Posts
Peter sent me an email from school yesterday:
Mom, today in activity period, I was on a website for some research for my Spanish project. There was an ad for The Mighty. And I clicked on it and searched for your letter you wrote me that you posted last year. [http://themighty.com/2014/10/a-letter-to-my-son-about-his-big-brother-with-autism/] It brought me to tears while reading it. And even now as I type this I'm tearing up. I just wanted to say thank you for that letter. It reminds me of how thankful I am for how I am today after that rough first years through birth to Kindergarten. When I read the line "I wish you had more playgrounds as a toddler" is what gets me every time. Whenever I say or read this, I tear up. I can't thank you enough for all you've done.
I love you
XOXO
-Peter
Be still my heart.
One of my biggest concerns in raising a child with autism is raising a little brother of a child with autism. Does he get enough attention? Is he missing out on anything that I can help with? Is he happy? Does he feel loved?
Well, this email from Peter not only warmed my heart and made me cry, but it showed me that he is doing just fine.
Last week, TJ, Peter and I all spoke to UVM School of Medecine's second year students for their disabilities awareness week. We are so fortunate to do it every year.
The students asked TJ, "If you could tell us one thing about living with autism, what would it be?"
TJ answered, "That it is a gift."
I think you're right, TJ. As hard as it can be, it is indeed a gift, in many ways.
For all of us.
I read your article on WaPo about TJ starting high school, and I had to reach out to you. I have a 16 yr old son named TJ, and a 14 year old daughter with with ASD. When I saw the four leaf clover, I cried, because my daughter finds them often. I've never heard of another child on the spectrum with her particular ability to pick out the 4 leaf clovers among a patch. I myself have looked for them, but never found one without my daughter pointing it out to me. Thank you for making me feel a little less alone as a mother of a very special child.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you reached out! You are not alone. I can't find four leaf clovers without my TJ at all! These kids of our, for as much work as it is, give us gifts that I never dreamed of. New friends is one of those gifts! I'm so glad you liked the piece, and I'm so happy to "meet" you! :) -Lauren
Delete