It was this year I found my voice of reason, my purpose and my appreciation for this life I have. I started with learning how to say “no”. And understand “no” is a complete sentence, you don’t have to explain why you said it, it is just “no”. I had to set boundaries at work and at home with family and friends. And learned it is okay to take a few hours to do something for me guilt free.

We faced many challenges with Ralph’s behavior and I felt I lost my positivity, not my hope but my positivity.

For that brief moment, it felt like everything was normal; I had a typical kid doing typical things.

It was my meeting not theirs, it was my child not theirs, and who better to represent my child but me his mother.

But the question is when we fill up the cup of others who fills up ours? And at times why are we made to feel empty? So I wanted to write a post to talk about my truth’s as a wife, a mom and woman… here is my disclaimer it is honest and raw and my about my experiences! Don’t judge me just read.

“We design a program to fit a child, not make a child fit into a program.” Those words echoed in my mind. To confirm we were making the right decision, Ralph told us “goodbye” when the tour was over, because he didn’t want to leave

There is nothing like the support of your family and friends. One of the things I hold close to my heart is the love of family. Family is not just your parents, aunts, uncles or cousins, brothers or sisters; it's the community of people you surround yourself with that consists family,friends, and coworkers that encourage, support and adds value to your life. They are usually the ones encouraging you to do more, to be better and to never give up. They are there for you to rally with support in trouble times and be the arm that helps pick you up and help dust yourself off to try again.

Every mother deep down inside fears their child with autism will grow up lonely. You worry if society will love them back, treat him fairly, and make sure he is protected. Or if they will have at least one friend that gets it. "Get's it" meaning they will see past the labels of autism, the stigma and want to get know your child and develop a friendship.

We have built a beautiful life together, a beautiful family and a home filled with love. At times we get caught up with the hustle and bustle of our busy schedules for work and kids, and we tend to forget about each other.

I did not know how he would forever change my life, my heart, my goals, my outlook and faith.

I would like to reflect and give thanks to the Principal, the office staff and teachers at Rosaryville Elementary School. Rosaryville has been our home for two years and we have made friendships that will last a lifetime. It takes special people to work with these kids whether they are special needs or typical kids.

We ask ourselves this question daily as moms, we wear a "S" on your chest and capes on our backs.

I am no longer apologetic for my son with autism. I no longer apologize for his outburst or tantrums while standing in line at the grocery store or at a restaurant. I am not sorry he gets upset when the doctor is taking to long for us to be seen. I am not sorry that he learns differently from typical kids. I will not let what others believe to be normal behavior impact my life. The fact of the matter is, my life isn't normal.