To all the parents with tales to tell
Of sensory overload and meltdowns, as well;
Of doctor appointments and weekly Speech and OT,
Of working with teachers and too many IEP’s;
Of outings that didn’t go as planned,
Of feeling overwhelmed and worried and really needing a hand;
Of late nights searching the internet in vain,
Of tear-stained cheeks and deep emotional pain;
Of wishing someone would search for you,
Because when he went into his world, you went in, too.
To all these parents, hear what they say
Without the words that get in the way.
See the love in his eyes and the joy in his smile.
Feel the “I love you” when he lets you hold him a while.
See his peace when he’s at play.
Know because of you he’s okay.
See the baby steps forward as victories, indeed.
See the two steps back as the chance to find a new way to succeed.
See how far he’s come and what he’s left behind.
Know that you’ve never been alone, he’s been with you the whole time.
Photo by Linda Lemke Heinz
