Although there are times when this broken world seems cold, bitter, and unsympathetic, there is hope in our fellow man. I think being inundated with all that is wrong with our society, we stop looking for the right, the good, the kindness in others. I have been so very fortunate to have been blessed my many during this adjustment period in my family’s lives. So, I am counting my blessings, naming them one by one. I will count my blessings to show what God has done. 

1. PRAYER. There is surely power in it, and it is the reason I have seen God’s love through these trying times. I have had so many messages, texts, calls, hugs, and conversations that begin and end with the words I am praying for Samuel and your family. That is the greatest gift that could be given to a fellow believer. It means that you have pled to God on our behalf, and I will treasure and covet every word spoken. Thank you, Lord. 

3. FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP.  I just love how 2 of my favorite things seem to go hand in hand in times of need. Lol! 

My family has had meals made for us by our church family, and they always seem to be on the most perfectly imperfect days, when things have been hard or stressful, or when appointments have gone long, and especially when the kids have been sick. Coincidence? I think not!  God knows what we need when we need it. Thank you. 

4. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT. 

I have been connected to many mothers who also have children with ASD.  They have been sent to me in unusual ways. One sweet lady, who is a pastor’s wife in Keller, TX,  knows another lady from my hometown in Louisiana who attends church with my parents. Not only does this pastor’s wife know my parents’ friends, but my buddy from high school is the minister of music at her church! Small world. But, all because of one prayer request sent out by my daddy to his church, I was able to talk to this lovely mother who is dealing with a similar situation. God’s highways always connect us to who we need, no matter the distance. 

My parents both taught another fantastic couple, who have a son with autism. I am amazed at their strength and her willingness to answer my questions and her prayers for our son. 

One of my sister’s closest friends has a grown child with autism. She just happens to call and check on us when I am crying because Samuel hates to walk on the playground and won’t interact with others. Her words of wisdom through experience are invaluable to me. 

5. UNDERSTANDING. I was on the phone at midnight with the nurse line about Samuel’s ear problem, when the on call nurse, whom I do not know, begins to ask me difficult questions that seem to always be answered with, “I don’t know. He is non verbal. I don’t know. That is how he stims. I don’t know. He can’t communicate. I don’t know. He is autistic.”  Tears ensued. Big, fat, ugly tears. Then, she says these words, “Don’t worry; we will figure it all out. I have a 26 year old son with autism. Let’s talk.” 

I could not believe God’s perfect timing. After 45 minutes of sharing with each other, the ear problem was solved, and my heart felt soothed. Thank you, God for a sweet nurse named Gayle. 

6. MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. Need I say more? Talented, compassionate, smart, intuitive, and trustworthy. That is 

Samuel’s team. From the receptionists to the nurses to the doctors themselves, amen and amen. 

7. THERAPY. Early Intervention, PT, and OT. All of ECI and the hard working therapists and supervisors who care about my son. Thank you, Father. 

8. MY PARENTS.  If I wrote all night, anyone reading would be bored to tears, as the blessings of prayers, financial support, midnight calls, and willing shoulders to help carry our burdens and worries would not scratch the surface of their unwaivering steadfastness to Samuel’s and our needs. Thank you, Jehovah.

Because of God, I can see Him taking care of us. All I had to do was turn my view finder around to experience an entirely new perspective. Blessings are everywhere. Just look- you’ll see. 

Part 2 to come.