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.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Happy Easter

 The end of Holy Week culminates on Easter Sunday.  We celebrate the Risen Christ.  Lots of prayer.  Lots of forgiveness.  Lots of patience.

After Mass, we spent the morning at home, nothing doing but relaxing.  Mike spend time with the boys.  Then we went to my parents' home.  We spent the afternoon with family.  Saw extended family too.  Two new baby boys, my grand nephews.  My sons, particularly Ryan, enjoyed the babies.  The boys wasted no time finding the table full of foods too.
It is really enjoyable going to family events, celebrating holidays, birthdays, etc.  It's taken many years to get to this point.  Everyone knows the dietary restrictions of the boys.  My boys don't have major sensory issues that require close supervision.

We all go through major transformations.  Whether it's spiritual, mental, emotional, we grow.  I hope change brings us all to be more compassionate to each other.

Prayer, forgiveness, and patience describe a lot of my time, past and present, dealing with autism and related issues.   Today brings to focus what really matters, the reality of our lives, and our purpose on Earth.

God bless!  Happy Easter! 

No comments:

Post a Comment