Thursday, July 23, 2009

Good still does prevail............

I have been super busy and keep thinking I should blog about
this or that. Then I find 8,000 other things that need do be
done & I forget about it again. Today I'd really like to tell you
all about this nice man I've gotten to work with via my charity
position.

I've only ever spoken to this man on the phone but I'll tell
you what....there are still people with good, generous hearts
left in this world. This realization couldn't come at a better
time when I've been confronted with some other situations
lately that make me think mean people suck.

Okay so back to "my friend" who called the charity up and
said I am blessed to have typical kids but I would like them
to learn tolerance and to see that not everyone is always the
same. He asked if he could give us money to throw a party
so his family could join us and meet our kids. Well the emotion
of knowing that this man knows my child is different than his
but he still wants his kids to play with him just overwhelms me.
It encourages & reassures me that there is still good left in
this world. He has an employee who has an Autistic son and
he simply wanted me to find a party his "buddy" would enjoy
and he can bring his children to as well.

I got him a bunch of prices and sent them along with a little
note thanking him for even considering doing something like
this for my child and all of the others our charity services.
Before our son was affected, we didn't understand how Autistic
parents felt outcast & ostracized by others. You get almost
self-conscious of people staring because maybe your child is
screaming, crying, stimming or writhing around on the floor.
This man and his family are like a breath of fresh air to our
families and I told him that. I told him how blessed that
employee was to have an employer like himself who cared
enough to give of his own time & financial resources to all of
these kids. I thanked him for all of us Autism parents for
trying to become part of the solution and planting the seed of
acceptance for our kids.

I know that this man's money will have been well spent &
he'll feel it in his heart when he sees all of the smiles & hears
all of the squeals of joy from our beautiful kids. Any man who
gives that to an Autistic child should walk a little taller because
he's a man of great character & generosity.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Invitation to the Board of Directors.....

Recently, I received a phone call from a man who I think just may have the biggest heart ever. It was the President of Parents of Autistic Children, a New Jersey charity. My husband & I have thought this charity is just fantastic since we found them. Then we had the pleasure of meeting Gary, it's President and we knew then why it was so special.

That day's phone call was not at all what I expected. I thought oh good maybe they're finally going to take me up on my offer to help fund raise. During my professional career I had the opportunity to organize several charity events and it felt so fulfilling. Honestly, I was missing the stimulation of working even though I cherish every single day I have at home raising my kids. No that day Gary was calling to invite me to join POAC's Board of Directors.

I can tell you I was shocked!!!!!!! Then I was so proud I thought I might burst. Naturally the first person I wanted to tell was my husband. Now I've always known he thought I was a real catch...LOL but that day I saw the pride in his eyes too. He often tells me how much he appreciates how hard I try for our son and all I sacrifice for our kids. Then I called my parents to tell them & what a great feeling. Being the 3rd child of a group of well educated, accomplished kids in my family it's always been tough to be extraordinary. That day I heard the emotion in my parents voices when they told me how proud they were of me & how perfect I was for this position. I was perfect for this!!!! The best part was my daughter's reaction...she gave me a big hug and told me she knew I would help all of the Autistic kids. Awwww!! My sweet girl.

Well I gladly accepted and am having a great time already. If you haven't done any charity work I would suggest it for everyone. My husband & I watched Gary & the other board members in action at the recent 9th Annual POAC Family picnic. That man & his team put smiles on peoples' faces & they remember names, the kids' names and boy when I grow up I want to be just like Gary. He always makes everyone feel welcome, encouraged & supported. What more could an Autism mom ask for out of life? POAC is a place where you finally find something free (Autism is NOT cheap to treat), feel supported & encouraged while also receiving valuable information & training.