How beautiful and haunting, all in one. As parents we see the things others don’t or won’t. I’m so happy to hear that you have an answer that will hopefully help her to have a full and beautifully lived life.
This is very tender and heartfelt. You can feel how much love and care sits underneath every line. The way you describe the long journey toward understanding—without anger or blame—feels especially meaningful. Thank you for sharing something so personal and vulnerable. It’s clear this was written with a lot of love. Beautiful work!
Thanks for sharing your struggles, Erik. There are so many challenges in being a parent, and many of us have to help or solo raise our grandkids too. And your poem was very heartfelt too!
If only the answers were in A book..it would be so easy ...but ...instead it has to be way more than a look... we are all complicated but as a whole we become what we must be which is a family of understanding with no judgements just love and harmony to live wholesome in peace ..
My grandson was diagnosed at 11 and after that we got him a guitar ...it made him whole, he took his guitar everywhere with him (school ) he had no friends ..h we took guitar lessons for year and then his mysic teacher said he was as better than his teacher . By muddle school he was as playing old school guitar melodies like a champ. He opened up his middle school music programs with Santana songs and ended the program with Wipe Out . In high school his music teacher labeled him as a prodigy. All it took was the right hobby and his obsession and he figured out where his insecurity was ...and holding the guitar in his arms ,with the guitar being the end I f his fingers made him whole . College or private lessons would be only a costly contribution, kids like this just need to go with what they love , no pressure helps them to become themselves..We only got him diagnosed be cause his math teacher In 8th grade ,embarrassed him in front of the whole class saying because he didnt focus on learning he'd end up being homeless on a street corner begging for money with his guitar case as a bank . We opened up a lawsuit against the school and the attorney made sure he was able to see a Dr who diagnosed him as autistic . That being he was one of the first ....and with this diagnosis he was able to open doors with kids with these issues being fairly treated in schools without having to be just labeled disabled . Because otherwise schools didn't have any programs between disabled and regular schools . For him he was able to be in the school with the best
music programs instead of high academic . He's a total whiz at computers, (built his own) writing songs ,building his own guitars , totally building his own speakers and a expert on bands ,albums( old and new ) which sides are on which albums and what type of instruments are in the recorded songs. All children deserve to be
themselves and find their security in who they are . Your child will do good if we allow that to happen. They have to have the desire to want to know about it and with the right help and understanding they can be a expert at anything . Being rich isn't anywhere where as fun as being happy and yourself . Good luck your child is very very special.
I’ve been around autistic children and have seen the awesome traits that many develop. One teenager is a performer of sheer delight but I’ve also seen the breakdowns they go through which can be overwhelming at times. It takes a very special parent with heart full of love and happiness to help find their way in life. They are special and unique, just like you. Bless you for accepting your child 💞💞💞💞
We want them to be happy and healthy in life as my daddy would say … I have that tattooed on my arm. Your daughter is and will continue to be because her parents “get it” even in the most difficult moments. Continue to trust. Keep the head up ! Blessings to you and your entire family. You are all gifts to one another forever and always.
So beautiful Erik, thank you for bravely sharing the words so many struggle to utter. Your daughter is lucky in the fact she have parents who love her unconditionally 🩷
Love it. I have worked with autistic kids both as a teacher and administrator but I didn't really get it until I tutored them. Amazing, empathetic and focused on their interests. One little boy who knew all of the dinosaurs scientific names loved to draw them and read about them.
The poem is beautiful and all of the current “noise” about autism has really helped some of us realize that some of my older friends and relatives may have been autistic, but just never diagnosis as such because it was not something people really knew about or talked about.
Parenting is so difficult. I felt my "benign neglect’ would allow my children freedom to be who they were. Because of my odd childhood, I had no clue. Parenting is so difficult
This was a similar journey we had with our daughter. What a beautiful poem.
Thank you
How beautiful and haunting, all in one. As parents we see the things others don’t or won’t. I’m so happy to hear that you have an answer that will hopefully help her to have a full and beautifully lived life.
This is very tender and heartfelt. You can feel how much love and care sits underneath every line. The way you describe the long journey toward understanding—without anger or blame—feels especially meaningful. Thank you for sharing something so personal and vulnerable. It’s clear this was written with a lot of love. Beautiful work!
