My Journey as a Mother Raising Jayden and Duke, Two Amazing Kids with Autism
As I sit down to write this blog, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and purpose
that I never thought possible. My journey as a mother raising two incredible
children with autism, Jayden and Duke, while also battling multiple sclerosis (MS),
has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. It's a journey that has led me to
discover my own strength and to create a nonprofit organization that is very dear to
my heart: High-Five Society.
My Early Struggles with MS
My journey with health challenges began in 2012 when I was diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis. The news hit me like a ton of bricks, and I was filled with fear
and uncertainty about what the future held. MS is a complex condition that can
affect every aspect of one's life, and I was no exception. Fatigue, pain, and
mobility issues became constant companions, making even the simplest tasks a
struggle.
Becoming a Mother to Jayden and Duke
In 2011, Jayden came into our lives, bringing with him a world of joy and love.
However, it quickly became apparent that Jayden's developmental milestones were
different from other children. When he was diagnosed with autism in 2020, I felt a
mix of emotions: concern for his future, and a deep desire to provide him with the
best possible support and opportunities.
The same year, 2020, brought another life-changing moment when we discovered
that our second child, Duke, also had autism. Raising two children with autism was
challenging, but my husband and I were determined to face these challenges
together. Our dreams of a "normal" family life took on a different meaning, and we
embraced the uniqueness of our family.
The Darkness of Depression and Health Struggles
Throughout this time, I struggled not only with the challenges of raising two kids
with autism but also with the unpredictable nature of MS. The weight of my
responsibilities as a mother, combined with the physical and emotional toll of my
health condition, led to periods of depression. There were days when I felt like I
was drowning, unable to see a glimmer of hope in the storm that surrounded me.
The Birth of High-Five Society
But in the midst of this darkness, something remarkable happened. One day, as I
sat with Jayden and Duke, watching them navigate the world with such
determination and resilience, I had an epiphany. I realized that their uniqueness
was not a burden but a gift. They saw the world in a way that no one else could,
and they had so much to offer.
With this newfound perspective, I decided to channel my energy into something
positive. That's when I founded High-Five Society, a nonprofit organization
dedicated to supporting families raising children with special needs, like Jayden
and Duke, all while battling my own health challenges with MS. Our mission was
simple: to empower individuals with special needs and foster inclusive
communities, and a supportive community to parents like me who often felt
isolated and overwhelmed.
The Power of Connection
Through High-Five Society, I discovered the incredible power of connection. I met
other parents who were walking a similar path, and together, we found strength in
our shared experiences. We learned from each other, offered a shoulder to lean on,
and celebrated each small victory. It was through these connections that I began to
heal and find hope.
A Journey of Growth
Raising two kids with autism, while dealing with the daily challenges of MS, is
still incredibly challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. I've learned to
embrace the uniqueness of Jayden and Duke and see the beauty in their differences.
They have taught me more about resilience, patience, and unconditional love than I
could have ever imagined.
Conclusion: Finding Purpose and Hope
My journey as a mother raising Jayden and Duke, two amazing kids with autism,
while battling multiple sclerosis, has been a challenging one, but it has also been a
journey of growth, resilience, and love. Through my own struggles with health and
depression, I found the strength to create High-Five Society, a place where families
like mine can find support and hope.
If you're a parent raising children with special or battling a chronic illness like MS,
know that you are not alone. There is a community of people who understand your
journey and are here to support you. And if you're someone who has faced multiple
challenges in life, remember that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times.
Sometimes, the most unexpected moments can lead to the creation of something
beautiful and purposeful, just like my journey with High-Five Society. Jayden,
Duke, and High-Five Society have shown me that love knows no bounds, and
together, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
About High-Five Society: At High-Five Society, we empower individuals with special needs by promoting an inclusive, compassionate community. Our goal is to ensure a nurturing environment for them to thrive and participate in social events that bolster their well-being.
High-Five Society is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization under EIN 92-3510638. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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