Perseverance. ..Hunter's Award

When you are given an Autism diagnosis for your once neurotypical child,  your world is turned upside down. You research for hours on end, hypothesize about what went wrong,  join support groups,  and seek the best medical and therapeutic services possible.  

The one thing you aren't given is a handbook of acceptance. Throughout this journey, we have prayed long and hard for others to see Hunter for who he truly us....a simply amazing child who is attempting to navigate through a typical world with atypical social anxiety.  

Today, his class voted him as student of the quarter for "Perseverance."  His teacher told me some of the kindest things his peers had said about him; how he endures frequent hospital procedures for his autoimmune disorder, how he never gives up even if he is having a hard day, and how he is smart and helps others in the class.  

These children have been given a gift by their parents and their amazing classroom teacher and school staff.  They have learned how to accept others for their differences,  and how to turn weaknesses into strengths.  He has had his fair share of tough days, and he wouldn't have persevered without so many warriors in his life. 

We were able to watch Hunter walk to the principal, accept his ribbon,  and stand amongst a line of children- and with the exception of an occasional hand over his ears to soften the excitement of the students, you wouldn't have known he was any different- and you also wouldn't have known just how far he has come since diagnosis day.  

We were given a challenge, and there are days when we fight so hard just not to give up.  When we see children like those in his class, the whole student body who instinctively knew to clap quietly, teachers and friends who sent pictures and sweet notes after the assembly--

we know that this fight will never be lost with our village behind us.

Some have asked why I have chosen to be so open about our journey.  I went through the stages of grief, and I found the greatest healing when I could help others going through similar experiences.  If we can save one child or family from the difficulties that an Autism diagnosis can bring, then we have done our job.

Thank you to all who have believed in him, all who have taken care of our other children when he needs our attention, our friends and family who have been cheerleaders since we first got to work....you have helped us more than you will ever know.  

#bethedifference
#notjust1in45