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So we finally found a way to get the video up. Steve recorded the TV while the DVD was playing so the quality isn't good but you can definetly hear him. You'll see/hear two things in this video.. First you'll see me working with Tyler on saying "up" where i model the word using inflection that he uses and then after a few tries, you'll hear him say "up". It's soon after that you hear him say I love you. THe first time it sounds like a muffled "I love you Mama", the next time it's a clearer "I love you". Remember, this was a horrible video session. The things we are doing in the chair are not our typical "routines" that we go through but I was not having luck getting him happily engaged in any of those activities so I finally just brought him up to the chair with me to give him some cuddles and it seemed to work.
Since I do not have many therapy updates to give, I thought it would be a perfect time to put in my "Why I Walk" essay. This video shows how far Tyler has come in the last 8 months and well the essay just seems well suited to follow the video.
I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!
Dear Tyler,
Thank you for the patience you have given us in the past year as you endured so many tests and evaluations to finally receive that official autism diagnosis. I know that it was a miserable time for you, but believe me, it was miserable for your daddy and me too. In fact, it was so painful to watch you struggle through all of those tests when I knew in my heart that you had autism. Everyone just wanted to keep giving you more evaluations, but I so badly wanted to help you. Although it may seem more like work than help, Mommy is doing everything she can to help you. Please know that it takes all of my might not to run to your side and give you the world without having to make you work for it, but I can't. Thank you for patience and understanding.
It can't be easy to endure 30 hours a week of therapy, strange diets, weird tests, and vitamins. It seems every aspect of your life is spent "working" on something. Most kids don’t have to work on therapy type stuff during meals, bath time, diaper change or any of the other day-to-day activities. I hope you know that mommy and daddy try to make everything as fun as possible and would never do anything to intentionally hurt you. Daddy's heart breaks a little each time he has to give you a "poke". Mommy's heart breaks every day as I get glimpses of the Tyler that's trying so hard to come out of his shell. Thank you for your strength and endurance through it all.
Finally, thank you for readiness and eagerness to learn. Your success in the last few months is nothing less than amazing. I'll never forget when I realized you were saying ma-ma with meaning and not just babbling. There was always a fear that you may never say a single word. Now you know quite a few words and can say a handful of them, you want to play with people and you ask for help. You have come so far, I look forward to the successes you'll have in the next year. You are truly an inspiration and you motivate me to want to help all of those affected by autism. Thank you for your determination and perseverance.
I walk because I will never give up! I want you to know that I will fight like I have never fought for anything in my life, to help you. I will not allow you become a statistic, I will not allow society to generate a path for you based on your diagnosis, and I will not allow anyone into our lives that does not have an open mind in regards to your potential. I accept you today just the same as I will accept you five years from now. I love you the same regardless of the future or the past. You are amazing and you deserve every opportunity. I will make sure you get it. I love you so much baby boy, I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!
Thank you for your love and inspiration!
Hugs and kisses,
Mommy
