It’s hard for me to believe it, but in just a few days, my sweet Casey will be 29! No, it doesn’t make me feel old at all, but it is a good time to think back to how far she has come.
When I took her for her first specialist visit, I was pretty sure we would be told she had autism, so it wasn’t much of a shock. This was in the early 90’s and autism wasn’t very well known at the time. My mom had read a book, shared it with me and we both knew autism was causing Casey’s problems.
The worse part of that first doctor visit was the book that the doctor recommended I read. He said it was one of the best available (remember, this was a long time ago!) and I bought it immediately. That was simply the scariest book I have ever read.
I read that she would probably never be potty-trained or be able to communicate in any meaningful way. I learned that I may have more children on the spectrum and that those children would always require total care.
I wish I could find the author of that book now. I would send him pictures of my kids as they run out to the shuttle for another day of work. I would send him videos of Casey singing in talent shows and of Rob laughing with friends. I would show him the amazing artwork they do and the way Rob builds with Legos.
I would show him how Casey can figure out what day of the week any date has fallen on. People love to ask her what day they were born on – even many, many years ago. I am sure it is a math equation – which makes me wonder how she can do that in her head, but struggles with simple math. (Actually, I know it’s because she loves dates and hates math! )
Only those who knew Casey as a little girl realize just how far she has come. Snow days are no longer reasons to scream the day away. Sensory issues don’t cause as much pain, as we have learned how to help her – and she has matured enough to be able to ask for help.
So in a few days, we’ll celebrate the birth of this amazing young woman with Cookie Monster cupcakes, ice cream and presents and as I watch her blow out the candles, I’ll be thinking of the little girl who tried for years, but simply couldn’t get close enough to the candles to blow them out. I’ll remember the tears we all shed on her 9th birthday when she was finally able to do it!
Keep us in mind on your tough days. Your little ones will have terrible days, but with your love and support, you’ll be celebrating little joys, too!
Keep smiling and laughing!
Jen