The New Normal

This month is Autism Awareness Month. 

We’ve overcome so much together as a family.  Noah’s overcome so much on his own.  I'm so proud of him, there are times I could burst.  

I find so much joy in this, but still, as his mom, there are times I still struggle too.  I really don’t even know why—maybe for the other moms who still struggle?  For the other families who still have so much to overcome?  For the other children who are more severe than Noah?  Thinking about everything we’ve come through, and everything Noah has been through in his 16 years just makes me emotional.

Our pastor was talking about expectations yesterday, and one thing he discussed in his message was the new normal. 

For so many, the new normal has such a wonderful meaning—a new path in life!  A new journey, a new school, a new home, a new career, a marriage, a baby.

For me, even hearing the words the new normal yesterday was a punch in the gut and a sob stuck in my throat. I literally doubled over in my seat.

“Your son has Asperger’s Syndrome.”

Seven years later, with so much behind us, and an incredibly bright future ahead of Noah, it still has this affect on me.

Our new normal.

It had been our normal for years, but now our normal had a name.  Finally?  Finally.  Was I relieved?  Confused?  Angry?  All of the above, and more. 

We had a name for it.  We could finally get proper help for our son.

So, yes.  This month is a special month, for special kiddos and their families.  It helps highlight the need for awareness and acceptance.  There is still so much work to be done. I’m one of the few parents who advocates research (in terms of education for those on the spectrum), acceptance and education for the public over cure.  

Noah is, and always has been exactly who God has created him to be.  The new normal, and all.

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*If you are interested in learning more about autism, you can click on the below links.*

https://www.autismspeaks.org

http://nationalautismassociation.org