What Does He See? – AGE OF AUTISM
Cathy shares the blessing of having a strong husband and father for their five children. Happy Father’s Day to all AofA fathers. I was blessed with a father who took care of me (and my 3 daughters) until he died at the age of 94. Autism and the curves of life create lions – and lemons. To the lions, for whom fatherhood is more than a photo opportunity. Happy Father’s Day!
Love, kim
By Cathy Jameson
Through his father’s eyes. What does he see? Does he see the same things that I do for Ronan? Sometimes. May be. Yes. But not always. I am the daily provider. The main carer. The maker of the schedule and the creator of all meals. I take care of therapy. I go to all appointments. He can do anything I can, including defending important rights.
But does he do that? The father? Does he do anything I do? He does. Little bit. Sometimes.
He can do everything I can. He also does so much more! I’m not ashamed of that. That’s why I’m no less than him. I am the mom. He is the papa.
And oh what a father he is!
I know other families who are living this thing called life without a father like Ronan did. Your workload will be doubled. Your stressors are bigger. Your burden is heavier. I thank God every day that Ronan’s father is here. Not every day is a perfect day for him or us. Far from it! But it’s a day for us to be together, to work together. It is a day for us to care for a young man with severe autism and multiple medical conditions. It is a day for us not to give up but always remember to try.
And once it doesn’t work, it’s a day for all of us to try, try again.
No matter which way …
No matter how difficult the task at hand will be …
The father promised to protect his child.
To help him be happy.
And to lead him wherever this journey takes them.
Not everyone has what my boy has. I pray that the father figure is someone who can lead, who can encourage, and who is exactly what your child needs.
Cathy Jameson is co-editor for Age of Autism.
