.  It would be nice but, I just don't foresee that anytime soon.  I am hopeful, though, that my son will have the skills to have a really good life.  That is what my hopeful is all about.  And I will do everything I can to make sure of that!  Which brings me to the next word......

sacrifice

You sacrifice a lot in the world of special needs.  Things do suffer, not intentionally at all but really....things do suffer.  Friendships, family, marriage......life really revolves around what I, what we, HAVE to do!  It's not easy but I would never give it up and I am thankful for my next word....

LOVE

Autism has shown me a love I never knew was possible.   It has made me see things differently.  I am well aware of how others may view my family when tantrums occur in public.  I am well aware that my daughter struggles with attention.  I am well aware that sometimes my entire family is depressed.  I am well aware that my husband and I have no time together....ever!  But,  the thing is....love keeps us all sane...it keeps us focused on our journey....it keeps us together!  Our lives are full of hurt and laughter but the laughter definitely outweighs the hurt because we understand the sacrifice and the hope that keeps us going.  Love.....this special love, this unconditional Autism, has moved me to be better in so many ways...it also puts me last on the list, which brings on self doubt. But for my family.....my self doubt is just a blip on the map.  And, I have hope that I will find myself in this journey...that I will focus on me a little bit more so that I can be the best me I can for a wonderful girl and a wonderful boy who just are who they are.....the best kids ever!

TTFN
Martha