Water Day
Today, we get to flash forward and see Mikey at a fun school day this summer: Water Day.
But first, I’d like you to think about what you wished for your child when you were waiting for their arrival, before they were born. What I most wished for my children was that they be loved and happy. I knew Dave and I would love them, so that part was a definite.
When Mikey was diagnosed, I worried. Would he be able to find happiness? Would he be safe from bullies? Would he make friends? Would he love his life outside of our home?
What I wish I had known then, and what I am telling you now, is that the answer to every one of these questions was YES!
Happiness
Just a teenager, standing on the playground, with a bucket full of water balloons. And guess what? That’s all it took on this particular Friday to bring out this giant smile! The rest of the world sees the photo above, but Mikey experiences his world like the photo below.
He’s stomping in the sprinkler pool and grinning like a cheshire cat. As you focus on teaching your children life skills and social conventions (all important), remember to kindle their joy. If you hoped they would have a happy life, have faith that they will find the things that make them happy.
One More Thing, Before You Go
In the moments when the worry overtakes you, draw in a deep breath, pause, let it out slowly. Join your child in something that brings him joy. Sit beside your child and listen to her laugh. This is your sign that your little one is finding their place in this world. Take heart, the future will be filled with happiness.
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About the Author
Erica Mauro is a mom to two teenage boys, Will who is neurotypical and Michael with Autism and cognitive delays. She holds a BA in Psychology from Colgate University and a Masters of Psychology in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College. Before staying home with her children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. For five years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs. In partnership with her husband Dave, she aspires to parent by using daily life as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, seizing on real experiences as opportunities to build skills and strategies for Michael in a joyful, loving home environment. On the tougher early days, she just tried to get everyone safely to bedtime and start fresh in the morning. *wink* 
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