Here we go…

by tiffanypullen

Hi. I’m Tiffany and this is my blog. I honestly have no idea what I’m doing but I do know that I want to share our story. Our autism story. If you would have asked me that 4 years ago, I would have said that I will absolutely not share our story. I wanted it to be private. I didn’t want people to know. I wanted our world to be hidden from all the cruelties that exist. I don’t let people in very easily, at least not when it comes to the big stuff. But, here I am, blogging for the world…or maybe the few people who will actually read it. I am going to be real, raw, vulnerable and honest…and I assure you I am not saying this to audition for the Bachelor.

So, here we go…

You know how in life, there are moments that are engraved in you forever? Happy or sad. Profound or mundane. Big or small. Doesn’t even matter. But, they are moments that change you. Maybe for the better, maybe not. I have had some of those moments in my life; the day my great grandma died, the day my dad died, the day I married my husband, the days my children were born. There are more, of course, but you get my point. One specific moment that I can see in my head just like it happened yesterday was at Brenly’s 2 year check up at the doctor’s office. At this point in her life, I didn’t have any concerns about her developmentally. She was a sweet, happy girl. She loved hugs and kisses and playing with her dad and I. And she was talking, maybe not as much as she should have been, but she was talking.

The appointment was going like all appointments go. Wait in the waiting room with a toddler for a half an hour, get called back. Height. Weight. Temperature. Blood pressure. Heart Rate. Blah, blah, blah. Then the doctor comes in and asks the heavy hitter questions. Is she eating? Has she been sick? Is she doing this? Is she doing that? We answer. Then out of left field, not like short left field. Like over the damn fence, longest home run in the history of baseball left field. “You know, she hasn’t looked at me the entire time you have been here. She might be autistic.” That. Was. It. There was no mention of the “A” word again. So nonchalant. Like it was no big deal. Like she didn’t just slice my heart wide open.

The days that followed this appointment were some of the worst I have ever had in my life. More on that next time. I guess this is where I say to be continued…

#thebeautifullifeofbrenly

16 thoughts on “Here we go…”

  2. I remember like it was yesterday too! I hope if nothing else your story helps educate people. To me, Brenly is just Brenly but she is so unique and in a good way. She is so smart it is insane. I attribute all of her happiness to you and Phil. You guys go above and beyond for her, she’s very lucky to have you both.

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  3. I remember this day all so well! Brenly is one amazing and happy girl thanks to her wonderful and loving parents! I pray her story opens the eyes of others who don’t understand and think differently of those that aren’t like them. I’m proud of you for educating the world about a topic so near and dear to the hearts of those that know and love Brenly ❤️

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  6. They are Happy and smart children because of their parents love and care.. And yes Brenly is just Brenly a very happy go lucky child.. Grandparents are proud to have them in their lives.

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  7. I want to keep reading! I didn’t know this, but I do know you and pulled are wonderful amazing parents! She is one very lucky girl!

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  8. My 7 year old son has an autism diagnosis. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and a crazy ride but I wouldn’t change him for the world, but I would change the world for him. I will be looking forward to your next blog.

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  9. Thanks for being so vulnerable, for being the teacher you are, on a subject you never intended to teach, to the class you never intended to lead. Thanks in advance for teaching us.

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  11. My son, Alex knows your brother Ryan. He was a cast member of In The Heights.

    My youngest son, Adam is 15 and has autism. It’s certainly been a journey. Many ups, a hell of a lot of downs and everything in between. I have a blog, sharing our family’s journey.

    talesfromthebutt.com

    Writing and sharing his/our story has certainly been therapeutic. Please feel free to find me on FB or Instagram. Mammas need to stick together!

    ❤️❤️❤️

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  13. Thank you Tiffany for sharing. Brenly is so lucky to have you as her mama! I will be waiting for your next post. Hugs. You inspure me.💚

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