Reflections

As Autism Awareness month comes to an end, I'm sitting here enjoying my thoughts in silence. Brett has left for school, and I don't have to wake Jordan for another 30 minutes. As my thoughts spin around in my brain at 100 miles an hour (as they usually do), I'm reminded that so many people in the world are still ridiculously clueless when it comes to Autism. And I'm reminded that at our house, Autism awareness is every day. We don't get a day off. Not even a minute. When I sit here in the mornings, sipping my one cup of coffee that I allow myself, I'm trying to plan out our day so Jordan doesn't have too much down time. He is much better when he is busy. Lucky for me, there's 6 loads of laundry for him to fold.

I reminisce about this past year. Last April, he started his treatment with Dr. Steve. In May, he started his treatment with Dr. D. In October, he started his treatment with Dr. S. With the help, support, patience, and knowledge of these men, Jordan is a completely different man. He is laughing. He is smiling. He is enjoying his life again. Last year, I shared this photo.

 

 

 



Today, I'm sharing these.

 

 

Isn't it amazing what can happen in a year? He has worked so hard. We have worked incredibly hard. And his team of doctors have been a constant support to me, in particular. Since life with Jordan has improved so much, we've been able to give Brett more of the attention he so desperately craves. Brett is a theater kid. If you see him, he is either singing or dancing. This year, he decided he wanted to audition for a solo in his high school's biggest musical production- Broadway Dinner. Over 75 kids tried out for a solo, and only 40 made it. Guess who made it? This guy.

 

He sang "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King on Broadway. I'm not saying this because I'm his mother, but he brought the house down. He nailed his performance, getting better after every show. His life goal is to play Timon on Broadway. I'd say he's well on his way. I caught this photo before opening night. And I wish I knew what he was thinking. I hope he was feeling proud. He is so talented, but it took this long for someone to finally give him a chance.

 

 

 

Or he's thinking "Damn, I look good." Either way, this past year has been amazing for these boys. I suppose I can't call them boys anymore. Jordan and Brett are two of the most incredible men I know. They teach me something new every day. Brett reminds me to "just enjoy the life" and Jordan has taught me patience and how to think outside the box. They have both reminded me that I need time for me during the day. Sometimes I get it, sometimes I don't. One of the most important things I have learned on this journey we call life...unconditional love. It's something I see in them daily. And I can honestly say that I don't know who I'd be without them.