Super Autism Moms

I've just been astounded this last week with a few of the women I've met.  In the circles Carter and I run in, we have great opportunities for meeting some really extraordinary people.  Specifically parents of disabled children.  This week I met two.  And I tip my hat to them both.
The first lady has twin autistic boys.  They are in the Assert program with Carter.  I struck up a conversation with her last week while we were waiting to pick up our boys.  The twins were born prematurely, and the doctors guess that aided in the developmental delays typical of autism.  Her husband was angry.  He doesn't handle stressful situations well, and she's been left to train and teach them on her own.  Meltdowns, destructive behaviors, messes, physical agression.. all left on her shoulders.  This month she found out she is pregnant.  They were not planning on another child, and they fear this one might have an ASD as well. (That stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder, by the by).  When she told her husband, he left.  Just left her alone with all of that.  And every time I see her, she's smiling.  Smiling through it all.  She is the rock her children need.  I pray for her.  Few people can care for children with disabilities, especially alone.  I let her know about a few local resources that could help watch her children when she needs a break.  I'll let you know too, if it might help anyone you know. 
Your local Child and Family Services Center offers "Crisis Care" for when you are just at the end of your rope.  Take your kids in.  They'll watch them, free of charge, while you get a nap or go somewhere to relax for a while.  They also offer "Respite Care".  Which is like a trained babysitter who will come to your home weekly for a couple hours so you can get out.  This is also usually free of charge.
Ok, on to our next lady star.  She and I are in a local production together as members of a choir, and it just came up randomly last week that she is the mother of....get this....FIVE children, ALL of whom have an ASD.  (Mouth drops open here). I didn't even know what to say to her except, "How do you do it?" She just said that "It's a way of life for us, ya know? We don't know any different." She is always beautiful and beaming, totally put together, pleasant and happy.  I want to spend a week as a fly on her wall, frantically taking notes.  This kind of family is specially made by God.  There are none stronger or brighter.  I honestly cry thinking about it. 
The next time you meet a mother of an autistic child, give her a pat on the back.  Tell her she is amazing.  Tell her she can do it, and she's not alone. Because with these kids, and their closeness to heaven, we really never are.