Tender Mama, Forever Father. I know how nervous you are to begin this new school year. I know because I was you. I know because I am you. The days are still warm and bright, but the sun shines a little differently now. The air is tinged with change as summer comes to a close. […]
I was in a hotel gym recently, running on the treadmill. I struck up a conversation with the guy next to me. He was in town touring a college for his son. “He is very smart,” he remarked casually as he fiddled with his laces. “Like really smart.” Sometimes comments like this mean nothing to […]
Once upon a time, a baby boy was born. In a small apartment in Brooklyn, New York, people came to welcome the infant. A young man named Anthony. A 16-year old girl named Adua. Carefully, they smiled at one another across the room. Two years later, they were married. They had six kids. Their six […]
Don’t mind me. I’m just a mom, sitting in a minivan, crying behind my sunglasses. I have a son about your age. His name is Jack. He has autism. A few days ago we dropped him off at a college program. This program is geared for kids like Jack, who need extra support for daily […]
“If this doesn’t work out, you’ll just find another program!” “Actually,” I said, “There really aren’t any other programs for him.” “Of course there are!” “No,” I told her, “There aren’t.” “Well, I’m sure you’ll find something.” Standing next to this lovely woman with a small plate in my hand, I felt something wash over […]
My oldest son. My firstborn child. The first in our family. I am counting on you. Of course I am. How could it be any other way? It isn’t fair. I know. I used to think life was fair. Then autism came on the scene in the shape of a 9-pound, 3-ounce baby boy named […]
To my son with autism, For the last eighteen years, I’ve made your bed. In the beginning, I smoothed striped crib sheets around a tiny mattress. Then there was the Thomas the Train quilt, followed by a pillowcase printed with license plates. Now, a blue and red plaid comforter. I make your bed instead of […]
The teenage boy stood from his seat and climbed the steps to the stage. Dressed in khaki pants and a plaid shirt, he shook hands easily—with confidence. He stood tall. Watching him, my heart swelled with pride for who he is, and who he may become. At the exact same moment, my mind flashed to […]
Dear Jack, For as long as I can remember, I wanted a crystal ball to see into your future. Once you walked, I wanted you to run. When you said your first word, I wished for a sentence. When you were in second grade, I worried about fourth grade. And today, I watched you wear […]
Is he high functioning? People often ask me this. It usually comes on the heels of my original offering—the offering of my son’s autism diagnosis, all baby bird in my upturned palm. I understand the question. I understand the desire to find footing upon the slippery bell curve. I understand because I do it all […]