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.

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

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.

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.