Autism Lives Here: Father’s Day Edition

Autism Lives Here: A Sunday ritual.

Pictures that give a glimpse into our life with autism.  Pictures that may show how distinctly different our lives are from yours because of autism.  Or pictures that may show how similar our lives are regardless of autism.

Today’s picture:

fathersday

 

I think everyone can agree that it takes a special person to be a loving stepparent.  And I think it takes an even more awesome person to be a loving and caring stepparent to children with special needs.

This road isn’t easy.  It’s not a road my children or I chose, it was given to us.  However, my husband did choose it.  He could see through the IEPs, the struggles, the countless specialist appointments, the tears, the bathroom issues, the self-injurious behaviors, the public displays of tantrumming.  He could see through it all and see how beautiful and amazing my boys are.  And he decided to take it on.

And he’s taken it on with such ease, as if it’s second nature to him.  I love my husband for many, many reasons.  But nothing makes my heart skip more than those moments I catch of him just being a Dad.  When I see that Corbin has slipped his hand into Colin’s while they are walking.  When I notice that Brian has chosen to cuddle in with him over me.  When I catch Colin reading a new book about autism.  When I peek in and see Colin developing a hands-on lesson plan to help Corbin learn something he’s finding tricky.  When Colin squeezes my hand and stands by my side when I’m fighting for what’s best for my our children.

There are a few things that have happened in my life that have taught me to never take the truly great things for granted.   And Colin is one of those great things.  I will never take for granted what it is to have a man by my side who loves, cherishes, accepts, and believes in Corbin and Brian.

Happy Father’s Day Colin!  We love you!

 

Heather Nelson

About Heather Nelson

Heather resides in Rockland where she is busy juggling life as a newlywed, a mom to two boys (one of which who has autism), a part time job in direct sales, and a full-time job as a pediatric occupational therapy assistant. She has a love for live music, karaoke, and cheering on the underdogs.