It’s hard for me to believe it, but in just a few days, my sweet Casey will be 29! No, it doesn’t make me feel old at all, but it is a good time to think back to how far she has come.
When I took her for her first specialist visit, I was pretty sure we would be told she had autism, so it wasn’t much of a shock. This was in the early 90’s and autism wasn’t very well known at the time. My mom had read a book, shared it with me and we both knew autism was causing Casey’s problems.
The worse part of that first doctor visit was the book that the doctor recommended I read. He said it was one of the best available (remember, this was a long time ago!) and I bought it immediately. That was simply the scariest book I have ever read.
I read that she would probably never be potty-trained or be able to communicate in any meaningful way. I learned that I may have more children on the spectrum and that those children would always require total care.
I wish I could find the author of that book now. I would send him pictures of my kids as they run out to the shuttle for another day of work. I would send him videos of Casey singing in talent shows and of Rob laughing with friends. I would show him the amazing artwork they do and the way Rob builds with Legos.
I would show him how Casey can figure out what day of the week any date has fallen on. People love to ask her what day they were born on – even many, many years ago. I am sure it is a math equation – which makes me wonder how she can do that in her head, but struggles with simple math. (Actually, I know it’s because she loves dates and hates math! )
Only those who knew Casey as a little girl realize just how far she has come. Snow days are no longer reasons to scream the day away. Sensory issues don’t cause as much pain, as we have learned how to help her – and she has matured enough to be able to ask for help.
So in a few days, we’ll celebrate the birth of this amazing young woman with Cookie Monster cupcakes, ice cream and presents and as I watch her blow out the candles, I’ll be thinking of the little girl who tried for years, but simply couldn’t get close enough to the candles to blow them out. I’ll remember the tears we all shed on her 9th birthday when she was finally able to do it!
Keep us in mind on your tough days. Your little ones will have terrible days, but with your love and support, you’ll be celebrating little joys, too!
Keep smiling and laughing!
Jen
Oh heavens Jen you made me cry reading that story, and yes you know you have two amazing children not children anymore, yes they have come so far and you most definitely proved that book wrong,,,, you’re a wonderful mother…… I always enjoyed working with Casey and Rob….
Hi Deana, Casey and Rob loved it when you were able to be with them! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
Jen, you sure know how to make us all cry!! Tears of Joy n Memories to look back on with our own children n grandchildren who have come so so many miles!! Thanks for sharing Jen!! Give Casey a Hug from our family 🎂❤️
Hi Sonja, Apparently, I made several people cry and that wasn’t my intention. 🙂 Just wanted to point out that doctors/books don’t know your child – and that everyone keeps growing and changing! She is excited about tomorrow! 🙂
Jen that has just brought back some memories for us also. When they told us Brandon was autistic. We knew he had some delays but didn’t know what it was. They told us he would never be able to do anything , live in a group home and all sorts of things that scared us to death. I told them not as long as Rick and I were alive. You were a really big help to us, thank you for all you have done my friend. Those people would never know Brandon today.
Hi Lillie! I was thinking of Brandon and Rob walking down the halls of Warsaw school together the other day! I loved how they leaned on each other when they needed to! And, no, Brandon’s doctor wouldn’t know him at all. I’m so proud of him – you and Rick have done an amazing job with him! You have helped me so much, too. Just knowing someone was there to talk to (someone who really knew what this journey is like!) always made me feel better. 🙂
Jen, wow! She is incredible but so are you! Enjoyed reading this, thanks for sharing. Happy Birthday to Casey! Keep on writing!
Thank you, Terry! Get ready for more. 🙂