Blessings

It is the time of year when we sit back and reflect on all the things we are thankful for. Whilst I often feel frustrated and discouraged about life in general there are many things I'm thankful for as well, including good health. Below are some of the things that top my list.

First of all I’m thankful for my daughter for choosing me to be her Mum. Despite all the challenges I feel blessed to be raising a child with autism and the unique perspective it is giving me of the world, after-all only six children in a thousand have autism so how lucky was I. She has made me into a better person who is not so quick to judge others, who has found that material possessions well, are not so material after-all, and who has introduced me to many, many wonderful, incredible, inspirational people I would not have meet ordinarily. I am thankful for this cheeky, quirky little girl who makes me laugh out loud at least twenty times a day. I am thankful for this little girl for giving me something to look forward to when I come home from work at night. I am thankful for this little girl for instilling in me the true meaning of Christmas, who doesn’t care for presents and instead finds delight in all the beautiful lights and just being with her Mum, Nan and Grandpa.

I’m also thankful for my parents who have looked after my daughter since she was three months old so I, a single Mum, could go back to work to keep a roof over our heads. I’m thankful for the love they have for my daughter and the effort and time they have put in. To all the trips to the beach, park and library so that my daughter may have many wonderful memories as she drifts off to sleep at night. I’m thankful for my Dad, who despite having arthritis at a young age of 56, still piggy backs my seventeen kilogram daughter everywhere and who, despite my grumbling, has races with my daughter up the escalators at the local shopping centre until they are told off by the security guards. I’m especially thankful for my Mum who was there when the Paediatrician dropped the bombshell of autism and has been to every single therapy session and medical appointment since. By mostly I’m thankful to my parents for accepting my daughter for who she is and for never criticising or reproaching her.

Lastly, I’m thankful that I work for a Federal Government that recognised my rights as a Mother of a special needs child and accommodated me in everyway they could so I could spend as much time as possible with my daughter.

Have a Merry Christmas!