We had a lot of hopes and dreams for our happily ever after when we said “I do” almost 16 years ago. We were young, and in love, but we found out pretty quickly that this marriage thing didn’t come easily. We had the stress of both starting careers at the same time; yours in law … Continue reading We Make the Best Team
Author: Austins Autism
I'm Heather. Wife to my police officer husband, and stay at home mom to 3 amazing kids; including one special little guy who is on the autism spectrum. These are my thoughts on faith, family, and our journey with autism.
You are Seven
Sweet Austin, I can see the evidence that you are growing up. The chubby face and legs are stretching out and becoming leaner, longer. When I pick you up your legs hang down way too far and it's beginning to look silly. The toddler and preschool years slipped by so quickly, and now you're seven. … Continue reading You are Seven
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The Hardest Thing
(This blog was originally written in December 0f 2019. Since I wrote it, we have dealt with another episode of elopement where Austin slipped under a gap in a fence and was gone for 20 minutes before being found by law enforcement) It feels like one of the least understood, least discussed behaviors in autism … Continue reading The Hardest Thing
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Awesome Austin
"He's just like any other boy". I was making sure Austin didn't follow someone through our gate the other day and this comment was made. It's not the first time this has been said to me, and I know it's said with the intention to make me feel better and reassure me that Austin isn't … Continue reading Awesome Austin
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The Little Things
When Austin was first diagnosed I had so many people tell me that with autism, the little things would become the big things. They told me that I would learn to celebrate every minor achievement. I didn't find this comforting or encouraging at the time. It kind of frustrated me, to be honest. I didn't … Continue reading The Little Things
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I’m Thankful for You
To my precious first born, I've been thinking for several days about the one person who I could write about and thank for being a blessing to our family. We are incredibly blessed, because I could write for weeks about our family, friends, church, and the amazing teachers and therapists who work with Austin, all … Continue reading I’m Thankful for You
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Eloping
. Webster's defines eloping as running away with a lover. If you continue reading past that first definition, though, you will come to the second definition. Number two says that eloping means to "slip away: ESCAPE". That last word, ESCAPE, is the word that consumes my days and nights. It worries me more than any … Continue reading Eloping
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What Autism is to Me
It’s almost April, and the world will be lighting up blue for autism awareness.I saw posts about autism before I had Austin. I saw friends changing their porch lights. I saw it, but I really couldn’t relate. I hadn’t experienced autism.Autism was something other people’s kids had. Fast forward a few years, and our lives … Continue reading What Autism is to Me
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Our Support on This Autism Journey
Today has been rough. Mike and I are both feeling down. Overwhelmed with our situation. Exhausted from not sleeping. Drained from the screaming. Autism has flipped our world upside down and we’re struggling. Sometimes we just need to be sad and grieve. Other times it helps to focus on the things that we have and … Continue reading Our Support on This Autism Journey
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I Found My Voice By Being His
I had to find my voice as a parent in a way I had not previously, after having our son, Austin. Very reserved, quiet and shy by nature, I am not a person who is outspoken about anything. But being quiet was no longer a choice when I was given the gift of my beautiful … Continue reading I Found My Voice By Being His
