...proud, grateful, full up

Autism:  "Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears 

during the first three years of life and is the result of 

neurological disorder that affects the normal functionings

of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction 

and communication skills.  

Both children and adults with autism show difficulties in 

verbal and non-verbal communication, 

social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

This is the definition given by the Autism Society of America.

I can relate to much of that definition...

however, I have been the witness to a child 

who has not let his diagnosis hold him back.  

And who has learned to rise above 

some of these "disabilities."
(and...I am FOREVER grateful to the teachers
and aides who have helped along the way)

On Friday, June 3, 2011 by sweet son Chandler 

graduated 8th grade in a class of well over 300 students. 

Watching him happily accept his diploma...
smiling, interacting with fellow classmates

 was beyond amazing for me.


The fact that he made honor roll...
was beyond amazing to me.

He was amongst many children who have gone to school

with him since he was 5 years old.  

This chapter closed for him that night as he 

will be going on to a high school where many of

these students won't be attending.  


He was able to express his sadness and gratitude...

which made my heart swell that he could

 so accurately depict these emotions he was experiencing.  

(THAT is a big deal for someone who is

diagnosed with autism)

I am not certain what part of that evening was

my favorite....
from putting his very first tie on him,

 to watching him receive his diploma, 
to seeing his great grandma

snuggle up on him full of love and pride.

I have never been one to like labels or putting
a box around things...


i think we all are simply who we are...


individuals...
unique, beautiful,
wondrous souls...
each having our very own quirks,
our very own strengths, 
our very own weaknesses...


each of us defying odds, changing definitions...
setting examples.


my heart is full up with my beautiful boy's
accomplishments...i look forward to the next
chapter in his life...
the new challenges, the new victories...


the story continues.


thank you for listening.


ox
kolleen

....gratitude images (days 20 and 21)

i missed a day of images so am making up for lost time!!!

yesterday i was grateful for silly 

picture taking with my oldest mackenzie

and today for great conversations with my Chandler.

i learn from him every single day how

to be more patient and how all of us are

different...and how he tells me "our brains

are different mom."

if you have time...please check out my

post from friday. 

i strongly feel there is SO MUCH POWER

in the sharing of our stories.

i feel it can be so healing for the writer 

and for the reader.

if you feel moved to share your story,

please email me at: kolleenharrison@mail.com

i will be starting a 6 week "im better for it" series 

beginning friday, nov. 26.

i am hopeful it will give courage

to many to deal in order to heal!

 and remember...

if your story can help one person,

it will be worth telling!!

ox

kolleen