My Boy, Anything is Possible

My Dearest Boy,

We've walked quite the road, you and I.  Your dad and brothers have been there every step of the way too. It all began when you and your twin brother were born three months too early.  The future was so unknown back then.  The challenges and hills to climb seemed insurmountable. But you and your brother both rose above every challenge you faced.  

As you grew it was clear that your needs were greater than your brothers'. Your dad and I had no idea what was going on, but we began asking questions and asking for help.  It's so incredibly hard to ask for help when you don't know what kind of help you need.  

When you were diagnosed with autism at age 4, it rocked our world.  We had no idea what an autism diagnosis meant and those unknowns were again in front of us.  But, along the road we found some amazing people who helped us see what could be.  

An autism diagnosis doesn't mean we love you any differently.  No, your dad and I have loved you fiercely from the moment we met you. But the fact is that you've had to fight for everything you've achieved since you were born.  You've amazed us every step of the way.  

At times the road we've walked turned into a rollercoaster.  We've rode the highs and held tight to one another when we plunged head first into the lows. There have been twists and turns along the way too.  Some we could see coming, others came out of nowhere.  But through it all we knew we had each other. 

Our bond is special, my love.  A bond not everyone can understand.  A bond that not everyone will experience in their lifetime.  We are the lucky ones, you and I.  I am your person.  Something I never knew was a thing before I knew autism.  You rely on me a little more than most kids rely on their moms.  

But, sweet boy, you are so much more than autism.  You have the biggest heart, bigger than anyone else I know.  You show those you love every chance you get.  You're smart.  You remember everything and you notice way more than people realize.  You see the world differently and you've helped me, your dad and brothers see the world differently too.  

You know how to have fun and you're hard working.  Out of anyone, you would know what it is to be hard working.  You've reached goals that have been hard to meet.  You've reached goals most kids don't need to meet.  You don't give up either.  That in itself is beyond admirable.  

Last week you reached a huge goal we've been working on for so long.  You went on your first trip on an airplane.  You and me, we left for a few days and didn't look back.  My love, you amazed me the entire time.  This trip was an emotional one all on its own.  But then you went ahead and knocked it out of the park.  You exceeded any expectations I had before we left.  You stepped out into an unknown world, a scary one at that, and did better than some adults.  

My boy, anything is possible.  And you were the one to show me that.  You taught me to never give up.  I'll never forget that.

I'll love you always, Charlie.

Love,
Mom