Time

This picture was taken in April 2017 only 3 short months after we received Stalen’s autism diagnosis.

When I look at myself in this picture I can tell we were in the thick of it. In the midst of hard and processing his diagnosis, while not knowing what that would mean for Stalen, his future or our family.

Change is hard. Unknown change is scary.

But, I also see a little boy who is happy and smiling. A little boy who loves life and loves being next to his Mom.

I see a Mom who loves her son and is trying hard even if she doesn’t know exactly what she’s doing.

Today, he’s still that same little boy and I’m still that same Mom. The only difference is that we are a better version of ourselves.

Time has passed and while there is still unknowns about the future we are no longer scared.

The last few years have shown us that our boy is strong, smart and capable. He has made so much progress and is consistently crushing the goals we set for him.

Time allows for experiences, celebrations and struggles, learning, acquisition of new skills and the strengthening of existing bonds.

Time makes us better.

It allows us to grow into the people we were destined to become.

Time allows for us to get stronger as we weather storms, but it also allows us to increase our stocks of hope and faith.

Time allows us to bask in the sunshine and see the rainbow of joy after an intense downpour.

We are now at a place of understanding, acceptance and embracing autism. We know and understand more about autism and Stalen continues to teach us every day.

I’m excited to see how we continue to evolve, adapt and overcome into the future.