The "A" Word

I snapped this of Derek and Ella Grace after the committee meeting at the Capitol on Tuesday while we were on our way to the car. They were walking in front of me and I could not pass up the opportunity. I thought it was SO sweet.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. I have been thinking a lot this week how autism is a word I really don't like but it is in my daily vocabulary.

I know I have written about this subject SO much. If you would like to read Evan's story, you can go here. Autism is not our lives but it is a part of it. Every year I find we are doing SO much better with managing autism, especially emotionally on my part. No one expects something like autism to happen to "their" child. I know I never expected it. I think all parents who get any type of diagnosis of any special need for their child go through a whole grieving process. The life you dreamed of and the life you dreamed for your child is not to be. It all changes in one moment. It doesn't mean the dream is not as wonderful and blessed...it's just different than what you thought it was going to be. Believe me, I have been in the throes of despair (I still can go there some days), but for the most part, I am filled with hope for the future. We are so blessed, and I don't take for granted that we truly have it much easier for the most part than a lot families. Every day things like going to the movies or the grocery store can be torment for kids. with autism. There are so many that would not have been able to enjoy the trip to the water park we took over Spring Break because the entire experience would be just too overwhelming. Evan is able to do SO much. I am thankful for so many things, but the simple things like being able to have fun, play, laugh, run and jump are things I am thankful for daily. Being in the special needs world definitely has put a lot of things in perspective for me. There is ALWAYS something in which to be thankful for!

Our State Capitol

Isn't it amazing to look back and see how your life has unfolded and that it has been God's plan all along? It's amazing and bizarre to me that I have come from the depression of an autism diagnosis to being able to share so freely even on this blog about Evan's story and our journey. I would not have been able to do this even two years ago. Plus, I would have NEVER ever thought I would have been at the state Capitol talking about this very issue. It has taken a LONG time to get to this point, but by the grace of God we have made it this far, Evan is doing well, and I am now hoping that our story can some how help....even it if is just a little encouragement.

Derek and Ella Grace in the rotunda of the Capitol this week.
EG was SO incredibly good during the session. She sat so quietly for an hour! Such a trooper.

Tuesday I went to the Capitol to testify. I only got teary once (a little better than last time). The committee voted to pass Senate Bill 913, and it is on its way to the Senate floor. This bill is an insurance reform bill that will require insurance companies to cover autism spectrum disorder treatments. I'm not going to go into it now, but it would shock you to know how some children with autism can't get the help they need because it is not covered under insurance. To be a parent that can't help their child has to be the worst feeling in the world. I am praying this bill will pass through the House and our Governor will approve it as well. This will give so many children struggling with autism the best chance in life. Since it passed this committee, I'll be out there again this Friday, doing the same little speech. I am NOT a speaker! (In fact, the only thing I remember from my college speech class is the leg wrestling matches we had. Now, wasn't that good use of my parents' money? Ha!) I just go in there as a mom telling my son's story from the heart. I told Derek that I can't believe the one thing that scares me more than anything (public speaking) that I have now done three times! Ha!

I just thank you all from the bottom of my heart for encouraging me. Several of you tell me you pray for me and/or Evan every single day, and I can't tell you what that means to me. I remember when I started my blog I had decided not to write about autism. I wanted this blog to be an outlet for me and a place where I wasn't thinking about it. Well, last April during Autism Awareness Month, I decided to go ahead and share about Evan's autism. I am so glad I did! You guys have been so encouraging to me and blessed my heart. You all have been a rock for me, and I have felt your prayers every time I have gotten ready to do this little speech. Thank you!

If you think about it today, would please say a prayer for all the children out there with an autism spectrum disorder and also those who struggle with any type of special need and also their parents? Thank you!

They were handing this flyer out at the Capitol. The statistics on the front are SO scary...1 in 93 boys in Arkansas are diagnosed with autism!!! SO scary. I was surprised to see a familiar little face on the flyer. Do you recognize the little mug third down on the far right? :)