I have a son named Austin who was born with a disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis.  He started having seizures at 3 months and continues to have them daily.  He has many autistic behaviors and is delayed in all areas of development. Austin doesn’t communicate in words or sign.  He communicates by sounds and gestures. It has been a challenging road, yet it has also been very rewarding.  While vacationing in Florida, Austin became sick and we needed to stay there in the hospital for an extra week until he was well enough to travel back home to Seattle.  One evening while sitting at Austin’s bedside in the hospital, I looked at him while he was sleeping and these thoughts came to my mind that describe Austin:
 
“Music boxes and telephone cords are two of my favorite toys
Rubber bands, beads and mirrors are things that I enjoy
I may not sing the words to songs but that will never stop me
From humming all my favorite tunes and humming them on key
My life here is quite different from others that I know
My purpose here on earth is to help others grow.”
 
Austin has been a great blessing in my life and I’m grateful that I get to take part in raising this precious boy.  I love being a mother, and even though my road in life is quite different from many other moms, I know I am being blessed and strengthened each day.