I know we are all going through a tough time locked in and anxious about the unknown future, but there is another positive way to look at this situation.
As a very hyper and restless person, in the beginning when the pandemic happened, I was wondering what I would do everyday locked dawn at home.
How I would explain to my non-verbal autistic son why he has to stay at home, why he is not having his program anymore, why he is not seeing his dad as usual some weekends, what quarantine means and a lot of more why’s and whats.
My son and I we have a very special relationship. I am not only his mom, but his advocate, his cook, his nurse, his take giver and his interpreter.
To be able to understand my son, I want to share a poem that I wrote for him or more exactly to myself, as he is not able to read or understand verbal communication:
“My son,
What would you say if you could talk to me?
Would you tell me you love me?
Would you say you were scared, or just thankful that I care?
Would you tell me a joke, would you talk about your friends?
Would you tell me what hurts you, or what makes you sad, or why you get upset or what makes you mad?
What would you say if you could talk for one day?
Would you tell me what you like, what you think, what are your dreams?
Are you happy, as you seem…
Do you want to talk? Or are you happy this way?
If only you could tell me, if you could talk to me, if only for a day…”
After some difficult days, I started to think about how I could turn this situation in a positive way! I started to think about how I can use this time to help my son to communicate more, to participate better and be more active in everyday tasks.
In the other hand I feel this time is a pause for anyone to be still, to stop and reflect on life. We live in a very busy society where it is all about running and earning and getting more and more stuff. It is good to stop and appreciate the real value of life and people we love and share life with.
Submitted by Susan, Orange County – Newport Beach.