I was recently asked if I would have still had my kids knowing what I know now. The answer is a resounding YES.

My life would be meaningless without my kids. They are the reason I wake up in the morning and my drive to work hard every day. I have learned so much through my kids and I would not be the person I am today without them in my life. I have learned patience, strength, faith, hope and determination.

We all envision having kids and hearing their first word, first giggle and first steps. I had all of that. Then, like a thief in the night, it was stolen away by Autism. It was then I realized how much we take for granted. I learned from that point on the value of a child’s smile, word, giggle, and for them to stand and walk.

I recognized the significance of cherishing every moment and celebrating every single milestone. It is challenging having two special need kids, but that challenge amounts nothing when it comes to the love and joy they have brought me.

Through my kids, I learned we don’t always have the answers, but we should be grateful in all circumstances. I have always been a faithful person, but Autism brought me to my knees and shook me to the core. Upon praying to God to give me guidance to help improve my children’s lives as they live with Autism, I had to take a long look in the mirror and ask myself if I was worthy of the Lord’s help. I

was ashamed to admit to myself that it had been a while since I praised God for all he had already done for me in my life and yet I was asking for more. It was then that my kids changed my life. I had to come to terms with so much within myself and with God.

I had held on to years of anger toward a father I had never met and a grandmother who was not always good to me before she passed. I cried on my knees one night asking for forgiveness and I laid it all down to God. I no longer wanted to hold that anger inside and I let it all go.

God then opened doors for me I had never ever imagined. After 35 years I found my dad online and for the first time I got to call him and hear his voice and found out I had a half-sister and two half-brothers and I found all of them as well.

None of this would have ever happened if it were not for my kids. I wanted to bear my soul in this article and share my experience so that others can see that even through a disability, God’s glory shines through.

By Dina Simoneaux