Yesterday was World Autism Awareness day. I used to have mixed feelings about this day. I hated it because no one really knows autism unless they live it and breathe it every single day. No one knows the heartache. No one knows the grief of dreams shattered. No one knows what it feels like to watch their child struggle with the outside world. No one knows what it’s like to see your child start doing something and then all of a sudden stop. No one knows what it’s like when you tell people your child has autism and the response is “I’m so sorry.” What exactly are you sorry for? So, on World Autism Awareness day, we celebrate these things. It seemed crazy to me for awhile. I hate the struggles I have and my daughter has. I hate how uneducated people are. I hate the unknown. I hate the unexpected. I hate that my daughter is celebrated only one day a year. I celebrate her every day.
Autism makes social interactions difficult. I was terrified that Brenly wouldn’t be able to make friends. I was afraid people would be mean to her. I am still afraid that if something bad happens, she won’t even know it was something bad. But, let me just tell you, that my girl is celebrated every day at her school. EVERYONE loves her. Parents tell me all the time how much their child just loves Brenly. She has been to several birthday parties. We have play dates. People are protective of her instead of mean to her. It is unbelievable and brings tears to my eyes. The second week of school, someone said to me, “My daughter prayed for Brenly last night.” I couldn’t even speak. I tried to hold back the tears but that was damn near impossible.
Before the school year, we wanted to move. We had our house on the market. We wanted the best school in the area for our girl. Nothing but the best. Then, we decided to try out Monroe. If it didn’t work out, we could still move. Monroe is the best. Brenly was definitely celebrated yesterday. And, I loved it. My mama heart was beyond grateful. Monroe isn’t just aware of autism, they are accepting and loving. They are teaching every student and teacher in the school to be accepting of everyone no matter their differences. Autism awareness leads to autism acceptance and that is more than I could have ever dreamed for my girl.
The Beautiful Life of Brenly 