10 Comments

  1. Mary Beth Danielson
    February 26, 2018 @ 12:08 pm

    “t wasn’t supposed to be like this. And yet, here we are.” In seminary, in the doctrines class, this was pretty much the working definition of forgiveness. Here we are. Love. Keep moving. This is a moving essay, that you wrote. Thank you.

    Reply

  2. Kim black
    February 26, 2018 @ 1:49 pm

    Hope!

    My husband and I were talking about this Saturday. We were talking about how our goals and desires are so different at ages 45 & 49 compared to what we wanted even ten years ago. We want this and that, but realistically, it won’t happen. I asked him at what age we lost hope.

    Then we had a conversation with our kids that evening. Our daughter said “that is never gonna happen”. I laughed and looked at my husband and said 24, 24 is the age you lose hope!

    And while I know my story is not what you meant, I too share your desire for hope that our future, our country, our people will be different, better. But I find myself resigning my hope to despair and fear that we will never see true security, safety or peace again.

    Kim

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  3. Molly
    February 26, 2018 @ 1:53 pm

    Perfect.

    Reply

    • NF
      February 26, 2018 @ 10:39 pm

      This really is perfect, therapeutic, validating, and gives a glimmer of hope. Thank you for writing this blog post!

      Reply

  4. GP
    February 26, 2018 @ 7:06 pm

    It is often hard for individuals on the spectrum to show and express empathy, but usually that does not mean empathy is lacking.

    We have tried to foster and strengthen empathy skills through “thinking out loud” (stating how somebody must be feeling and conjecturing as to why they might feel a certain way), volunteering at an animal shelter or a soup kitchen or helping out other charities. We also read lots of books together (books in which the main character had to overcome certain obstacles to achieve a certain goal and I tend to stop and explain at important points). We also watch movies and TV shows that may help foster empathy. Above all, we always look for signs of empathy and give lots of praise.

    There are a lot of books out there on how to foster empathy skills, and they help, as does modeling mindfulness and lots of practice with volunteer work and helping others.

    Reply

  5. Shellyne Harris
    February 26, 2018 @ 8:28 pm

    So, soo beautiful!!! Praying for you guys and sweet, sweet Jack!!! So cute how he makes brownies. I love this!!!!!!

    Reply

  6. Jill Hawkins
    February 27, 2018 @ 12:04 am

    Beautiful and courageous. Thank you!

    Reply

  7. Joanna Fisher
    February 28, 2018 @ 8:58 am

    Enlightening on the process of autism. I have a grandson who is not autistic but has learning issues, lack of empathy, on and on, but the worst is the sensory processing disorder. He has worn the same shorts and sweatshirt everyday for months. Plays baseball on a special team and will only wear crocs, no shoes that tie. Much frustration for his Mom.

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  8. Kathleen Janessa
    March 2, 2018 @ 3:04 pm

    As the grandmother of an almost 10 yr old beautiful boy on the spectrum, I am left speechless by the way you write and encapsulate all ups, downs, instead and outs of a child on the spectrum. You have a gift for putting into words what other frustrated parents feel. For my daughter and her family, each day is a challange because they never know how the day will start. Some good, others like a trainwreck. All days present challenges in some way. I pray for Mom, Dad and brother every single day for strength and perseverance on this journey called life with a specials needs son/brother.

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  9. Elva
    March 5, 2018 @ 9:53 am

    Thank you for sharing your experience with your beautiful son and autism .
    You are not alone, your story is my story too. I have a 5 year old daughter on the autism spectrum ,and I have the same challenges every day.

    God bless you and your son ,and give you courage to keep going as far as you can. ❤️

    Reply

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