Yesterday, I was watching the reunion show (part 1). Jacqueline had disclosed a few weeks back that her son (Nicholas age 3) has autism. She was asked about it on the show yesterday. As she told her story and watched the footage of her son, it brought me right back to my experiences with Austin. I remember what a great baby he was, never thinking that was odd how quiet and content he was a lot of the time, very easy going and sweet! Watching as her little boy struggled as she was trying to show him something, wiggling to get away, his lack of eye contact, his speech ... Austin ... all the same things I struggled with and really, there are always challenges but things change and do get better. It just BROKE MY HEART when she said her son does not say "I love you" to her because he has regressed. She sobbed and sobbed ... I burst into tears just hearing and watching her. I felt like our hearts know the same pain ... it is DEVASTATING! I was amazed at how fast it brought me back to the agony I felt sitting on a couch just a few years ago.
During the show, one of her cast mates was sitting next to her, Caroline Manzo (I like her too), she is Jacqueline's sister in-law, cried and tried to comfort Jacqueline and said that one day her little boy will say "I love you" again. I believe that is true. I thought that she was very brave to speak about her son having autism. Jacqueline expressed that she believes awareness is very important, I couldn't agree more, and she stated that she does not know everything about autism but she is learning and wants to share as she learns. Exactly why I started this blog. I think she should be very proud of herself. It takes a lot of strength and courage to stand up fight for your child. Good for her!
Parents of children with autism are connected in a special way (not only because we "get it") because our connection is through our hearts ...
All the best! *HUGS*!
4 comments:
Wow, I used to watch this show. I cut down my dish network so I don't get it now but bless her. She wanted another baby so bad. Autism is so tricky...my son regressed as well but luckily therapy helped and he is very very verbal now.
Hi kristi,
Yes, it is so sad how many miscarriages she had, heartbreaking!
It is ... it is tough! It is always wonderful to see progress. It is great to hear your son is doing well. :)
*HUGS* :) Heather
How impressive that she was that willing to open herself up publicly, but so many people will benefit from increased awareness!
Hi Judy,
I agree. It was tough to watch but I think many people benefit when anyone talks about autism and shares their story.
*HUGS*
:) Heather
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