Thursday, 02 September 2010

  • He Expressed Himself!

    I am writing this blog post especially for parents who have a child or adult with autism and special needs.  I know firsthand how difficult it is to raise a special needs child.  I also know we often don’t get much in return.  That has been my experience while raising my thirty-seven year old son, Brandon. 

    I must share something with you that was very unexpected and very beautiful and it happened to me today.  Brandon and I went out to lunch to celebrate my birthday.  He excitedly handed me a lovely card that he had selected himself.  He said, “Mom, it took me a long time to get the right one and to say what I can’t say myself.  It is what I wanted to say, but can’t.”  I read it out loud and gave him a big kiss on the cheek telling him it was the nicest card I had ever received. 

    Here is what the beautiful card said, 

    For You, Mom

    For always letting me express myself…

    For teaching me to stand on my own two feet…

    For allowing me to be curious about the world and everything in it…

    Mom, Thanks for loving me for who I am.

    I love you, and feel so lucky to call you mom.

    Happy Birthday

    Love,

    Brandon


    This is the very first year he took the time to select a birthday card by what it said and not by how much it cost. He was so proud of himself when he handed it to me. 

    What I know for sure is although it is not easy raising a child with special needs and often we don’t think they are getting what we are trying to teach them and then along comes a card like this and shows you that all the time we have spent was well worth it. 

    There is hope!  Brandon continues to develop and grow and it so beautiful to watch.  I always knew Brandon was kind, sensitive and sweet, but he has always had a very hard time expressing how he feels. I am sure you understand why this card is so very special to me.

    Brandon’s gesture today demonstrates that it is never too late and we can never give up on our children!

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About the Author

  • amaliastarr
    • From: amaliastarr
    • Name: Amalia Starr
    • About Me: Mother, Motivational Speaker, Author, Transition and Independent Living Coach, and Founder of Autism Independence Project. As an independent living coach, Amalia specializes in empowering parents to move through one of the most difficult times: “letting go,” a time when their children are transitioning to adulthood. In her workshops she helps parents release their emotional blocks and walk through their fears in order to assist their children to reach their full potential and gain maximum independence. She knows about “letting go”: Amalia's youngest son, Brandon is thirty-nine years old. Brandon has autism, intractable epilepsy, and severe learning disorders. Amalia led her son to independence when the professionals deemed it impossible. Brandon has been living on his own for the past fifteen years. As a speaker, her authenticity and firsthand experiences are inspiring, informative, and filled with HOPE! Read Amalia's book, Raising Brandon.
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