Last year, on World Autism Awareness Day, I shared some of our story here on the blog.
I wrote about my son, Max.
Max is four years old. He’s got a killer smile, great hair, and a love for singing and acting silly. He wears Superman shirts almost every day and loves to watch things blow in the wind. He has the best laugh I’ve ever heard.
Max also has Autism. He was diagnosed a year and a half ago…and saying those words was still very new and difficult at the time I shared my post with you all.
But writing that post was a turning point for me. It was therapeutic…cathartic even…and while the tears flowed non stop while I was writing it, and even more so when I read all of your beautiful comments of support and love, I knew I needed to get those words out and share them.
I needed to put them out there. I needed that release.
And an amazing thing happened as I relived some of the dark days leading up to our diagnosis.
I realized just how far we had come.
I realized all the tiny miracles. The big wins.
And I haven’t stopped.
I know our experience with Autism is uniquely our own, that our situation might not compare to those of another family’s. But I can tell you this, in our life on the spectrum, nothing goes uncelebrated.
And there is so much beauty in that.
It could be as simple as some unprompted eye contact, a new word, or my kids sitting next to each other and playing for a few minutes…or as big as a successful family outing or hearing Max say “Mommy – look!” for the first time (and every time since).
All of it means so much.
And as Max gets older, there are many more of these miracles and wins. This past year has been full of them.
We took our first family vacation in years.
It was only four days, but there was a time when I didn’t know if we would ever go on a vacation again…Max does not do well in new places and often asks to go home after just an hour or two of being somewhere.
But we went. And it was exhausting and amazing.
In the fall, Max started preschool. Finding the right school was no easy task – it literally consumed my life at this time last year. As far as the spectrum of Autism goes, Max is sort of right in the middle for most things. So a classroom for kids with a lot of needs isn’t quite appropriate, and yet a classroom of typical peers wasn’t going to do it, either.
Thankfully, we found an inclusion classroom and fought like hell found a way to get him on the roster and it’s going really well. We are hoping to keep him there again next year.
And language. Oh the beautiful language. The beautiful, nonstop, momma-just-needs-a-minute-to-collect-her-thoughts- so-can-you-be-quiet language.
You guys, Max talks my ear off. All. Day. Long.
Sometimes I actually forget that there was a time I could count his words on one hand. There was a time where I was so grateful for the few signs he knew. The sign for need help was literally life changing.
We are still working conversations and answering questions, but Max can ask for what he wants and comment on things – it’s yummy, it’s windy, it’s funny, I want a cookie, not that cookie, the other cookie!…oh and my favorite- Where’s Mommy?
I will never get tired of hearing that.
Even when I just want 5 second of alone time (hello…I am in the bathroom, thanks)…I hear that boy say “Where’s Mommy” and I die a little.
It’s all so amazing.
Through the hard work, the daily struggles, the uncertainty about the future, the doctors appointments and tough decisions, there are all these gifts.
And for that, I am forever thankful.
Thank you for once again allowing me to interrupt this space and share what’s in my heart. And for those of you who know and love Max, we are so grateful for our village. Our friends and family who love Max for who he is…no awkwardness or explanations needed…you are our everything.
April is Autism Awareness month, so feel free to share. To read more of our story, check out this post from last year’s Autism Awareness Day.
More updates on our story:
ruth bonney says
Remember that each day is “The first day of the rest of your life”! God has special plans for both of you .Hang on & God will bless you abundantly.
Nancylynn says
Thank you so much, Ruth!
Lauten says
So beautifully written, you continually inspire me. Keep up the amazinng work momma, your family is beautiful.
Nancylynn says
Thank you, my friend. Let’s get together soon. <3
Brooke says
My sweet Parker has autism and severe apraxia. I can so relate!
Nancylynn says
Aww…hugs to you and Parker! We need to stick together for our sweet kiddos. <3
Tracey Giambertone says
You are such an amazing mother and overall beautiful human being. Max has experienced so much positive growth and is continuing to learn and grow in many wonderful ways. It’s all due to your determination, love and neverending committment. Thank you for sharing your story. Max is truly blessed to have you as his mommy. I am blessed to have you in my life. Love youuuuuu! Love Max and your beautiful family. ? ?
Nancylynn says
This comment made me tear up…I love you so much, too! <3
Stephanie says
Just perfect, my friend! I love you!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Nancylynn says
Love you, too <3
Jessica says
Thank you for sharing your story and telling us about life with Max. I had to comment and just let you know how strong and amazing you are…your kiddos are lucky to have you.
I know when my 3 year old questions where I am during a quick bathroom break, it makes my heart happy so I can only imagine how it must make you feel!
I’d personally love to hear more stories about Max, especially this month (if you’d be willing to share)!
Nancylynn says
Thank you, Jessica…you have no idea how much your support and kindness means to me! <3
Rachael says
Life is truly tragic and beautiful at the same time. Max is precious. Thank you for sharing your story, thank you for the recipes and work you do. You’re changing lives every day. Your sons, families, friends, and random blog readers. God bless you and your beautiful family.
RN
Nancylynn says
Thank you, Rachael…your support and kindness means the world to me! <3
Joan Staples says
Hi Nancylynn! I have not seen your blog or posts until this one. Such a beautifully shared story of your family’s path. So happy that you have been able to take all of your talents down a road that works for you and your life! I am very happy for you! And Mac’s story of progress sounds an amazing testament to you!
Nancylynn says
Thank you, Joan…your kind words mean so much. I hope you are doing well!
Debbie says
I am fairly new to your blog, having ONLY enjoyed your food-work! So I was not aware of all that encompasses what is your life. What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
And sharing pics! What beautiful children. And what a beautiful Momma! So you have all these things going on in your life, and you are FIT & STRONG!!! What a life lesson for us! Thank you, Nancylynn. -db
Nancylynn says
Thank you, Debbie…I feel lucky to have such wonderful readers who let me share my life…and support me through it all! Many thanks and much love.
Michelle Campellone says
❤️❤️❤️ Love this NL!!! I’m blessed to have worked with you and continue to see your family grow. I’m happy you found another path for you to share your passion of teaching; teaching us to love real food and know that it’s not that hard to do. For your inspiration and realism that life happens and tomorrow is a new day. Thank you for opening your family and heart to all of us. ❤️ you!! ~Michelle
Nancylynn says
Thank you, Michelle! I am so thankful for our group and for staying in touch with friends like you all these years. Love you. <3