A Walk In My Shoes by C. Waeltermann

Twas the Night Before Christmas ~~ Autism Style
And all through the house the creatures were stirring, yes even the mouse.
We tried melatonin and gave a hot bath but the holiday jitters they always distract.
The children were finally all nestled in bed
when nightmares of terror ran through my own head.
Did I get the right gift, the right color and style,
Would there be a tantrum or even, maybe, a smile?
Our relatives come but they don't understand
the pleasure he gets from just flapping his hands.
"He needs discipline," they say, "Just a well-needed smack,
You must learn to parent.." and on goes the attack.
We smile and nod because we know deep inside
The argument is moot..let them all take a side.
We know what it's like to live with the spectrum
The struggles and triumphs, achievements, regressions....
But what they don't know and what they don't see
Is the joy that we feel over simplicity.
He said, "Hello." He ate something green! He told his first lie! He did not cause a scene!
He peed on the potty, who cares if he's ten, He stopped saying the same thing again and again!
Others don't realize just how we can cope, how we bravely hang on at the end of our rope.
But what they don't see is the joy we can't hide
when our children with autism make the tiniest stride.
We may look at others without the problems we face with jealousy, hatred or even distaste.
But what they don't know, nor sometimes do we is that children with autism bring simplicity.
We don't get excited over expensive things. We jump for joy with the progress work brings.
Children with autism try hard every day - that they make us proud more than words can say.
They work even harder than you or I to achieve something small, to reach a star in the sky.
So to those who don't get it or can't get a clue take a walk in my shoes and I'll assure you...
That even 10 minutes into the walk you'll look at me with respect, even shock.
You will realize what it is I go through and the next time you judge I can assure you
That you won't say a thing, you'll be quiet and learn,
like the years that I did when the tables were turned. (www.autisticliving.com~~Photo-Jeff's sister's Christmas gift for him.)

Local Authors' Extravaganza at Liftbridge

This was the third Local Author's Extravaganza I've attended, and the largest one yet! It's great to bask in the energy of writers, known and unknown, and to meet new ones. There were refreshments, and a chance to talk with others about their books, and 5 - 10 minutes for each author to read excerpts from his or her book ~~ some good, and some just not my style. I chose to read "Welcome to Holland," by Emily Peri Kingsley (permission to include it in "Journey" granted by the author,) and "Jeff's Delight" about his love of music. Then I added the response I received from a mother in GA, who said, "In short, what I want to say is that "Journey With Jeff" has helped me to work through the last of my 'mourning' over the loss of the child I'd hoped for and welcome with open arms the trip to Holland instead." I am saving all these responses with the hope to include them in a sequel about how Jeff has blessed so many with his story. ~~~ One of the people attending this event was a legally blind, little person who is studying Social Work at Brockport SUNY. Very interesting to talk with, he bought "Journey With Jeff" in book form and as a CD, asking me to sign them both. Perhaps he'll be a key to having a professor use this book as a text for his or her class?!?!? That will certainly get "Journey" out there!!!!

A Review of "Journey With Jeff"

One of the people who works with adults with Developmental Disabilities at Lifetime Assistance, Inc., wrote the following about Journey With Jeff: "I loved this book!! I read it a few months ago...and I learned so much. I work with adults that have Developmental Disabilities...and I learned more from this book than conferences I have attended. Sybil writes from the heart...and I learned such wisdom from her book, not just about Developmental Disabilities...yet about life, and positive and realistic perspectives. Hearing from a mother/parent perspective was so helpful in the field I am in...I feel this needs to be a training tool for anyone going into the field of helping people with Developmental Disabilities. Thank you Sybil for sharing your experiences, family, and good wisdom!