Wake Up Call

So as most of you know, Courtney is Autistic. She is a high functioning autistic and does pretty well. Because she is who she is, I have joined a lot of groups and list serves that deal with issues that arise with these types of children.

I had thought I read everything but today took the cake. A mom actually posted that when her child was diagnosed she never read the report from the doctor. She listened to what he said, but never read the detailed report. Today she read it and was SURPRISED to find out that it was not all gloom and doom.

Surprised.

I guess what has me all up in arms is that she took what the doctor said and buried her head in the sand. If I knew this person I would drive over to her house and take her by the shoulders and shake some sense into the woman. He is her child. That alone should make her read every doctor’s report, ask every question and then re-ask them until she understands.

I have been there where the room is spinning and you think this isn’t what I signed up for when I decided to have a kid. But Scott and decided long ago it was our job to push the envelope.

My mom told me once that if I have high expectations for Courtney, she will meet them, but also if I have low expectations, she will meet those too. I think that applies to all parents of all kids everywhere.

My sister in law once told me we are our child’s biggest cheerleaders and only defenders. That is probably the most honest thing that has ever been said to me.

So for those of you who can’t get out of bed today – I understand. However, there is a kid on the other side of that door who needs to you to get up and greet the day with a smile (even a forced one) and tell the world this is my kid and they deserve to have a good day.

Pretty soon, that smile won’t be forced.