Dear autism dads,
I see you…
I see you helping your son learn a new word in speech therapy. ..
I see you at 3am laying with him until he falls back asleep..
I see you attending the IEP meetings and listening intently as they talk about strengths and goals…
I see you leaving work early when you get the call from school that he is having a hard day…
I see you working double shifts to pay for extra therapies that insurance doesn’t pay for …
I see you helping your son in the bathroom because he still needs assistance with daily living skills. ..
I see you helping your son swing the bat during his Miracle League game and then proudly run next to him to first base..
I see you holding your son as he has a meltdown and you try to comfort him and keep him safe …
I see you hugging your spouse or partner and whispering in their ear that everything is going to be ok…
I also see you hurting…
I see you holding back the tears on the hard days…
I see you feeling alone…
Quiet …
I see you wondering…
Not really knowing if any other dad can relate to you…
I see you feeling defeated…
Worried…
Scared…
Invisible …
But you know what I REALLY see???
YOU.
An amazing dad who is there for his child through EVERYTHING. ..
The good,
the bad,
the ugly ..
and everything in between!
I see a dad who NEVER gives up.
A dad who is in the trenches and fighting the good fight with us…
A dad who would do absolutely anything to provide for his family and make sure his child has everything they need to succeed in life.
I see a dad who is Strong..
Encouraging …
Uplifting..
Brave …
THANK YOU for being an active part of your child’s life. ..
For setting examples of how to be a good man…
A good dad…
Thank you for all that you do day in and day out…
It does not go unnoticed. ..
And You are NOT invisible …
You are DADDY …
And that means everything in his eyes!
I am so incredibly proud of you. .
Your son is proud of you. ..
And you should be too.
Love,
An autism mom who sees YOU