Several weeks ago I had the good fortune to travel to Disney (which, in keeping with today’s theme, I was very grateful to do.) On our way down I sat next to my severely autistic son who gently rocked his way to Florida (I swear he helped with the momentum,) who behaved beautifully throughout the entire flight and put all my fears to shame.
Since I was able to relax (!) on the plane I got to thinking about how grateful I am for my two autistic boys, both for the joy they bring me and my husband and for the way they’ve stretched our thinking about so many things in our lives.
Here are my top ten reasons for gratitude this Thanksgiving. My wish is that you and yours have a wonderful holiday as well!
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I am grateful for Justin’s incandescent smile when all is right in his world.
I am grateful for Zach’s passion to help others.
I am grateful every day for how hard Justin works to communicate with the world.
I am grateful for the way Zach introduces Justin to friends as his “brother with autism” like it’s no big deal.
I am grateful that Justin shatters stereotypes about autism every day.
I am grateful for the friends I’ve made in the autism community whom I would not have known if my boys were not autistic.
I am grateful that even at twelve Justin still fits in my lap for his bedtime story each night.
I am grateful for Zach’s unique world view.
I am grateful for the way Justin makes me slow down and live in the moment
I am grateful for the boundless affection the boys show one another.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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