Today is June 18th. A date that changed my life forever. A date that I will always remember. Three years ago today, Phil and I sat in front of a team of doctors. We heard three words that forever changed us, "Gavin has autism." The words came eleven days before my baby turned 2. Three years ago today you turned my world upside down.
You brought countless hours of intensive early intervention. You locked my son's mind from making eye contact, communicating, playing with toys, following directions, and talking. You exhausted him and me. Three years ago today you turned my world upside down.
You brought questions with no answers, you brought flapping, jumping, bouncing, and visual stimming. You brought tears and heartache. You brought words, "Why? How? What?" Three years ago today you turned my world upside down.
You brought an IEP, specialized teachers, staff, and therapists. You brought social stories. You brought a specialized program to meet my son's autistic needs. Three years ago today you turned my world upside down.
Autism, today was a special day. It was our AD (autism diagnosis) anniversary and it was our boy's graduation day from Pre-K. Today, I embraced you and held your hand. I held my tears and held my head high. Today, I thank you. I thank you for helping me learn through my boy's eyes. I thank you for making me strive to be a better mom, a better teacher, a better person. Three years ago today you
turned my world upside down.
Autism, today you turned my world right side up. You have brought countless special people into our lives. You have brought the G-Man Foundation. You have brought a Pre-K celebration.
Autism, today I made a vow. However, you probably already knew that. Today I thought of the future. Three years ago today you turned my world upside down. Today you turned my world right side up. I vow to make this world more understanding of you. I vow to make this world more aware of you. I vow to make this world more accepting of you. I vow to make this world embrace you.
Autism, happy three year anniversary. I love you, Gavin!
Love always,
Mom
That's awesome! He has come a long way. And that's a screw you autism....... Way to go Gavin!
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