Poem: AUTISM THROUGH THE LENS OF A MOTHER




From the moment you were born

I knew you were different

You took some time to let out your first cry

But you did eventually

With the help of a gentle nudge from the nurses

Off course…

 

As a newborn, you were so peaceful

You let me sleep through the night

I know that’s rare because your sisters thought me

The hard way….

 

As an infant, your cuddles, smiles and love

Light up my days

You would laugh at my voice

Clap to my rhymes

Blab to my songs and

Dance to my music

 

Suddenly I began to watch you

Slowly drive into your world

I was confused

I was helpless

I knew I needed to search for answers

 

I reached out to few people

some said I was fussing over nothing…

But I knew that there was something.

 

But I kept on searching

Until I found the word “AUTISM”.

And it changed me completely.

 

At first I was in denial

I felt sad, lonely and hopeless…

In those trying moments

I found strength.

Strength like never before.

 

I knew I had to be there for you..

To be your voice

To protect you

To help you get to where you deserve to be

I knew I had to fight for you.

 

When your teachers were at the verge of giving up on  you

I showed up for you

Reminding them of your unique abilities

Despite the challenges

 

The journey has never been easy,

Dealing with your meltdown and behavioral challenges

Has always been and still is my biggest challenge

Being your mom

 

But I have come to understand that

“Every behavior is communication”

Sometimes I get the message from your nonverbal cues

other times I don’t.

 

Education to me as your mom

is the best gift I can give to you

 

Education is the pathway to success

Education open doors for anyone

Regardless of their skills and expertise.

 

This is why I will do all it takes

To see that you get the right education

Formal education and Islamic.

Skills and expertise

 

To see that you become independent in life

To stand tall anywhere and with pride

to be a testimony for hope

For other children

With autism.


 Written by Fatty Giwa Abdulrahman

Date 7/12/2022

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