PLEASE, PLEASE READ THIS AND PASS IT ON!!!! It's from the Autism Speaks blog...
Posted: 24 Oct 2012 09:23 AM PDT
This blog post is by Janet Amorello. Her son Sam has autism and she writes about her experiences on her blog, Blending with Autism.
I sat near a young mother recently. Though I didn’t mean to, I found
myself listening to her conversation. Clearly delighted by her child,
she extolled his brilliance and charm. At the risk of bragging, she
admitted her son was well beyond all his peers. He may even have leapt a
tall building in a single bound, though I am not positive she said
that. I am certain in the ensuing weeks he’s learned twelve languages.
Or more.
I couldn’t help but smile at the little cherub nearby who sat
blissfully unaware of his great prowless. That mother’s delight in her
child made me smile too. I hope he is every bit as brilliant she thinks.
I hope he can perform magical feats. One day he may hold our collective
futures in his hands. I'd be foolish to hope otherwise.
I have a favor to ask of you, mother of the perfect child.
I ask you instill in your child a compassionate heart as well as an
open and inquisitive mind. Teach him to be patient and kind and to
fearlessly pursue all that is right. Bless him with acceptance of all
people regardless of origin and ability. Show him how to appreciate
their achievements no matter how small. Help him develop an eye for
beauty in even the smallest of things. Stress the importance of giving
back as much as he takes. Share with him the value of a smile.
Teach him to treasure each living creature and to value every life. Let
him know it is ok to make a mistake and honorable to admit and learn
from it. Help him to understand he won’t become more by making another
less. Teach him to resist judging what he doesn’t understand and perhaps
even what he does. Let him know he is no better – or worse – than
anyone else.
Teach him to use his gifts wisely. Whether his accomplishments are
grand or small, provide him with the tools to leave our world a better
place. A place where your son and my son might one day peacefully
co-exist. Maybe even be friends. You can show him the way, mother of the
perfect child. I know you can.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Sam's mom
Sam's mom
