When first one and then both of my sons were diagnosed with Autism and mental handicaps I didn’t know the journey I was in for. It has been one that has had pain, frustration, worry, fear, anger, sadness, and despair. Yet, it has also been one that has had laughter, peace, learning, love, joy, and growth. I didn’t know then that my two sons were to become my greatest teachers in how to live and how to love.

My oldest son, JJ has an innocent love that seems frozen in an eternal childhood. He smiles and greets everyone he meets. He makes beaded key chains and homemade Christmas cards to hand out to everyone he knows. He lives a life of such sweet, unconditional love that I am always amazed by it. His younger brother, Casey has a more severe form of Autism. He doesn’t speak much and is lost in his own world most of the time. Yet, he also has a spontaneous joy that erupts at times. His laughter and smile can uplift my spirits and warm my heart on even the coldest and saddest day. I feel so blessed having both of my boys in my life. And I thank God everyday for them.

Mitch Albom wrote: “ A child is both an anchor and a set of wings.” This is true for both of my sons. They anchor me in my daily work and responsibilities caring for them and they also give my soul a set of wings that connects me to love, to joy, to Heaven, and to God. It isn’t always easy having two sons over 30 trapped mentally in an eternal childhood. But spiritually they help me each day to love more deeply, to give more freely, and to share more joyously.

When you see a child or adult with special needs always remember that they are also special souls. They are a gift from God and we can learn so much from them. May we all one day love as freely, as happily, and as joyously as they do.