April is almost over. It is also National Autism Awareness Month and today I wanted to write about someone dear to my heart. My cousin Andrew is autistic. And I adore him. He is brilliant, caring, appreciative, loyal and so very thoughtful. I can remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. I can also remember when he was diagnosed. He was 3 years old and I really didn’t know much about autism then. I still don’t know enough.
I remember how amazed I was at the things Andrew knew as a toddler. His memory was and still is incredible. Today Andrew is great with #’s (must run in the family). He is an artist. He is a son, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, a friend, a blessing.
Why am I reminiscing about him? Because this June Andrew will be graduating from high school and I am so proud of him and all that he has accomplished. He is all set to attend college this fall and I can’t wait to follow his journey on this new chapter in his life.
Andrew has taught me so much just by being who he is. I’m so excited for him to see just how many people will be there to honor him in June. I’m not sure that he realizes what a difference he has made. I hope that during his graduation weekend he is reminded of that many times.
(If you’d like to learn more about Autism this link provides you with some great information.)
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful, moving post on your cousin Andrew. This line stood out for me: “Andrew has taught me so much just by being who he is.” I volunteer for a charity that supports people with autism and other intellectual disabilities, and my 9-yr-old nephew has autism. Christian has taught me so much about how to live my life. Like Andrew, he has many gifts, but he is unaware of what they are. He merely just shows up in our lives, content to be who he is, and unconditionally loving us for who we are. That has been a wonderful gift to receive, and I am grateful to have him in my life. 🙂
You’re welcome, Maureen! Thank you for sharing a bit about Christian with us!
Congratulations, Andrew!! What a SWEET post honoring him! ♥ I don’t even know him and I’m so proud of him! 🙂
Thanks, Michelle!!!
What a beautiful post to honor Andrew. He sounds like a remarkable man who has and will continue to offer the world so much. I applaud you bring Autism to light, as a society we has come so far in educating the public recently but there is much more work to be done. Congratulations Andrew!
Thank you, Lori!
That is a very good post. My son works with autistic teens and he decided to have a fundraiser for them in April. It was an awesome event in the most beautiful restaurant in Utah. La Caille. It had silent and a live auctions. Things like tickets for Andrea Bocelli the opera singer. A trip for two to Paris, etc.
Andrea Bocelli’s concert for USA is not even ready until next year.
I went to the gala fundraiser and was amazed at the great job my son did and all the work he put into for the autistic community.
He is already planing the one for next year.
If you want to see the one that just past is still up at:
http://www.smilingdevilproductions.com
Oh Wow, Anna! That is great! I’m going to go check out the link to the fundraiser that your son just hosted. Sounds like it went well and how great of him to do this for others. I hope next years is just as successful! Thank you to your son!