Sunday, March 18, 2012

Pot of Gold

Ours is a story of HOPE and of STRENGTH. It is evidence of GOD...It is a testament to the BEAUTY of strangers and to the KINDNESS of friends. This story celebrates the GOODNESS of teachers and professionals who have a fire in their soul. Our story is about the importance in believing that anything is possible. This story is about a beautiful little boy that got your attention...that made you feel.
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It is a story about the LOVE we all feel for our babies--Autistic or not. This tale focuses on the amazing brillance of a World -chock full of different.


This isn't a story of struggle...it will contain struggle...it will contain tears....it will feel like too much at times...I will want to give up on occassion...
We will have bad days....We will have normal days....We will have exceptional days...
It is not a story about how expensive it is to a have a Spectrum Kid, or how time consuming it is...I won't discuss fights with Insurance Companies, and how no one else Advocates for my son...I've already seen many many people advocate on his behalf... and we are grateful...
Everyone else can talk about that stuff...that stuff may be true, but it bores me. It's not the focus of our story.
We all are responsible for writing our own stories... make yours a good one.

I'm gonna talk about the good stuff...I'm gonna talk about the stuff that people may not know- like the harder it is, the more rewarding it feels in your soul. You will read our story and you will practically wish you had a Spectrum Kid.

This past Tuesday we we received an official diagnosis of "Autism" for our almost 3 year old son, Greyson. Tuesday evening, I opened up my front door and I threw out a stone and it reached thousands and thousands of people. It didn't take a village, friend.....All it took was YOU...sharing a message of Awareness with the World. Because of you almost 5,000 people have read this one post.

I wrote from my hurting heart. I let you know, I have a son...with Autism...and I have a dream that he can grow up in a World that is aware. And I heard from so many of you...Your words help take the hurt away. You shared our grief. Tuesday night all I wanted to do was go to bed and make the day go away...Wednesday night I didn't want to go to bed because I wanted to keep reading your words.

My soul realized that Greyson was Autistic this past summer....and that's when we started treating him as if... But somehow my head kept thinking I could change it before it ever became official. I never ever wanted to be a Momma Spokesperson for Autism...I certainly never hoped or wished that I would have a child who could be a Poster Child for Autism... But it's not up to me- it was up to God, so I will be gracious with His gift. He gave me this platform and so with shaking legs, I will climb the stairs, straighten the microphone, and begin... I am up for this challenge.


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Thank you, God for making Greyson so beautiful that people take note of our story. But please remember World, beauty comes in so many different packages.

Wednesday, The day after the news... I got up in the morning and I Mom'ed because I couldn't call in sick...and I needed your inspiration...your motivation...your words...and you provided.


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I breathed in and I breathed out. All day long. I changed diapers and I fed babies. I stayed in my jammies as long as I could (10:52am in case you are wondering). I cried a few times... I ate a hand full of tortilla chips and a peppermint patty for dinner. I forwarded your words to my husband, Michael because he was out of town for work and hurting from the news and from being away from our Family Nest. 

And friends, we turned into a Butterfly....Greyson, Parker, Michael and Me. It hurt a little...but it was so Beautiful.

I've got my warrior gear back on. I've got a Disorder's Ass to kick... We have been doing everything possible to help Greyson since this past Summer...25 hours of ABA (therapy) a week, 2 hours of speech therapy, preschool at our house and preschool with Typical kids, and so so much more...And he is doing so good. He went from barely talking at all --to now using some 3 word sentences. He works so hard... And usually has fun while he is at it....because my son is not going to be robbed from having a childhood.

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Putting magic into his life is my welcomed responsibility and I'm lucky, because when you are 2 magic looks like the Park and bubbles and simple things.
PhotobucketMagic...like getting a juicy ripe pear all to your self...

We are all responsible for creating magic in our little one's lives.

And guess what, Autism, WE ARE NOT LETTING UP. Some day my son, Greyson, might be the President of the United States...or maybe he will drive a Dump Truck. You see, that's just the thing- There are no guarantees in this life for any one of us. We are grateful for today. For the time we have with the people we love and the people that we live for.

Hard times help us learn. They make us beautiful. They make us better...better people...better friends...better parents. No one has it perfect or easy...and if it looks like they do...They are hiding something.

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Remember when we talked about how important it is to have Dreams? I said I was going to write a book. Well, guess what...I am now. It's called Little Light Bulbs Daily and it's how we kicked Autism in the butt and lived an exceptional life while we were at it.  If anyone knows anyone in Publishing, I would be so grateful if you could send them a link to this post....have 'em call my people.

Oh man...I can't tell you how many times I laughed this week...
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Our little light still shines... I can tell you without a doubt that this is EXACTLY the journey I am supposed to be on. That feeling of acceptance is bigger than pain.

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I will continue to write. I will continue to share my words. I will give you details of our journey. I want to inspire the World to accept different in others...and to accept our own differences that make us feel less than perfect. If you want to come along for the ride, sign up and become a Member of this blog. We would love to have you. 

Thank you so much every one of you for all of your love and support. We are so happy to share our journey with you...please continue to help me share it with the World.

So Much Love,
Chrissy, Michael, Greyson and Parker Kelly

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6 comments:

  1. Another BEAUTIFUL post!!! We are going to get you on Ellen, and you WILL publish your book! You are so inspirational to all of us! Sending lots of hugs to you!!! :) Ashley

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  2. he is just so beautiful and so are you! I have never met you but I love your blog. I don't have a child with autism, but my 8 year old has ADD and the struggles are real and painful and I cry just like you. I can't take photos like you do but I love photography and seeing your work inspires me. I agree, you WILL write a book and it WILL get published!! Keep it up!!

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  3. Loved this post (but I love them all). That close up of Greyson is BREATHTAKING!!!

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  4. So glad Greyson and Parker got the right Mommy & Daddy!

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  5. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself , I cherish you expressing you.
    I have a dairy, over four years in the making, of my different. . . and yet I still haven't found a way to steady my shaky legs, climb the stairs, straighten the microphone, and begin . . . to share it with the world. And you know what, it is the most beautiful part of me. Everyday I place a little more importance on finding me over fitting in, and letting the lightness of that uplift me to see yet more truth. Keep writing . . . it's beautiful:)

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