Thank you my friend
Absolutely! Anytime!
Thanks for sharing your struggles, Erik. There are so many challenges in being a parent, and many of us have to help or solo raise our grandkids too. And your poem was very heartfelt too!
Thanks
If only the answers were in A book..it would be so easy ...but ...instead it has to be way more than a look... we are all complicated but as a whole we become what we must be which is a family of understanding with no judgements just love and harmony to live wholesome in peace ..
Thank tou
My grandson was diagnosed at 11 and after that we got him a guitar ...it made him whole, he took his guitar everywhere with him (school ) he had no friends ..h we took guitar lessons for year and then his mysic teacher said he was as better than his teacher . By muddle school he was as playing old school guitar melodies like a champ. He opened up his middle school music programs with Santana songs and ended the program with Wipe Out . In high school his music teacher labeled him as a prodigy. All it took was the right hobby and his obsession and he figured out where his insecurity was ...and holding the guitar in his arms ,with the guitar being the end I f his fingers made him whole . College or private lessons would be only a costly contribution, kids like this just need to go with what they love , no pressure helps them to become themselves..We only got him diagnosed be cause his math teacher In 8th grade ,embarrassed him in front of the whole class saying because he didnt focus on learning he'd end up being homeless on a street corner begging for money with his guitar case as a bank . We opened up a lawsuit against the school and the attorney made sure he was able to see a Dr who diagnosed him as autistic . That being he was one of the first ....and with this diagnosis he was able to open doors with kids with these issues being fairly treated in schools without having to be just labeled disabled . Because otherwise schools didn't have any programs between disabled and regular schools . For him he was able to be in the school with the best
music programs instead of high academic . He's a total whiz at computers, (built his own) writing songs ,building his own guitars , totally building his own speakers and a expert on bands ,albums( old and new ) which sides are on which albums and what type of instruments are in the recorded songs. All children deserve to be
themselves and find their security in who they are . Your child will do good if we allow that to happen. They have to have the desire to want to know about it and with the right help and understanding they can be a expert at anything . Being rich isn't anywhere where as fun as being happy and yourself . Good luck your child is very very special.
Thank you so much Dotty. We are really working hard to help her find her place in this world. With enough patience, I am sure we will get her there.
My 2 year old.grandson was just diagnosed and we love him ❤️ he's smart.and kind and loving .
I’ve been around autistic children and have seen the awesome traits that many develop. One teenager is a performer of sheer delight but I’ve also seen the breakdowns they go through which can be overwhelming at times. It takes a very special parent with heart full of love and happiness to help find their way in life. They are special and unique, just like you. Bless you for accepting your child 💞💞💞💞
What a beautiful poem. Your daughter is lucky to have such caring parents. And you and your wife are lucky to have such a wonderful daughter.
We want them to be happy and healthy in life as my daddy would say … I have that tattooed on my arm. Your daughter is and will continue to be because her parents “get it” even in the most difficult moments. Continue to trust. Keep the head up ! Blessings to you and your entire family. You are all gifts to one another forever and always.
Beautiful, viscerally thoughtful, and so loving. She's a lucky girl to have you as her dad.
Thanks Natalie
So beautiful Erik, thank you for bravely sharing the words so many struggle to utter. Your daughter is lucky in the fact she have parents who love her unconditionally 🩷
Thank you
Love it. I have worked with autistic kids both as a teacher and administrator but I didn't really get it until I tutored them. Amazing, empathetic and focused on their interests. One little boy who knew all of the dinosaurs scientific names loved to draw them and read about them.
No, my friend, it didn’t suck. I have a son…it’s been a struggle.
The poem is beautiful and all of the current “noise” about autism has really helped some of us realize that some of my older friends and relatives may have been autistic, but just never diagnosis as such because it was not something people really knew about or talked about.
Parenting is so difficult. I felt my "benign neglect’ would allow my children freedom to be who they were. Because of my odd childhood, I had no clue. Parenting is so difficult
I wouldn't exactly call it great poetry, but it certainly is a heartfelt message and a compelling story.