Its AUTISM.
Last year, I was crying buckets of tears when my eldest son’s DevPed ( Developmental Pedia) officially confirmed his diagnosis of Autism. I was totally in-denial. How could that be possible? I was grieving. Parang feeling ko naglaho dreams ko for my kid. Napalitan ng worries at maraming tanong.
Questions like, Paano na future niya? Paano pag mawala na kaming parents niya? Paano sya papasok sa school? Magkakaroon kaya siya ng genuine friends? Baka may mang bully sa kanya, Magiging normal pa ba buhay namin? and many other concerns,
Parang sasabog utak ko kakaisip…
This year, I want to turn the tables. From being a “VICTIM” of circumstances, Now, I want to come out as a “VICTOR”
And VICTORS don’t run away from their challenges. They face them “HEAD ON”
No parent can afford to remain silent and do nothing if the QUALITY of their Kid’s life is put on the line. Hindi ako papayag na magiging depressed nalang ako palagi, and wala akong gagawin, NO WAY!
My son needs me. I have to be strong for him. I have to be an advocate for him.
After months, I finally came to terms with my son’s diagnosis. I prayed, sabi ko, “ Okay , God, TANGGAP ko na po na may Autism son ko. What should I do next? I can’t do this alone. Sabi ko pa, “Lord, will You create more Autism awareness and let everyone know na Autism is really not something to be dreaded about? And that it is not a disability, but a different ability? Para pag laki ng anak ko, hindi na siya majujudgeor mabubully, kasi marami na nakakaalam sa condition nila. – That was my daily prayer – walang palya, every night I’d pray that.
And then, I got the Lord’s answer. I felt God talking to me, parang sabi Ni God sa akin.” Okay, Let’s do it. Let’s create more Autism awareness. Let’s start with you. Be an advocate”
Whoooooooah!!! I didn’t see that coming.
When I received that message,parang gusto ko bawiin yung first prayer ko. I tried na makipag bargain pa kay Lord. “Pwede po bang huwag ako. NAHIHIYA po ako, and I think I’m not yet ready to announce to the world na may autism yung son ko. Iba nalang pong tao gamitin Niyo to create Autism awareness, please? Sabi ko pa, “Lord can I just SILENTLY fight and win this battle na lang? Pwede po bang teach me na lang what I must do , and provide the resources and people who can teach me to manage my Ausome kid the best way possible?
And I got this STRONG CONVICTION. Bigla akong Na-GUILTY. As in , Guilt to the highest level. I was praying for more autism awareness sa society, pero ako mismo, hindi ko pa kayang i-OPEN up sa ibang tao yung diagnosis ng kid ko? – When that’s the first and most important step ?- to COME OUT IN THE OPEN?
So I’m putting all my PRIDE down and mustering all my COURAGE in posting this message sa Facebook.
Honestly, kinakapalan ko lang mukha ko posting this messagem kasi I am willing to do anything for my kid. ANYTHING for my children. HINDI na ako MAHIHIYA, at lalong HINDI ko naman sila IKINAKAHIYA.
I felt the need to build a community of AUsome and AUmazing parents who bring out the best in each other, encourage one another, and IN TURN, bring out the best in their AUsome children.
I am really confident na if WE , ( Parents of Autistic kids) join forces, we will feel more EMPOWERED, and we can give MORE SUPPORT to our kids. I believe that with our FULL SUPPORT, our kids chances of growing successful and independent are HIGH, and they can go VERY FAR.
,
Let’s do this together.
Anything for our kids
From a NOW PROUD AUsome Mommy,
AUmazing Mommy Jane
