Despite feeling ready to hear the news it has been a very emotional couple of days. I worry and am sad about the trials that lay ahead of him. I think one of the hardest things about being a parent is watching your children struggle or have challenges that you can neither prevent nor protect them from. Sometimes I look at my happy little boy and get teary just thinking of him going to school, being so frustrated, or having to conform to a world that may not be so understanding of his challenges. At first I selfishly cried about the loss of normalcy and the dreams of mine that probably would not see fruition. But I had to realize that those were my dreams, not his, and I could not ask for a happier, more pure hearted, loving, boy.
As Jackson has grown here are some of the things that as his mother I have wanted for him:
- I want to teach him right from wrong and enable him to make good choices.
- I want him to be a good friend and to have good friends in return.
- I want him to enjoy learning and discover his own talents and abilities.
- I want him to feel confident in who he is and know that he is loved.
- I want him to have respect for others.
- I want him to feel safe and know that his home is always a refuge from the world.
After the diagnosis I realize that none of these things have changed. Maybe how we reach these goals will change and our definition of success may not be that of the rest of the world but the goals remain the same.
Our immediate plans for him are to get him started in speech therapy that is especially geared toward autistic children and learn as much as we can as his parents in order to help him succeed. He will probably attend preschool for autistic children when he is three and then go from there. Our long term goals are for him to attend regular school and be comfortable in social situations.
We are very hopeful that Jackson will be able to live a very 'normal' life and pray for guidance as his parents to be able to help him the best we can.
I am still trying to learn so much about this condition but you can click here for more information.
15 comments:
Maima, I'm sorry to hear the news. What a happy little boy he is though. We love him lots and pray for you and your family. You guys will be (and are) great parents to Jackson and will know what to do for him. He'll be great no matter what and he loves you both lots!
Amy, Jackson couldn't have a better mom than you. I have read alot of positive things about austism research and new developments. Good luck in your search and your journey.
Jackson has a wonderful family that loves him so much! I love your goals for him. You are a great mom, Amy.
I needed to add: Mark is a great dad, too! How could I have left that off??
I'm sorry to hear your news. We just went to a fireside last night with the Salt Lake Temple President and Matron as the speakers, the Matron also being President Hinckleys daughter. They talked about trials and how you chose to deal with them. I know you two will be great parents and that you will keep your faith through this trials. Good luck with the future and keep me posted. Our thoughts are with you.
Our prayers and thoughts are always with your family, we love you guys so much! Remember were just down the street if you ever need anything!
Hendersons
Jackson is the still the same boy today as he was yesterday....my most favorite little boy in the whole world. I love him so much it hurts!
I know I have said this before, but I know you two are the best parents for him. I have seen how much you do for him already. He is loved and cared for more than he will ever even realize. This wouldn't be as hard if you didn't love him so much.
He is still the same DOOBIE we know and love and I can't wait to see him grow and learn!
I love you and Mark so much and I want nothing but the best for you and your whole family. You know Charlie will be such a great comfort and friend for Jackson!
Love you more than you ever know!
Jackson is a darling little guy. He is very blessed to have come to a family that will love him, support him, and get him the helps he needs. He is a special little spirit that will be a huge blessing to your family. Be strong! You are wonderful examples to the rest of us.
Aim, I can only imagine all the different emotions that are going on in your heart right now. You and Mark are the perfect parents for Jackson. He needs your strengths that you can so easily provide for him. Like Lindsay said (nothing you don't know already), but he is the same Jackson you and everyone else has adored for almost two years. The same one you prayed to Heavenly Father for, for who knows how long. And you got him.
Nobody knows the challenges that lie ahead for either you and Mark, or for him. Our good friends have a nephew that was paralyzed in an accident a few weeks ago. They have a blog similar to Jodi’s that give updates on his progress. They posted a quote that I love. I says, “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” You all, including and especially Jackson, will be so much stronger and such better people through the refiners fire!
My mom has taught special needs preschool for about the last 15 years. (She’s actually just a Para-Educator, but basically ran the show). She has worked with hundreds of Autistic children and she seriously seen everything from mild to severe, and all things in between. But she’s seen so many kids function so well, with the right kind of instruction. Early intervention is the key (I know that’s probably not news to you). She would be more than happy to talk to you so you would know where to start, and where to go from there. Also, my sister-in-law has a niece with Aspergers Syndrome (mild form of Autism) whose mom would I’m sure be happy to offer any suggestions you might want. I know when we found out about Makena, it was amazing how many people reached out who had been through something similar and could offer suggestions and support. I’m not saying this is the same thing, and I don’t know if you’d even be interested in talking to them or not, I just thought I’d offer the resources that I could. Call me if you want 458-7667. P.S. This is probably an inappropriate time, but way cute new blog layout!!
Sorry for the novel. I didn't realize it was so long till after it was already posted.
I love you guys. I watch you with Jackson only hoping I can do the kind of job you do at parenting...which is an amazing one! Thank you for sharing the news. I know it's personal information but I care about all of it, as I'm sure everyone else does. Good luck with all this new information. I have a small taste of how it feels to be surprised by something in life and my heart goes out to you. Know that you are blessed because of the love you have for each other combined into the love for your sweet little boy. Keep me updated. love ya!
Geez Aim I am so sorry to hear this news. Jackson is such a cutie and we all love him. I think he is so very lucky to have you for his mom. I know that you will always do what is right by him. Best wishes and I will send my prayers up you way.
Amy, This is LAcie, bobbi's sister inlaw. You can have jackson evaluated at weber county early intervention and he would probably qualify for free speech therapy. I had my son evaluated, but he did not qualify, but I do have a friend who's son was diagnosed with asbergers (spelling?) a mild form of autism that is using the speech program and is also starting her son in a autistic preschool. Her husband is a doctor and has researched autism a ton since their son was diagnosed. If you would like their number, I'm sure they would answer your questions or concerns you may have. Jackson is such a little cutie.
Hey Amy, just wanted to say "Hi" and it was good seeing you at the mall the other day. Also, I just wanted to say that maybe the news you received wasn't exactly what you wanted to hear but at the same time it really takes special people to raise a child with Autism. I have a cousin who has a son who has a very severe case of Autism and with early intervention he has progressed dramatically in the last year. he goes to a special school that has helped him learn how to comunicate (mostly through signing and some words) with his family. It is so great that you were able to find out so early (my cousin didn't find out until her son was about 3 and he is almost 6 now). I know that with the right kind of early intervention he will be highly functional in regular schools. I bet you will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly he will learn (I know my cousin saw results almost imediately, and she was NEVER able to get through to him at all before he had the intervention). Good luck with Jackson's journey in finding what works for him. I hope all that makes sense and is somewhat helpful. Take care!
hey amy, i've come back to this post a couple of times because i keep thinking of you guys but not knowing what to say really except for feeling that your sweet boy will no doubt exceed his potential with you as his mother. i love the goals you listed and how they truly are applicable for any parent, no matter the obstacles. they've helped me to define what i (selfishly) want for my baby and what will bring him true happiness.
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