You

I hear the pitter patter of your feet running from room to room, hiding your favorite toys in closets. You love small spaces.

You wrap your arms around me. Your little hands smell like peanut butter, one of the few foods you eat without struggle.

You squeeze my elbow – your new stim. “I love you mom.” *Squeeze*

A song plays and you dance with your special moves you’ve had since you were two. You “dance like nobody’s watching.”

But I am. Soaking it all in. All the things that make you uniquely… you.

Autism is hard. I would never say otherwise. You struggle to perform daily activities most people take for granted. But autism is also beautiful, because you would not be who you are without it.

It’s just one part of all the pieces that make you Seth. I wouldn’t change one thing about you. Your strengths and weaknesses, quirks and talents… any of it. All of it.

You’re growing into exactly who God wants you to be, and I can’t express how grateful I am for every opportunity we have to grow together.

Thanks for opening my eyes to the beauty of seeing life differently.

Happy Autism Awareness Month!

You’re amazing!

I love you so much, Seth.

*Squeeze*

©️ Grace Baeten 2024