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.

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.