Did you know this about autism? #5
My Doug’s birthday is April 1st
Oh, Doug was a beautiful child. We would get stopped by strangers on the street who would comment about Doug’s long eyelashes and wonderful smile. He hardly ever cried as a baby. Doug’s demands on new parents were slight.
But then Doug didn’t babble. He was late in meeting all of the developmental milestones. He didn’t interact with people. He didn’t respond to mobiles or toys or my voice. He didn’t talk.
Autism is not fun, or cheap, or joyful in it’s content and style. The word autism is not something any parent wants to say outloud. Autism is never thought of as parents enter the delivery room nor is it a part of their plan for life’s journey. But when I look back on the past 38 years of Doug’s life, I see a baby, cuddled in my arms. I see a boy enjoying weeds as I place them in my crystal vase. I see a teen experiencing many of the same feelings that overwhelm his peers as well. Today, I see a man: working, searching, learning, talking to friends and family, finding his way in life just as all of us do.
I don’t ponder the fact that Doug was born on April Fool’s Day. I find that it brings smiles to the corners of my mouth, not because of the obvious connection with the day but the smiles are because I’m sooooo proud of Doug’s accomplishments and privileged to have learned from him.
I wrote this poem thinking that I was going to write an epic one in length and complexity. The poem, “I Never Told My Son He Couldn’t Dance,” was short and simple and honest. I spoke of Doug’s life and of my thoughts as well. I want to share this poem with you today on the eve of Doug’s birthday.
I never told my son he couldn’t dance.
I never thought he didn’t have a chance.
I never told my son he might not read.
I only sought to plant the seed.
I never showed my son a star
That, I felt, was way too far.
I never taught my son to fly,
But I gave him wings on which to try.
I never questioned God’s intent.
I only hoped my time well spent.
We never know what life will bring.
I only know that I must sing.
I never told my son he couldn’t dance.
That is why he had a chance.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Today, at 38 years of age, Doug dances his way through life with vitality and composure. He graduated from Chaparral High School, Las Vegas, NV in 1991 with a class rank of 72 out of 475. He attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas where he was a drummer with the Star of Nevada Marching Band. Doug works at one of the major resorts on the Las Vegas Strip as a linen runner in one of the top ten spas in the world.
Doug drives his blue Cavalier, lives in our home, loves his two dogs and his family. The dance he does is perhaps a bit more awkward than some peoples. It may be slower and more rigid. But as Doug dances to life, my eyes shine with pride and my heart beats to the rhythm of his movements.
Happy Birthday, Doug.
You are loved.
Tags: ASD, Autism, disability, Education, Parenting, Speech/Language Therapy
