Kathy
My blogs
| Gender | Female |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Just before his third birthday, my youngest son was diagnosed with autism. After a period of profound grief, I began to realize that life can be normal again, a new normal. I have joined the ranks of special needs parents and find myself acting as chief advocate and cheerleader, master scheduler and chauffeur, therapist and teacher. I wish David did not have to struggle to learn what comes easily to most, but I know that without autism I might not have noticed the first time he called me by name, or told me he loved me, or asked for a marshmallow. Without autism, I might not be able to tell when David is truly excited, or moved by a piece of music, or happy to see me after school. I once heard a celebrity tell in an interview how, as she tucked her daughter into bed, they would discuss the day. Invariably, the daughter would comment on something simple, like having seen a butterfly. How often in life do we see something beautiful, but do not take time to appreciate it? David is a happy, engaging, cuddly and sometimes extremely quirky kid. Each day, I can find a reason to smile if I slow down enough to let it happen. I have come to think of these times as butterfly moments. |