I have been an autism mom for 27 years now and there have been times of despair, anger, and hopelessness throughout the parenting process. There have also been those mountaintop experiences that have kept me going! HOPE for autism moms is critical for ourselves, our child’s and our family’s welfare.
I have been praying and teaching my daughter Kylie that other people are important and although she views herself as a “lone wolf” (her words) her behavior and words affect other people. The golden rule Mathew 7:12, which she has easily memorized, that teaches her to treat others the way she wants to be treated had no meaning to her…until a month ago!!! After years of preaching, showing, modeling, praying and a meaningful discussion about the topic with Grandma, she was finally on board. I have watched her daily ask her siblings how they are doing, what are they interested in, and greet them every time they enter the house!!!
This morning while I was having my quiet time with God, I observed her asking her brother if he had college today and telling him she hoped he had a good day!!! I started to cry and was overcome with thankfulness to my Savior who does things in His own time and gives HOPE to the hopeless. I must confess I had lost hope of Kylie ever caring about anyone in our family. I never, ever thought this would happen! It is not only a part of her life now but a part of her life on a daily basis!!!
Without HOPE for autism moms, it is hard to face the future. Because progress and growth often happen at a snail’s pace in children with autism, it is quite frankly easy to lose hope from time to time.
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me;
he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!
Psalm 57:1-3
Who is your HOPE in?
When I get off track and find myself despairing it is usually because I have put my faith and hope in something besides God. Any progress my daughter makes is ultimately the fulfillment of God’s power at work in her life. The result of many hours of prayer on my daughter’s behalf. My HOPE is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness!
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YOUR TURN…
What area of your Autism mom’s life have you lost HOPE for?
Blessings,
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Nice post! Thank you.
I am so thankful you liked it!