One Year

Today is one year since Froggy's doctor first approached us about the possibility of her being autistic. It's a huge milestone, in my opinion, because it marked a day of change for us. We began the testing process and the first of many long waits for information. We began the oh-so-slow process of improving and learning and growing together.

From the time Froggy was born Daddy and I often said we felt like we were all growing up together (I was only 21 when she came along; Daddy was 23). No year has it been more true than in this last year. So, in much the same way as one would celebrate a birthday, we tried to find reasons to smile. We went as a family to the aquarium on Monday evening and saw all of Froggy's favorite critters. We'll celebrate Christmas with a sense that we're finally moving forward, no longer stuck in the mud of frustration and uncertainty.

We still have bad days. That will probably never change. But we can look back on the previous year and see how we've grown and changed. Personally, I can see how my patience was stretched to its limit and beyond; I can see how much my view of the world as a whole has changed as a result of Froggy's challenges. Autism doesn't have to be a bad thing. Froggy doesn't seem to notice it too much, except when her aggravating parents just don't "get" her. I know it has certainly helped me learn to tolerate many things that I was too narrow-minded to accept before.

So in light of all of that, I wish you all a Merry Christmas (or whatever winter celebration you participate in) and a very safe New Year.