My Son Joshua

Joshua, my son was diagnosed with Autism as a little boy. Today, now in his twenties, is a successful artist; painting the most colorful acrylic paintings.

My only job as a dad is to provide the building blocks and teach him the lessons of Life.

In those dark moments, I would listen to Jason Hague's poem “A Reflection of Aching Joy”, which he wrote for his autistic son, Jack. His words resonate deeply with me.

"Because you are not a disorder, my son, Not a blue puzzle piece On a clinical spectrum. But neither are you normal, You're a piece of God's own daydreams A reflection of aching joy. No, you're not normal. You are… beloved." Jason Hague - A Reflection of Aching Joy

The grief of letting go of "my dreams for him" has long since been replaced with an acute awareness of the small miracles that happen every day.

Acceptance did not come overnight, but I learnt to cherish the time I spend with my son in spite of the heartbreak we faced in the past while trying to help him.

Joshua is smart, funny, talented, hardworking and the most caring person I ever met. I learned with Joshua the following: One person can make a big difference