I’m Thankful For You: My Husband’s Aunt and Uncle
(Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Carmen and is part of Cooper’s, ‘I’m Thankful For You’ Campaign.)
I’m honoring my husband’s Aunt Sandra and Uncle Harry. I am thankful to them for simply loving my children from the beginning.
Aunt Sandra and Uncle Harry have taught me to have faith in humanity again. They love my children unconditionally, no matter what, and have never known my kids are on the spectrum, because we ourselves didn’t know for a good while. Sounds simple enough to love children, but it hasn’t been because of my kids’ behavioral problems due to high functioning autism (my son, 7) and Aspergers (my daughter, 11).
We have four children, 11, 9, 7, 6. Two are autistic and two are nuerotypical. My autistic son Michael has always been labeled defiant, bratty, bad listener, slow, and difficult. My Aspbergers daughter Hanna, is labeled quiet, withdrawn, unfriendly, rude, poor listener.
My NT (nuerotypical) kids are easy to connect with. Friendly and happy and everyone just loves them. Its unfair that only NT kids receive love and support in our area even from friends and family. But when we visit great Aunt Sandra and great Uncle Harry, each child is praised and accepted just for who they are. It’s always been that way. It’s the only place I feel like my kids’ challenges aren’t an issue. The kids all feel loved, not just two of them.. They all are asked questions about their lives and when two don’t answer or act out Aunt Sandra ALWAYS provides a reason, ‘he’ll talk when he’s ready’ with a wink. ‘It’s not a big deal to break a lamp – they’re kids!’ With a smile.
My kids have even worn out grandma and grandpas patience and understanding. They spend zero to little time with them. But my husbands aunt and uncle truly define what it means to be kind and loving to everyone. What a gift. I want to note, they are in their 70s and are in a demographic that has been the least patient or able to understand this plight, this hardship on me and my husband. They come from a place of love and that transcends generations.
Thank you Aunt Sandra and Uncle Harry. You have taught me to have faith in humanity again. I hope to be a fraction of the good for someone else, as you have been to us.
Blessings to every one of you reading this. If you have family support or not this holiday season; you are in my heart and prayers.
Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
