Autism first touched my life in 2005. My beautiful son Rocco was born in October of 2004. With golden blond curls and brilliant blue eyes, he looked like an advertisement for baby food. He was healthy and happy, but as he grew we noticed that didn’t smile like other babies and he wasn’t walking or talking.
The first time a doctor mentioned ‘Autism’ to me; it felt like a cold, swift blow to the stomach. I sat in the doctor’s office, holding my cherubic son and thought, she must be wrong. Not my child.
Time went on, and it became undeniable. Autism was going to be a part of our life, whether we wanted it or not. We had to gently let go of those hopes and dreams that every parent has. Our aspirations for things like college football, getting married, having children, all painfully, slowly drifted away. And in their wake, left our hearts broken.
But, in their place, we discovered a simple joy in what he could do. Because he had to fight to accomplish that which comes easy to other children, his achievements were that much sweeter. I will never forget the moment he uttered ‘Cup Mama’, gesturing to his cup. I was bursting with pride; speech did not come easy to him. He worked so determinedly for those two words.
The most amazing thing about my son; is that he is pure in every way. He has a hard time even grasping the concept of lying. His unadulterated love for others, his lack of guile and inability to be deceptive is something the rest of us should all aspire to. And because his hugs are a little fewer and farther in between, they are the sweetest hugs I know.
He is in middle school now, and he is moving from a campus with only special needs children, to a regular campus in a special needs class. For years, he has worked tirelessly for this accomplishment. And come the first day of school, I know that my sense of pride and joy will be without compare.
Redwood City, CA
