While considering blog topics this week, I first thought about going into what stimming is (look for it in a later post). However, I kept getting drawn to all the lessons learned as well as my personal growth in parenting an autistic daughter.
How the struggles, the unknowns, the impossibilities have changed me for the better. How hearing she will never talk, to her saying, “momma I love you,” has shaped me. How this life has brought me to my knees only to then, lift me up to feel on top of the world.
This is Addy’s journey, and we are just along for the ride, but so far, I have learned more about life and myself than ever before. Listed below are the top five lessons Addy has taught me.
Autism is not a death sentence. She’s neither strange nor wrong and perhaps, she views us as crazy for not seeing the world as she does.
The world is filled with assholes. Some will never understand, sympathize nor treat her kindly but that’s life! Except it and move on.
My way of thinking is not the end-all, be-all. This may make some laugh; but I caught myself in the trap of thinking the way I process situations is the only way. I was sorely mistaken as we all have our own perspectives, journeys, and obstacles we must face.
Everyone has issues both big and small. And some would trade their problems for yours in a heartbeat.
Even at our lowest moments, there is always a reason we are there. We may not see it at the time, or ever, but there is reason…a lesson to be learned!
Having an autistic daughter scares me, challenges me while at the same time inspires me to look beyond my perception of normal. It has opened my eyes to see what is possible, even when someone tells you it’s not. The only person who decides what is possible is oneself.
Much love,
Raising Addy
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