It was the last day of school for my children, and I really wanted to do something special for my daughter's favorite class. It is Christmas time, though, and I worried about the money I would spend. I wrestled with the decision, and finally decided I would just go to Dunkin Doughnuts, and that would be my daughter's gift to her classroom. No doughnuts were available,though. Everyone in the area was out of doughnuts. In my mind I'm worried again, because muffins are so much more expensive. I told the clerk my concerns, who they were for, and she set me up with a sweet deal, so I could easily say to my dh, "but, look what a great deal I got", in typical female form.
Upon arriving in the classroom with the treats, I asked if the teacher would like for me to stay and help serve. I am so glad I said yes, and even more glad that I just walked on faith through this whole process, because I would receive the greatest gift that day.

The girls took their written test, and were allowed to have their treats. They all thanked my daughter, and she was thrilled that they appreciated her gift.
While they ate, groups or singles would come to the front of the room, and do a solo for part of their grade for the class. Those young ladies were so much fun to watch and listen to. I already felt very fortunate to have wound up in the classroom.

Then came my daughter's turn. She came to the front with a slight blush on her face, and when the music started, well, the show began. She sang and danced to "Santa Clause is Coming to Town", snapping her fingers throughout the song. When she was done, the girls gave her a great round of applause, which i know filled her heart up with confidence. I was crying through out the performance, because to me, it is one more miracle we've been given. If you have a young lady in 6th period chorus, please have them read this so they will know why the strange mom was crying, lol.

My daughter was diagnosed with autism at the age of twenty months. The words of the doctors and literature were so negative. She will never love you...she will likely never be able to speak except one word sentences...she will never be able to help herself...all words that I just couldn't accept. I learned all I could, praying every step of the way to be guided in the ways I should teach her. It took six months of two hours a day doing one excercise to learn one word, but the day she could sign and speak that word was monumental. When she began to hum to Barney songs, she had perfect pitch. She loved singing and dancing with those songs, and I am pretty sure I am the only mom who loved "Barney" the purple dinasaur. But, my girl would come out of her world to play with him anytime. He was our friend, and helper.

It became more evident that she wanted to go into entertainment, through her actions, drawings and writings. It is a private thing to her, so she has only now begun to talk to me about it. In eighth grade, I asked that she be put into chorus. I was the only one who thought she could do it, but I know if she is helped through her fear and anxiety, she can do almost anything. She had a very successful year in chorus, and was prepared for the ninth grade chorus program. We have learned that all the musical instruments we've bought for her have paid off. Her teachers discovered she can read and write music and play keyboard! She would not share these things with me, so there was no way I would have known, if I had not just walked on faith.

At the age of fifteen, my daughter has overcome her anxiety. She understands how to help herself calm down, and the fact that she is full of confidence has made it so much easier. She is typical for her age, wanting nothing more than sleepovers and parties full of teenage girls, so if you girls read this, please consider including her. She has not had the opportunity to do these things, as forming friendships is up to others to respond to her reaching out. I have witinessed my daughter's friendship advances, and she recieves both good and bad feedback. Fortunately, when it is bad, she cannot see it as I can. She would never realize you were making fun of her, as I would. My daughter thinks of you all as her friend, but needs for you girls to make the first move in asking to do things. If any of you would be willing to include her in her activities, you will be continuing the work we have done all these years, and help us prove that Autism is not as black and white as the words on the pages of a book. It is colorful, challenging, and unique to the individual.

So, why does the strange mom cry at every performance or rehearal? Because, every time I watch my daughter's beautiful lips move as song is created by words, I am so thankful to God, creator of all, and His gift of love through His son Jesus. It is only through that love, that a mother became a steward, a daughter became a disciple, and words became not an enemy, but, joyful song. I am so thankful for all the people who have made a difference in my daughter's life, especially the boys and girls who treat her kindly at McIntosh. I know you have been rewarded, and that will always be.

Oh, and a big shout out to Barney!