Because of You: Celebrating Autism Awareness

My Boys,

Because of you, I will always know that the month of April is Autism Awareness Month. We don’t just celebrate the start of Spring, but recognize what makes you uniquely YOU.

Because of you, our family life is a little bit more crazy. We aren’t able to travel like a lot of families, but our little vacations we do take are fantastic.

Because of you, your siblings are stretched in so many ways. But, they have learned to be the most compassionate and empathetic brothers and sisters you could have.

Because of you, we have learned that there are millions of ways to say, “I Love You.” And, it isn’t always with words, but in the songs we sing, the love routines, and the smiles you give us when you get home from school.

Because of you, we get to see details in this great world that we are too busy to see. You point them out with ceaseless wonder, even if it is the same KFC we have driven by every weekend or the defibrillator at church.

Because of you, we know the names of the most common types of construction vehicles and how they work. Who knew there were so many?

Because of you, we have learned that a simple smile will make you happy, and just sitting next to you on the couch is all you need to be calm.

Because of you, we get to meet so many families just as unique as our own.

Because of you, certain foods are always stocked in our house: ice cream sandwiches, Babybel cheese, and cheese slices.

Because of you, our friends and family are learning about Autism. They are learning Autism isn’t as scary as it sounds, and despite all the challenges you face, a person with Autism can still experience joy…even if it is in a simple smile or couch cuddle.