Asperger’s and ‘The Silver Lining of Things’ • Asperger y ‘El Lado Bueno de las Cosas’
by Hortensia Picos Lee
Hello, moms and dads of special children from around the world.
We do not know each other, but so many things unite us:
First, we live in this wonderful world called Planet Earth.
Second, we want enjoy a fulfilled life and, if we have sons and /or daughters, we want that they grow up healthy and strong and become good men and women.
Third and not least: WE ARE MOTHERS AND SPECIAL PARENTS.
Yes, we are. We have wonderful beings as sons and daughters. My son has Asperger’s, which is one of the various autism spectrum disorders, and I think if your son or daughter has Autism, Asperger’s, Down Syndrome or any condition that makes him or her be different from the average, Is a great gift from God!
We have been chosen to take care of these angels. At first there is pain and uncertainty because we do not know how much our son or daughter will suffer for being different, but after a time of growth and learning, we become able to appreciate his or her nobility and intelligence, trying to make him or her happy.
God does not place on our back heavier burdens than we can carry, and if these burdens weigh us down, Jesus tells us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)
He knows us very well and knows how tired and stressed we may feel because of our own yokes. He invites us to throw them away and to take his, which is the one he wants for us to carry. His yoke is made to fit perfectly to each person who has a personal relationship with him; He knows what you need, and his love, meekness and humility will make your burdens and my own so much lighter than they used to be. God doesn't leave us alone; He gives us family, friends and people who are willing to support, people who help us see the 'silver lining of things'
My life with my son is not easy. There is always the temptation to label it as 'not normal' But, what is it to be normal? Is it being like the rest of the world, seeing the straw in the other's eye, criticizing and subduing the weak? Is it lying, mocking and maliciously taking advantage of others? I assure you that the goodness and innocence of his heart far surpass many who consider themselves 'normal'. So I am blessed to be the mother of a special son, and I wish that in a no far future he will say truly: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:14, NIV)
I know something about world's incomprehension, and I pray this not to bend his spirit. I also pray that he can face life with mettle and that his bravery put to the test will triumph over adversity. If these things come to be, my soul will be in complete peace, and I will feel that I finally fulfilled the mission that God gave me for my earthly life: raise him as his mother. That I am. And I will thank God saying: "Thank you, I would never have achieved it without your help."
