Me Too

I have to say that I am overwhelmed – simply overwhelmed – by everyone.  It’s been a rough couple of weeks, full of high-highs and low-lows.  We've encountered the good, the bad, and the ugly, both from Jack's personal struggles and from the world at large.  

Yet, the thing that strikes me is the ability of this community to step up and say “Me too!”

There have been moments when I felt very much alone.  I see what he can do in therapy and I see what he struggles with outside of those controlled settings.  The fact that so many stepped up to say “I hear you.  I feel this pain.  I know your struggles.” has simply filled my heart.

It’s difficult at times.  Jack has issues that not all kids on the spectrum struggle with as much, which makes life isolating when those issues are what comes to the forefront.  To hear someone else say “This challenge is mine, too.” is so affirming.  It reminds me that none of us are ever alone.  There is always someone out there with the same challenges.  You just have to find them.

There have been moments when the injustices of a world that doesn’t seem to fully understand my boy have been too much for me.  The simple things, like getting worksheets sent home blank when my boy didn’t participate in coloring, have been difficult.  To have someone say “You can own this pain and it’s okay to step back.  It’s okay to step back and not take the blows.” is so validating.

I'm not one for calling people out, but I want you to know that this gratitude is both for someone specific and no one specific.  Each and every one of you who reads this, who follows our journey, and who shares one step (or more) of this journey is deserving of my utmost gratitude.

And so, for that validation, for that affirmation, for the camaraderie and sense of community, I thank you all.