World Autism Day: Ben, My Superhero
Hello everyone!
Today I’m going to talk about what is dear to my heart. You see, two years ago, my husband and I were given some news. Our son is not normal. He has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Ben was 3 years old when we got the news. Once diagnosed, it was a whirlwind of non-stops appointments, therapy, as well as doctors/therapist. Everything around us changed.
Today is World Autism Day. This day is to spread Autism awareness. Autism is one of the fastest growing neurological disorders in the nation. Autism now affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys. And folks, that number is growing. I never thought that I would be a mom to an Autistic child. I was sure that my child would be a genius. That he would grow up to be a normal child. Instead, my life is completely different.
“You will give the people of Earth an ideal to strive towards. They will race behind you, they will stumble, they will fall. But in time, they will join you in the sun, Kal. In time, you will help them accomplish wonders.”-Jor-el Man of Steel
Dear Superhero,
When I heard that you were coming to this world, I was ecstatic! I had made all sorts of plans. Plans of things we can see and do together. I planned on taking you to the zoo and showing you all the animals. I planned on teaching you your ABC’s and 123’s. I planned to teach you everything and anything I knew.
Instead, you came to this world and took a different path. One that I did not foresee or know. It was scary at first and I could not understand why. Why were we going down this road? Our life is not supposed to be this way. But you my superhero, took my hand and guided me. The fear that I felt suddenly faded away and my eyes began to see.
When I had no patience, you showed me to wait and listen. You taught me that life is not a race and its okay to SLOW DOWN, taking one step at a time. You taught me compassion for those other Special Needs parents and their children. You showed me how not to be judgmental of others but instead to show grace. At times when I felt helpless, you simply waited for me to come around and try again. Most importantly, you taught me to love you unconditionally.
Ben, you are my superhero. Day after day you have bloomed far beyond what the doctors said. Though life has not been simple for you, you defeat every task that comes at you with great strength and beauty.
Thank You my superhero. Thank you for coming to this world and sharing your path with me. Thank you for loving me and giving me the chance to love you.
Remember my superhero, that not everyone will understand you. That’s okay. You are much stronger than what you think. Keep going and don’t ever give up.
Love, Mommy
Will you LIGHT IT UP BLUE today? Wear blue and show your love and support for Autism Awareness.
For more information on Autism, you can visit: http://www.autismspeaks.org
Thank you to all family, friends, therapist, and doctors who work hard to help our son. We are blessed to have such extraordinary people in our lives. And remember, LIGHT IT UP BLUE!
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Oh man this post gave me a few tears. Thank you so much for sharing your story Savannah, and for helping to bring awareness to such a great cause <3
Thank you Jenni!
thanks for this , and I found out that 2 of my 5 kids have this . Kids are wonderful to show us the way sometimes 🙂 Beautiful tribute to your son.
Thank YOU!
You work so hard to advocate for your son, which is something that I really admire about you. Big, huge hugs to you and your family!
*HUGS BACK* And thanks 🙂
I have tears in my eyes. Your Superhero is a very handsome little boy! And your love shines through! A big hug for you, mom, for all that you have done and will continue to do, because no matter what and no matter how old our babies get, a mom’s job is never done!
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Welcome! And thank you!
You so made me tear up. This is so beautiful! And I think that it’s only in recent years that autism has really been acknowledged by the general public. I mean, I never knew of it as a kid or even before I had kids. But watching it on shows and in books has really opened my eyes. Your kiddo is lucky to have a momma like you!
:))
This made me tear up. You have such a handsome little man! Thanks for sharing.
Welcome!
This is such a beautiful letter. And it’s true that we go into parenthood thinking we’ll teach our kids everything important when in fact, they teach us so much more.
That is true. The greatest lesson I learn is from my son.
I’m truely sorry to hear about your son, I know what you are going through, I have a nephew with Autism. And it is really hard on the family.
Thanks 🙂
This was so incredibly sweet and I’d be lying if I said that your letter didn’t make me tear up. I love seeing your instagram pictures of you and your son. He is so freaking adorable! It’s amazing how much we can learn from kids.