The dreaded question

If you have a child with any kind of difference or special need, you may have already figured out this post. . .

The dreaded question is one that strikes an odd potent mixture of anger, shock, disbelief and in many cases horror. . .and it is one that no matter how many times you hear it, you always feel a sucker punch to the gut.

"How does it FEEL to have a child with __________?"

Really? Did you just ask me that? Oh, HELL to the no! I can usually hold it together, but the other day this was asked at the Wall, while in line, AND said child was right there LISTENING.

"How does it feel to have an autistic child?"

How does it feel? I can honestly tell you it feels no different than having a child with brown eyes or blond hair. I can tell you that while he is autistic he is not DEAF and he understands a lot, including when people treat him like a condition not a person. It feels wonderful to know that no matter what lies ahead, I will be there for him, and that he has so much going for him. This child is a human being first and foremost not a trendy condition to be gawked at, and he is a blessing. How does it feel to have an autistic child?

I feel that having an autistic child really shows you a lot about the people you share the world with, and that there are those who get it and those that don't and the ones that don't ask stupid questions like this and the ones who do get it interact with my son like they would any other fellow human.

Good day, and Precious, say good bye to the nice lady. . .