"It must be so hard."
"You have an extra hard job."
"It takes a special person."
"G-d doesn't give us more then we can handle."
When I hear these comments, I know they are meant with love and respect. I know this.
But they can be said about any mother. Not just me.
I can say the same comments to the Mom's out there that are potty training their toddlers. Or the ones who have extra, super, outgoing kids. Or those who have kids who might be a little more shy then others. Those dealing with newborns or teenagers. Mothers of all kinds.
My friend Jody used to say, "Every kid has something." Ours happens to be Autism.
Autism is a part of our lives, yes. But so is work, music, exercise, laughter, love, back pain, families that live far away, food, and more.
I'm Jonathan's Mom. And yes, when we received an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis over three years ago, I was very sad. But Mike and I both have unconsciously decided to roll with it. Not let it define us. Jonathan has taught me to be a flexible Mom. To not expect anything, and enjoy every little thing. To laugh at all the funny things. To stop and smell the roses. To listen with open ears and love with an open heart. To understand that everyone has something that makes them different. He is my greatest gift, one that give back to me everyday.
And I know I'm not alone in how I feel about being a Mother.
Just like Autism does not define my son, it does not define me.
<3 <3 <3
