I’m Thankful for my Unsung Hero
Its been almost 3 and half years since we received our son’s diagnosis of classic autism level 3.
When we walked to the car that day I sat in my seat and just crumbled…
As I sobbed and sobbed, you took my hand and said “we’ll get through this together.” You may not have known then but that’s exactly what I needed to hear.
No one could have prepared us for this journey. The women and mother I was that day is not the same person I am today.
Autism changed me and I’m sorry…I know there was a period where I neglected you.
You’ve been my partner on this journey and without you I’m not sure how I would survive. On the hard days you hold me, tell me its OK, you let me cry and just listen.
At times I’ve let autism get the best of me, I’ve fought depression and anxiety since his diagnosis.
Ever since that day, there are two things I know how to be: a mom and an autism advocate.
Early on I lost myself to research, therapies, diets and online groups. I immersed myself in autism and shut the world out…you loved me through it and I know it wasn’t easy.
We learned early on everything is trial and error, and not to get our hopes up. But you’ve never discouraged me to stop researching and educating myself on autism.
We’ve tried a lot of things that haven’t worked and things that have helped us, but its led us to where we are today.
We’ve learned to celebrate the little things like Maddux waving for the first time, getting better with his talker, learning how to give Eskimo kisses.
Maddux is almost 7.5. He’s thriving, happy, healthy, going to school and most importantly loved by two parents who are doing their best.
Somehow on this journey you’ve remained so strong, not showing many emotions.
I know autism has changed you too but you don’t let it show. Most likely because you can’t when I’m a mess a lot of the time.
I’m the worrier, the one who stresses about everything…so you have to be strong for us!
You remind me constantly to live for today and not get to caught up in things we can’t control. You are my soul mate and you bring me balance.
I admire you and everything you do for our family.
You work so hard to provide for us every single day and you’ve allowed me to stay home because we’re honestly too scared to put Maddux in the care of others. (Besides school)
I want you to know I’m here if there ever is a day when you need to let it out…I will be here to listen and hold you, as you have me the last three and a half years.
We are still learning. I know there will be more hard days but also some really great days too.
We still have some huge milestones to meet but together we will get through it. You are an amazing father to our two beautiful children.
You’ve been by my side all these years…who knew 2 teenagers in high school would end up here 17 years later?
Thank you loving me in all the seasons of our life and loving our children unconditionally.
I believe autism dads are unsung heroes!
Autism is a journey and I can’t imagine anyone else by my side. Thank you for being my person and always showing me grace.
I love you Marky forever and ever!
Written by, Mabel Ames
My name is Mabel, I’m just a mom doing her best. We live in a rural town outside of St. Louis, MO. My son Maddux is a beautiful little boy who also happens to have autism.
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