No more “T” word–Changing my tag line

A photo I saw on Facebook

Today I was reflecting on my blog, and it’s title.  I decided to change the tag line.

I admit that when I wrote the first tag line, “It’s not all tragedy, there’s humor and hope,” I was being somewhat sarcastic.  I roll my eyes now when I hear autism described in such dark terms.  When my son was first diagnosed, I was pretty much told that my life was over.  How wrong they were!

I decided that since I’ve started to see autism as a difference, and sometimes as a different culture / way of being,  why mention the “t” word? Granted, it took me a while to get to this place, as I mentioned in my first post.  I still do research in to causes, theories, treatments, but no longer at the expense of forgetting that my children are people, not problems. Yes, I did that once.  But no more!

My sons show me such courage when I see them embrace their individuality.  I have learned so much from them, not only about uniqueness and acceptance, but about myself as well.

A friend posted this on her blog, Another Piece of the Puzzle. I think it is a good thought for all of us as we begin the new year and continue our journeys:

Dare to be who you are, and learn to resign with good grace all that you are not and to believe in your own individuality.

I am  reminded to appreciate others for who they are, as unique individuals with a unique combo of gifts, talents, points of view, and abilities.

I pray for others to see all of my children as people who don’t need to be “fixed,” but as children, who have a bright future ahead of them.

I pray that my oldest son accepts himself as he is, and know that he is loved.

I pray that my middle guy will continue to be who he is, to be persistent and true to himself.

I pray that my little daughter knows that she is loved and important.

I pray that I would dare to be who I am, accept my limitations, and believe that I am the person God made me to be,  celebrating my uniqueness.

I think I’ll post this quote on my fridge.