Autism: Surviving and Thriving

Fourteen years ago my youngest 3 boys were diagnosed with autism within a 9 month span. Devastation and grieving followed. Doctors gave me little or no hope, but they didn't know me very well. I refused to believe that my boys were doomed.

My boys are now young men, adults with autism. They are thriving, but every day presents its turmoil and challenges.

My family: husband Mike, sons Ryan 23 yr, Nicholas 21 yr, and Cameron 18 yr. (Ryan and Nick have autism; Cam has recovered from autism.) Our oldest sons, Michael 34 yr and Stuart 25 yr, moved out of the house. Ryan has also moved out, and is still working towards complete independence.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Angels or Hellions?


I gave birth to the sweetest, cutest kids on the Earth. They were angels, or so I thought.

They are growing up. Not so cute and sweet anymore. Hellions? They back talk. They decide when to obey and when not to. Or do they?

One of my sons who will not be named decided to try the above scenario. It did not work. My son got angry. Unfortunately, I did too.

After we both took time away, I sat my son down. We talked it out. We both apologized. Then I explained why the Good Lord put the fourth and fifth commandments so close together. When children forget about the fourth commandment, which is honor your father and mother, parents can't kill their offspring, as the fifth commandment states--you shall not kill, even though the parents might be tempted.

My son got a laugh, but he understood. Parents are human too. We can make mistakes, just like kids. The point is to keep trying our best, and learn from our mistakes. Keep going. Keep loving!
photo credit:treasureofthesea