Mother’s Day

Oh, what an interesting Mother’s Day this will be.

Normally, there is a lot of pageantry surrounding Mother’s Day in this house, as I consider it to be a high holiday. In years past there have been scavenger hunts conducted by my youngest, and homemade cards galore. There is always at least one meal I don’t have to cook (yay!), a few gifts, and a general air that I am queen for a day. My youngest and I usually go to church, followed up by a family trip to Great Adventure. Top that off with a visit from Grandma to celebrate, and Mother’s Day has always been a special event chez McCafferty.

This year, of course, will be different.

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Hopefully the not cooking one meal will stand (a girl must have her dreams). My youngest is now way too old for scavenger hunts, and Great Adventure along with everything else in the world is closed.

If there is a Grandma sighting, it will be with her masked and waving from the driveway.

No, Mother’s Day won’t resemble anything like our usual celebrations.

But cherish it I will.

Seventeen years ago this month my beautiful son Justin made me a mom. I hoped for healthy and happy, and secretly wished he’d love to read and go to the beach as much as I do.

For short periods, he likes to do both.

I can tell you that almost none of what I envisioned for his life trajectory has come to pass, nor will happen. I envisioned playdates and driver’s licenses. Prom, college, and maybe grandkids before I was ancient.

The truth is, absolutely none of this is going to happen.

I won’t tell you it doesn’t matter. But what I will tell you is that my boy and I have been able to forge an unbreakable bond of love and trust I wouldn’t trade for the world. He has taught me patience and tenacity in spades. I love him to the moon and back.

Thirteen years ago my incredible son Zach completed our family. He has taught me to look at the world in unique ways, to perservere, and to love Marvel movies with all my heart. My youngest will have more of a “traditional” life, whatever form that takes.

And I can’t wait to see what form that takes.

The truth is, I have many roles in this world, but the one of mom has been my calling. I couldn’t ask for better sons.

I will fight for your happiness with my last breath.

I will always be your champion and ally.

I love you both so much.

Thank you for making me a mom!

For more on my family visit my blog at autismmommytherapist.wordpress.com

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