I woke up this morning and had to write down my thoughts about our last day in 2007. Then I decided to find a sketch and turn my journaling into a scrapbook page.
I choose SBSC121 and SBDD07 AnnaLouise's challenge: to use her sketch (121) and do some stamping on your page.
The journaling is going in a pocket on the back of the page.
Diagnosis Autism:
On the last day of 2007 we heard the words we already knew to be true in our hearts: “Your son has Autism” Whew…it still broke my heart a little to hear the words… but we had already accepted it. It has been an emotionally exhausting 5 months. Long wait times for evaluations at the school and even longer wait times to see doctors. I have learned so many things in the past few months. For one, I couldn’t have been born to a more supportive Mother. She was the first to tell me she didn’t think I was overreacting, that I was onto something and to follow my gut. Even from 1,500 miles away she has been an amazing support. My sister and I have become closer and I am so grateful to her for her phone calls and emails. She always makes me laugh and now that we have decided to move to "back home" I look forward to being able to drop by her house… and drop off Rocco! Both our families have been supportive and I know we are blessed to have them in our lives. For the second time in my life I have learned the real meaning of the word “friendship” and just how special it is to have friends who really listen with their hearts and let you know they love you, your doing a good job, you are a good mom, they want to be in your son’s life and they will do what they can to help you and support you. I hope to someday repay the favor and let them know just how special they are to me. I realized again I made the right choice when I married Giancarlo. From the day I made him sit down and watch Oprah’s show with Jenny McCarthy (not his favorite thing to do!) we have been on the same page and he has been there when I needed him most. I know how rare that is and I am so grateful that even though we are far away from family and friends we have each other. I understand Rocco so much more and am determined to help him any way I can. Our lives have forever been altered and I’ve had to let go of my dreams. I had to grieve for the son that I thought I had. It has not been easy and I know that we have started down a long and difficult path. We have learned to celebrate the small miracles each day and our joy at each new skill is immeasurable. I love Jenny’s response when she was questioned about her son’s lack of affection. “He IS Love” She couldn’t have said it any better and it’s right on the money. Rocco may not be the most cuddly kid but I FEEL his love. It’s in his smile, his bright blue eyes, his laughter, his noise, his silliness, and his happiness. When I really get down to the bottom of all my hopes and dreams for him it is that I really hope he is happy in his life. Whatever he becomes I hope he is a happy one.
"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however." Richard Bach
I plan to work hard for my wishes and his too.
Date: Tuesday, January 1, 2008 GMT Views: 2555
Favorited:13
Registered: May 18, 2005 Location: Connecticut USA Posts: 35783
Tue, Jan 01, 2008 @ 10:11 AM
tears are in my eyes after reading your beautiful journaling. What a special page you have created and thank you for sharing it with me. I think my 30yo ds suffers from the same illness however when he wa small there was not as much awareness and help available. Good for you for facing this road with grace and courage and you and Rocco and your family will be in my prayers.
Registered: August 30, 2005 Location: East Texas Posts: 10807
Tue, Jan 01, 2008 @ 10:30 AM
Such a sweet page, and the journaling and scrapbooking is probably good therapy for you. I wish you and your family the best. Thanks for sharing your story.
I love your precious page, and your little boy is so cute!
It is not a journey that all around you will understand, and so it is wonderful to see what a supportive family you have. Thanks for sharing!
I hope the New Year is full of things to celebrate for you and your family.
Registered: March 9, 2007 Location: CHOCOLATE ANYONE? Posts: 4671
Tue, Jan 01, 2008 @ 10:36 AM
Wow your page is powerful and has given you the path to begin your journey. Look at all the insight and strength you already have.
I love all the hearts and doodles together with "boy" colors. I am inspired.
------------------------------ I'm Misti, and I've approved this message! MYGALLERY "Brace for Impact"-Capt. Sully "Brace for Impact"--Congress to America Proud mom of 2 soldiers-
Registered: June 15, 2006 Location: Suffolk, UK Posts: 1554
Tue, Jan 01, 2008 @ 11:47 AM
I love your page. It's so beautiful and the journaling brought to the next level. So touching. Good luck to you. He is so precious and I am sure he is nothing more than LOVE!
Registered: January 28, 2005 Location: Posts: 1373
Tue, Jan 01, 2008 @ 12:03 PM
Your son is a precious child given to you for a resaon. He is very lucky to have all of you as his supporters. Your page is amazing and there will be a day where he can look at it and feel your love!
Registered: June 30, 2004 Location: Evans, Colorado Posts: 199
Tue, Jan 01, 2008 @ 12:08 PM
thank you for sharing your story; i too had tears in my eyes as i read. May god, friends, family help you and your family down this path and as you said; HE IS HAPPINESS (and very very cute!)
((hugs))
bobbi
------------------------------ **It's the little things that make life wonderful!**
Bobbi Sample, Independent Demonstrator; Supervisor
Registered: March 1, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 845
Tue, Jan 01, 2008 @ 12:13 PM
Wow! What a powerful page. This is truly what scrapbooking is,To chronicle our lives the good and the bad the joy and the pain. You have done a wonderful job and I wish you all the best for your family. TFS!!!