Relentless

Hi All,

Today I am writing about the word relentless....because that is what life sometimes is.  That's what Autism sometimes is...relentless, inflexible, and yes...even at times harsh. 

Saying the word harsh makes it all sound so horrible.  But at times it is horrible.  But it's not necessarily JB.  It's the things you deal with around the Autism disorder.  For example, JB has come home recently with these horrible bruises that are as black as night.  When I first saw them, I was in shock and immediately had to have answers but I forgot that JB cannot really express himself.  He tells bits and pieces of things and 2 weeks later you just might find out the whole story....might being the key word.  Mama Bear tried to control herself but the more I thought about it, the more upset I became because what happened???? AND, I am his advocate.  His story has to come through him and through what I can find out..... I'm kinda like a detective.

Three days later, here comes another nasty bruise and the day following, a bloody nose.  For me, that was it.  WHAT HAPPENED?????  My kid came home from school hurt and there was no communication.....WHY????  Out of anger, I emailed JB's teacher.  We spoke that night and honestly, I have a better understanding of what happened to my boy.  Look, the bruises are still a concern and now the teacher understands my point of view.  The bloody nose????  Well I understand how it happened and it was not from being bullied like I thought.  The bloody nose is a story for another day....

But...here is what I do need to say.  Parents.....you are your child's advocate.  Communication is key to their success....it's even more important when they cannot advocate for themselves.  When they just....CAN'T.....for themselves.  And it takes a toll....because it affects you and everything you do.  That relentless stress is always there....it encompasses all you do, all you think about.

Relentless.....that word again.  I think I hate that word.  But then, I think about my inner Star Wars geek...Jyn Erso from Rogue One said, "I rebel!"  Well...maybe I do too!  I rebel!  Autism may be relentless but I do not have to succumb to it because I can advocate and say what needs to be said so that my kiddo is safe.  Advocating for things that you feel are right is just....because it is your child.  So...I rebel!

TTFN,
Martha