Now That I Know You (Autism)

Now That I Know You (Autism)

When we learned that you were autistic
And this problem had a name,
Our lives became a bit different
And never would be the same.

This was not a discipline problem
Or something we could will away.
This was the way life would be
This was to be our every day.

A bit of time has passed now
And we have learned so much from you.
We never take for granted
Any accomplishment we see you do.

We have learned to disregard the stares
Of those who do not understand,
And the remarks that strangers make
Who seem to think things are out of hand.

We have to learn to think a bit like you
And try our best to get into your mind.
We've learned how to be firm with you
And yet not seem to be unkind.

We have learned exactly what love must be-
The kind of love that exits unconditionally,
And not to judge people on how they look,
And not trust everything you read in a book.

Not every one reacts the same to every trial
And God sends us a miracle in every child.
No matter what the problem or disability
Each one is a breathing blessing for us to see.

I've loved that touch of a little hand
That asks for help in walking or to stand,
And prayed that each glance upward of a little face
Would be an invitation to a cuddle or embrace.

I've learned that being excluded from a little
one's thoughts
And feeling left out of his world can cause such pain.
But with God's help we can keep on trying
And praise Him for every bit of progress that we gain.

If by some miracle you could leave the problem behind
And be completely whole without a hint of that disease
Oh what a blessing it would be
And how this miracle would please.

But it would be for you that I would welcome it with open arms
Not because of anything that I might have gone through,
For even though my life has been different from this plight
Because of who you are, I've learned so much from you.
Thena



From "Our Special Kids" by Thena Smith

For Those in Pain (Autism)
 
Just a little note to say
God sent me to you today
With a loving little note
And also a hug or two
To let you know that He is here
And how much He loves you.
He knows your heart is hurting
For He sees inside
He knows the sleepless nights you've had
And about the tears you've cried.
We do not understand the "why"
And wonder at the "how come"
As we look at the miracle
Of your precious little one.
Wrap this little one in love
And treasure them each day
For they are a treasure
That God has sent your way.
There will be times of trial
When you wonder what you should do
But know that at the end of the day
God will have seen you through.
Rejoice in each milestone reached
By the little one in your care
And know that those who love you
This excitement of yours will share.
For each moment of realization,
Each completed and learned task
And each precious word spoken
Brings rejoicing to a mother's loving heart
That is hurting but not broken.
Thena

That described what it's been like so well, I cried a little. We've kind of kept friends at arms length, because we knew they couldn't possibly understand. So we kind of live in our own little protective bubble. And to know that someone out there, like you, can reach out with your work like that is such a blessing. Thank you Thena. By the way, I would have never mentioned my son on this website until I read your beautiful words.

Thank you for sharing that with me Lora. I took how much I love my daughter and put myself in my friend's place knowing she loves her son and one has a grandson with the same fierce love. I have listened to my friends rejoice at the newest accomplishment and heard them worry about difficulties. I always wish I could fix it for them but I can't. So I pray that God gives them the strength and wisdom they and their doctors, etc. need.

Don't keep your friends at arms length. Those who love you want to be there for you. Forgive us when we stumble and are clumsy at first as we stumble for the right things to say but give us time and let us share your trials and your smallest miracles with you.

I have friends with children with various disabilities and one precious memory of mine is of a little love with Downs, pulling my face to his so he could see me better and then hugging me and saying "Thena!" He is an adult now and lives far away. God healed the hole in his heart and he is a treasure!

I think I will take your advice and give it a try. There are a couple of friends who I think I could trust.
Your story about the Downs child is so endearing. I can see why you treasure it. I've met Downs children before. They are such a delight. They are so uninhibited, it's refreshing to be around them.

Remember sometimes we say the "wrong things" at first because we haven't been in the exact situation and aren't sure what will bless you and what might hurt you.

I have been around my friends long enough that I can ask them to share with me what they need folks to do to be helpful.

Just breathe a little prayer
Before you share
And God will each heart prepare.