Christopher and Noah. 12-16-2009 and 1-3-2014: two dates that became the best days of my life. The days I met my sons-my greatest loves. What I didn’t know then was that both of their journeys would begin to mirror each other at the age of 2. Both of my boys showed developmental delays. Both had speech challenges. There were visits to two different neurologists, questions, uncertainty, and so many emotions to sort through. But through it all, there was one diagnosis that would forever shape our family’s path: autism. From that point on, my life became a beautiful kind of deja vu; seeing double in so many ways. Two first days of school. Two speech therapists. Two occupational therapists. Two individual journeys, each unique, but connected by a bond only my dynamic duo could share. There were hard days, uncertain days, and days when I had to be stronger than I ever imagined. But standing here today, I can say with my whole heart that every step of this journey has been worth it. Because now I see two incredible young men who have grown, progressed, and persevered in amazing ways. Christopher and Noah are my dynamic duo, my superheroes, and two of my greatest blessings. Autism plays a huge role in our lives, and because of this journey, I advocate every single day for patience, understanding, and compassion...doubly so. Being their mother has been one of the greatest honors of my life. And if I had to do it all over again, I would choose both of them every single time.
