The next day, the battle I was in continued. There I was again asking someone to stand up for my son. Asking someone to do what is right. Asking for compassion. I was having to battle for these things. Believe me, I do not want to constantly be in a battle. Thankfully, I’m not. I choose them for the most part and sometimes the battle chooses me. This particular battle chose me. I won’t go into the details of this one. But, I will say, compassion won. Thank God.
Later Thursday, I was spent and preparing for a special rehearsal with our contemporary worship band and our traditional Bell choir- Bel Canto. That night we had an amazing rehearsal preparing beautiful arrangements of contemporary worship music. I loved every second and it was very therapeutic for me after the day I had. By Friday I checked back in with my blog post from Wednesday. I was overwhelmed by the responses. I’ve received so many encouraging comments, emails, texts and messages and Moustapha and I just want to say “thank you” to each and every one of you.
Being honest is an important step in life. For us, we’re honest about this because we’re in this together and we need the love and support of others to make it work. And, we’re not ashamed. All of us have ‘stuff’ we deal with. Some of it privately, and some of it can be more public if it helps others. We feel like this is one of those areas where, if we’re honest about our experience, it may help others who are just beginning to question whether or not their child is on the spectrum.
I will share more stories about how Bakri was diagnosed, how we came to accept it and how amazing he is doing now in the near future. But, for today we want to simply say THANK YOU!
You are a super star mom. A rock star mom inmy personal opinion. Things are going to be hard. You will have good days and bad days. You will have days when you can handle all the stress and you will have days when you fall apart. You will have more days when you succeed and fewer days when you don't. When you are having a bad day don't dwell on it…learn from it. Don't beat yourself up when things don't go as planned. We are all human and we have limits. We have days when we breakdown and that is ok. Make sure to take time out for you…it's so important. A little time away keeps you sane. Hold your head high despite looks from other parents. Turn it around on them and use it as an opportunity for to promote autism education. Each year we participate in the autism walk. I walk for no one in particular…but next y year I will dedicate the walk to your son and your family. Hang in there. ANN
In my opinion, compassion would be warranted if the same compassion were shown for those that went the extra mile for your son in the first place. While I feel for your son, do you think the people owing him the compassion didn't do everything they could for him?
Dear Anonymous AOL user,My son has had many people particularly teachers, family and church family go the extra mile for him and compassion has been shown to all of those who have been compassionate and to those who haven't been. The truth is, we don't believe in treating others how they treat us, but hope to treat them how we want to be treated. To show compassion even when it isn't received. The reason I don't share about the details about this particular day is out of compassion. It's not about the hardship, but trying to be compassionate in those moments. And, being thankful for the compassion that has been given back to us.
Ann, your support and encouragement mean so much to all of us. Love to you and yours. -Bekah