?

I’m not really sure where to begin. I was going to write today’s article about my new found love of Kombucha – a fermented tea that is rich in antioxidants and probiotics. But instead I want to talk about some moms and dads out there that are really inspirational. These are the parents that have been working around the clock, day in and day out, for years trying to improve the life of their autistic child. I am amazed by the perseverance these parents show; the sheer dedication and determination. I often wonder if I have that same mettle. We have been working since Matthew was born to help him be better and to recover from all of the obstacles that life has thrown at him. I remember taking him to doctor after doctor when he was just a few weeks old. I mean, we had to take him to his regular pediatrician every other day for a week because his bilirubin levels were too high. But even beyond that, we took him to a pediatric GI when he was only a month old. He was seen by therapists and specialists (endrocrinolgists and neurologists) and he was poked for blood draws at a very young age. It was, and is, tough. It is so hard to know that there is something wrong with your child and you can’t fix it. You really, really want fix it.

But we have been extremely fortunate. God has blessed us and we are making great stides towards recovery. Matthew is so close to normal now. It is amazing to watch. Just today he was putting a mask on his face and being a seal. This kind of play was unheard of even six months ago. My little boy would not have allowed a mask to be placed over his face, and even if he did, he would have no idea what it meant or what he was supposed to be. But today he asked for the mask, he made “Arf, arf, arf” sounds and clapped his hands. He was a seal! That is such a huge step in the right direction. I keep getting glimpses of the child he will become. It drives us on. It keeps Larry and I focused and moving in the right direction.

But I wonder about those families that do not have such drastic progress. What keeps them going? I have a friend whose child is much more afflicted by Autism than Matthew. I had a chance to meet her child and it broke my heart. I wonder what will be the longterm out look for this child. I wonder how my friend and her husband can move forward; how they can keep looking for the “light at the end of the tunnel”.

I know that we as a society tend to celebrate fame and fortune, and we only cast a passing glance at those people that truly show heroic courage and determination. You can ask anyone you pass on the street who their hero is and I’m sure most will name a sports figure, actor or politician. But how many would say their neighbor who works tirelessly to recover her autistic child? Or the man who takes care of his aging wife? These are truly the unsung heroes, but these are also the people I know I draw my courage from.

Next post I promise to talk about something light and effervescent – Kombucha. But today I want to leave you with this – look at the unsung heroes in your life and for today sing their praise. I know I will!