This Life of Autism
Dear Chloe Elizabeth,
From the time I was old enough to dream about what I wanted to be when I “grew up,” I dreamt about being a mommy.
A year after your Daddy and I married, we knew that starting our family was going to harder than what people made it seem. After two years of fertility treatments, many doctors appointments, medications, needles, tears, and prayers we stopped trying.
We were broken. Mentally, physically, financially, and spiritually.
A few months later the desire we had for a family was still there and God was placing open doors in our path that would eventually lead us to you.
In January of 2017, your Daddy and I began our classes to become foster parents, we had no idea where this life would take us but oh how wonderful this journey has been.
On June 30, 2017 we received a placement call about a little girl who needed an adoptive placement. We said yes blindly.
Without reservation we jumped in feet first, trusting that God had given us the perfect child and the perfect time.
On August 4, 2017 we picked you up and brought you home.
Still not knowing fully what life we have willfully chose for ourselves. Only God could prepare me and your Daddy to be the parents that you deserve and need.
Our lives that were once filled with spontaneous trips to the mountains, late night dinner and movies are now filled with timers, schedules, charts, therapist, therapies, and a lot of laughter and love.
This life of autism that we are living is one that we wouldn’t trade for all the money in the world Chloe Girl.
You teach us something new every day.
We promise to be your advocate in this dark intolerant world. We promise to always push you to be your best. Your voice when you can’t find the words. Your best friend when others just don’t understand.
We promise to love and protect your pure heart for all of our days.
Thank you Chloe Elizabeth for making my dream come true.
Forever and always,
Your Momma
Written by, Shelby Pace
My name is Shelby. I am 25 years old, I work with special needs children, and my husband and I are in the process of adopting this special spunky seven year old girl Chloe, who happens to have high functioning autism. We are learning daily about autism and couldn’t imagine our life without her! Shelby shares her story on her blog, The Blessing in No.
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