Dear Autism Dads,
I see you …
I see you helping your son learn a new word in speech therapy …
I see you at 3am laying with him until he falls back asleep …
I see you attending the IEP meetings and listening intently as they talk about strengths and goals …
I see you leaving work early when you get the call from school that he is having a hard day …
I see you working double shifts to pay for extra therapies that insurance doesn’t pay for …
I see you helping your son in the bathroom because he still needs assistance with daily living skills …
I see you helping your son swing the bat during his Miracle League game and then proudly run next to him to first base …
I see you holding your son as he has a meltdown and you try to comfort him and keep him safe …
I see you hugging your spouse or partner and whispering in their ear that everything is going to be ok …
I also see you hurting …
I see you holding back the tears on the hard days …
I see you feeling alone …
Quiet …
I see you wondering …
Not really knowing if any other dad can relate to you …
I see you feeling …
Defeated …
Worried …
Scared …
Invisible …
But you know what I REALLY see???
YOU.
An amazing dad who is there for his child through EVERYTHING …
The good,
the bad,
the ugly …
and everything in between!
I see a dad who NEVER gives up.
A dad who is in the trenches and fighting the good fight with us …
A dad who would do absolutely anything to provide for his family and make sure his child has everything they need to succeed in life.
I see a dad who is …
Strong …
Encouraging …
Uplifting …
Brave …
THANK YOU for being an active part of your child’s life …
For setting examples of how to be a good man …
A good dad …
Thank you for all that you do day in and day out …
It does not go unnoticed …
And You are NOT invisible …
You are DADDY …
And that means everything in his eyes!
I am so incredibly proud of you …
Your son is proud of you …
And you should be too.
Love,
An Autism Mom Who sees YOU
Subscribe to MyLifeSuckers Newsletter to get new posts in your inbox.
Christina is a dedicated wife, mother of three, and passionate advocate for people impacted by disabilities. She has coordinated events to fund research, supports and service dogs for families. She has served on local committees, coached an adaptive cheerleading team, and won awards for successful fundraising endeavors including those for “Team Bubba,” honoring her son with autism. She is the founder of Love, Hope and Autism and is proud to be the coordinator for Changing Spaces Pennsylvania, a movement to build accessible restrooms with powered height adjustable adult sized changing tables across communities to promote inclusion. She is working with state legislators to pass a bill in Pennsylvania that would require such facilities in hospitals, airports, museums, rest stops, malls and more. She also works as a Family Support and Community Engagement Specialist at Achieving True Self, supporting families like hers. She is a two-time best selling coauthor, most recently including “You Are Not Alone: Stories, Resources and Hope From Autism Moms;” a book that is filled with inspiring stories, helpful resources, and ultimately hope for families to let them know that they are not alone in their journey. Christina is committed to spreading a message of heightened awareness and acceptance of differences, ultimately inspiring hope. Follow Christina on her Blog, Facebook, and buy her Book!
Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash
