When Irena Smith’s son was diagnosed with autism she got right to work calling on the same innate wizardry she detailed in her recent book The Golden Ticket showing college applicants how to find and express their best selves.
It is easy to expect our children to be, as Irena says, some variation of a mini-me. Counting on that is fraught with risk. We do not know who they are until they make clear to us who they are and what they need in life. Children guide parents regarding what they need; all we have to do is listen with an open heart and open mind and then get to work. Of course easier said than done but when all is said and done it is worth the effort
Irena’s path is not only a blazing example of motherly love but a valuable blueprint to follow when faced with unexpected challenges regarding our children.
Interesting to note, I was touched and informed by it myself, that Irena at one point referred to having a project rather than a problem. Hooray! To listen to Irena talk about her experience is a lesson in so many things about child rearing, and her candor and strength are worth gold. Wherever you or your children lie on life’s neuro-spectrum, I am sure you will learn something unexpected about struggle and success and surmounting what seems to be insurmountable.
I am leaving the truly fascinating and helpful details to Irena, and of course seeing her talk about it is a wonderful other layer of motherhood in action.
Her love letter will be something to survive and bring joy to generations down the line.