And Autism Awareness month comes to an end....

Ok so here we are at the end of April. Autism Awareness month. I try to spend this month being more "aware" of the positive things autism brings to my life instead of the negative stuff :)  Autism is hard, no doubt, but it's also really truly special.

Back when Drew was first diagnosed by a neurologist with the WORST bedside manners I have seen, she said to me, "Cole will be Drew's best therapist"... HUH?? Really lady???  Because all I know is that "they" tell me now I'm supposed to run out and find all the best therapists, specialists and teachers in the whole wide world!!! That's who is supposed to help my kid.

Well over the years I have tried to be "aware" of how much influence/help Cole has been for Drew and you know what?? He REALLY has been Drew's best therapist! Seriously. Cole has probably taught his brother more than any therapist or specialist combined!!! If I really watch the dynamics between the two it is so clear to see... "Drew it's like this.... Drew do it like this..Drew come try this...Drew over here!!... Drew look at this... Drew you say it like this.. Drew it goes like this.." 

I know sometimes it's easy to see Drew's amazing strengths... They all sort of ooze to the outside.. Cole's strengths sometimes remain unseen... quite...sitting in the back round...But this month I paid attention. I mean REALLY paid attention... And instead of  saying to Cole "you are not his Mother" (which I can do a lot! (cringe) ) I let it be... 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH3goPVT3Rk

So this month I was completely "aware" that I have two really special kids. Drew's abilities may all show on the outside but Cole's are there as well.. just in a quiet more subtile way...soooOOoo Cole :) He is an AMAZING brother/friend/therapist to Drew...And I feel like the luckiest Mom ever :)

So see you next year "Autism Awareness Month"... Let's all try to be just a tad bit more aware all year :).. It's amazing what you'll see...

Ahhh April.... Autism Awareness month...

April is Autism Awareness month and while we are wrapping up I thought I would reflect on my "awareness" ;-).

When Drew was first diagnosed I remember feeling helpless...hopeless...lost...terrified.... I wanted to "fix" it.. "change" it... take it away.  I searched and hoped for a "cure" or a least something to make it "better". And trust me I tried many "things". I remember reading articles, blogs and posts from other parents wishing and doing  the same thing...  and then I came across something soooo interesting... it sounded off the wall and bat-shit crazy.... SOME parents didn't wish autism away!!!! WHAT??!!! You're kidding, right?? Who wouldn't want this horrible, terrifying, life changing disorder GONE??? I know I did.... at one point. "They" would say things like "autism is part of who he is..if you take it away you would take away a part of him". Crazy people, right???

Well Drew is 10, almost 11 and I have been traveling this journey for sometime now. We have good days, GREAT days and some completely horrible, make them go away, never want to remember them days... Autism SUCKS.. sometimes. I'm not gonna lie. But so do a LOT of things. Typical kids can be a challenge.. sometimes... Life is hard. Sometimes. So why treat autism any differently? What does the future hold?? Who knows! No one does. Not for any of our kids. All we have is now. I can not and will not waste energy wondering  or worrying about tomorrow.

Today brought me to a new level of understanding, accepting, AWARENESS. Over the years I have learned to surrender, embrace and let go so many aspects of my life. Autism should be no different. And today I now TOTALLY get those parents that didn't want a "magic pill" to make "it" disappear . Drew is who he is. And I won't try to take any of it away... that includes autism. 

 Autism is a huge part of who Drew is and without it there might not be this.... So bring it autism... I'll take it :)

(and thanks Cole for letting me upload to your youtube channel... You ROCK too kiddo!!  Love you both to pieces!)