'Twas the night before Christmas and in the living room
A tired, haggard Mom swept with a broom.
Another shattered ornament tossed in the air
by a naughty little eight-year-old with candy cane in his hair.
He doesn't mean to be bad or make his mom cry.
He just is impulsive and thought it could fly.
They ask what he wants from Santa this year
He replies with a rote "Santa fly reindeer".
They politely decline invitations from friends
Instead they will celebrate alone again.
It may seem sad or tragic, I guess.
But an Autism Christmas is different not less.
Their gifts are from heaven. None could be bought.
They thank God for their child and the lessons he's taught.
He's not wrapped up in the latest toys, styles or fad.
He's happy in his PJ's, being tickled by Dad.
Dad's happy too, although it took a while to get there.
What used to be important dissolved in thin air
the day he discovered his purpose in life:
To serve and protect his children with his beautiful wife.
Lessons of Jesus and Mary can wait.
This year it's just managing what's been put on their plate.
Their life appears to be a chaotic coaster ride.
But in so many ways it's become simplified.
It's all about Love, the rest is just dressing.
Don't pity their state, learn from their blessings.
Merry Christmas!
this is so awesome! :D
ReplyDeleteVery well written, brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteThank you Eric's dad for posting this. It really touched my heart.
ReplyDeleteLove it :)
ReplyDeletethank you!!! - the statement about simplified really hits home.. THANK YOU - I needed to hear that too!
ReplyDeleteCould NOT have been said better! I sit in the quiet with the Xmas lights thinking the same exact thoughts X2! It is, most certainly, about LOVE and the rest is absolutely just dressing! Autism Christmas is indeed different, no one understands and thinks you make up excuses about not attending all the gatherings and shopping, oh my gosh!
ReplyDeleteBut, it is never or ever less! Will never forget a few years back, Jesus gave us the gift of our daughter trying to bottle feed a baby doll. It was her first, actual, correct attempt of play with a kids' toy. A Christmas morning miracle, never to be forgotten. Thank you for an extremely well written and touching post, I loved reading it!