I decided I’m going to be Raggedy Ann for Halloween. I didn’t know much about her so I looked her up in Wikipedia. Due to an unfortunate event Raggedy Ann actually became an anti-vaccination symbol in the 1920s. One read lead to another and I found myself reading this statement in an article concerning disabilities, specifically autism, “Even for a ‘well-adjusted’ person, there are times, as the mother of one disabled child explains, when something will ‘hit you like lead in the heart and throw you into a depression. It is strange what triggers it. It might be a birthday party for someone’s child, or seeing someone the same age as my child baptized or ordained. At these times, you experience a sense of grief and loss at what you know will never be for your child.’ ”
The prayer Seporah said for primary a couple of weeks ago was very sweet and simple, however along with her prayer, 3 other Sunbeams said the scriptures and lengthy talks essentially by themselves. I was very close to crying having nothing whatsoever to do with the spirit. I know the things she can do are different than what others can do but to have it compared so close together with children her own age was quite disheartening.
She looks completely normal and if you’re not paying attention you would miss all the signs entirely at this age. She sounds smart, in large part from the echolacia. Eventually I’m imagining she’ll get to the point where the gap from what she can do to what others can do will be much larger.
Felicity I’m sure will grow up and make her choices. Hopefully she’ll marry a nice man and have lots of nice children and do whatever job she wants to and live happily ever after.
I have no clue about Seporah.
Only 3% of adults with autism live fully independently.
Will she have a job? Will she get married? Will she have friends? Will she live with Steven and I the rest of her life (what happens when we die)? Will she have children? Will people move away from her when she sits down and talks too loud? Will she be manipulated by people around her that can take advantage of her? Will she be cured and be perfectly normal? I suppose that last question is me still partly in denial as many people tell me there’s no way she’s autistic and I can even delude myself sometimes into thinking they’re right. “No, she’s completely normal.” But she’s really not and I hate having to sit and explain that to other people who just give her a once over.
I’m told she’s only 3 1/2 and I shouldn’t worry about so far down the road, but really how am I not suppose to?
