Challenge or triumph

This is for all the parents who are going through challenges.

Each day is either a challenge or triumph. No 2 days are same. No 2 kids are the same. Each challenge is unique.

Finding out your kid is on the spectrum is unexplainable. You blame, you curse, you feel anger and pain. But know this you are blessed.

At times amidst your challenges you may not see this blessing and may feel alone, even isolated. You begin to see the world differently. People differently.

You will remove yourself or avoid social situations which would make you feel uncomfortable. This is normal. You anticipate the worst outcome for everything. Have faith.

Its difficult for others to understand the conflicts we as parents face. The emotional demons we fight.

All I can say is this, for me, those demons are shattered when I see my son succeed. When he is triumphant, I feel triumphant. His success is my success. Every step towards growth he makes is an achievement to me.

Remember this dear parent, you have not failed. Your kid will only thrive with your unconditional love and support.

And no matter what challenges you face today, their ultimate success will bring you joy and those challenges will seem trivial.

Faith in something greater than ourselves enables us to do what we have said we’ll do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to keep going when the challenge seems overwhelming and the course is entirely uncertain.

Grateful

So April 2 was International Autism Awareness Day and in celebration thereof The Autism Association of Western Cape invited us to attend an outing to the Two Oceans Aquarium. What a day!

These ladies are truly amazing and I am glad that I have had the privilege to be a part of their wonderful organization.

I am truly blessed to have them to guide me and support me through the challenges faced. This besides all my family and friends who offer support and love. And last but by no means the people who follow my blog who motivate me and whom I inspire.

The day I viewed as a huge success. These kids got the opportunity to explore uninhibited with no judgement. This to a place most parents of autistic kids avoid. Yet it is such a great place for them to learn.

I got to see and experience various kids on the spectrum. Each child as unique as the next. Allowing me to see that we all face different challenges each also as unique as the next.

My little one of course loved every minute of his outing. The sitting and watching the motions of the fishes swimming in their tanks had some what of a calming effect on him. I am sure he could have sat there for hours.

Be grateful for your challenges, what may seem huge to you is truly small in comparison to that of the next person. This has been shown to me time and time again.