Now be on your way....

February 14^th 2003 is a day that is forever etched in my mind. The doctors sat across the table from us and explained to us that our son has a neurological brain disorder, Autism. They have no cure, no real suggestions, they don't know if he will ever speak or be able to live alone and function in society. Thats it.... Here's your diagnosis now be on your way and try to live your lives the best way you know how.

Be on your way....And try to figure out how to communicate with this child that does not speak.

Be on your way.....And try to find a school that will make a difference and embrace and engage your child and teach them in a way they can understand.

Be on your way....And try to find funding for therapy since insurance companies wont cover anything.

Be on your way....And try to learn what IEP's are, What ABA is, What GF/CF means and how to do it properly.

Be on your way...And learn how to deal with the meltdowns and the rage when something triggers them even if you don't always know what those triggers are....

Be on your way.....And learn how to begin the process on grieving because in a way it is a loss.

Be on your way.....And begin the most important part after the grieving process, the healing part, the part where you accept that this is your life now, this is the child you love to no end, this is the child you would move heaven and earth for and that is what you do. You do everything in your power you make a difference in that child's life. You be their voice, You advocate for them because they cannot, and realize that if you don't nobody else will. You be the best, most patient understanding parent you know how to be. Most importantly you need to realize That god gives special kids to special people and that its your job to love them unconditionally and keep them safe.

Now be on your way....

Nicole Lannyk