As I look back over my son's life I see times of true joy as well as times of frustration. This is true for any parent as we all struggle to help our children grow into productive adults. We strive to teach them to be independent, but when they want independence we struggle to let go. We try to teach them to think for themselves, but when they share their opinions we tell them they can't really understand because they're too young. As a parent of an Aspie, I find it especially hard to let him grow up. He's always behaved a little younger than his age. It's hard sometimes to look at a 6' tall young man & understand why he still wants to play with costumes & plastic swords. Why does he ride his bike looking like a Spartan Warrior? Most kids his age have outgrown this type of behavior. As a parent I feel sometimes that he's setting himself up for ridicule by doing these things.
Then I stop. I look at my son. He is amazing! He's smart, handsome, kind, & pretty well-behaved. I have so very much to be thankful for. I remember when he was very young I would sing the song "Masterpiece" by Sandi Patti to him. That is how I still look at my young man. He is a "Masterpiece", handmade by the greatest Master of them all. When he was young he was so soothed by my singing to him. That's how I put him to sleep many times. He had colic as an infant, was sick often as a toddler, so he would get pretty fussy. We sat up many nights & I would sing to him. (He also had a favorite video I'll discuss another day.) I remember days when my husband would come home from work & our son would be asleep in my lap after a rough day. He doesn't want to hear me sing any more, but I can still look back, see that young little face watching & listening to his mom. My Angel Eyes. Precious memories.
Thank you Lord, for these memories. Thank you Lord, for my son.