Just want to let everyone know that April 2 is Autism Awareness day. Being an educator for 10 years has given me the opportunity to work with some really sweet children who are afflicted with this disorder. I've always felt a certain kind of awe when working with these children, to see how their minds work. And the amount of respect I have for the parents for advocating for their children is huge. But I never knew that autism would touch my family in such a close way. This past November, my brother's 3 year old son was diagnosed with autism. While we had an idea that this diagnosis was going to happen, it still didn't blunt the blow. I know that my brother and his precious wife (who stays at home with him) have a lot to learn and a lot of work ahead of them. Fortunately, they have a good plan in place and we have seen some great progress. I will always hold close to my heart of a certain memory from this past summer- we were visiting my parent's in Kyle. We- being all the adults- were hanging out in the kitchen and we heard our kids start to get rowdy in one of the living rooms. My mom asked me to get them to calm down -"Before someone gets hurt!"- so she says. (I just think all the noise makes her nervous-ha!) So I go into the living room where the laughing and screaming was coming from and I saw the most beautiful sight ever. My nephew was actually playing with my son! I mean, wrestling and falling down all over each other. Then he started mimic-ing (sp?) Diego. I started to tear up and I just let them play and chase each other around. I had never EVER seen my nephew relate to another child like that before. My mom came into the room to see why the noise was still going on and I told her to stop b/c they were playing and I didn't want to see it end. I pray the they find a cause for autism and that there continues to be huge advances in treatment. I pray that my brother and his wife will be able to stay strong through the tough days and that their other son understands this disorder better. Wear blue this Friday in honor of Autism Awareness Day!!!!
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