What Would You Do?

What if we lived in a world that was perfect?   Everyone got along and looked after one another.     What if we lived in a world where there was no violence?   None.    What if there was nothing harmful the environment?     What if no one ever got sick?     What if? What if? What if?

My absolute favorite what if...:

What if there were no illness or disorders?    No ASD (autism spectrum disorder). No ADD or ADHD. No cancer. Etc. etc. etc.

Imagine starting a family, having babies and not worrying about anything. Nothing to immunize from, no special diets needed, no worry of illness or disorder. How cool would that be? Young ones learning easily how to communicate, make friends and enjoy the people, and the world, around them. But, as we all know, there is nothing perfect in this life. You might be blessed enough to get a "glimpse" or "taste" of perfection on a rare occasion. Though we could easily be lost in the "what if" question, the ultimate conclusion I've been coming to is... perfection is in the eye of the beholder, "so to speak". 

I watched a documentary called "This is Autism", (for about the third time) and at the end the gentleman asked the parents, "if you could cure your child of autism, would you?" (paraphrased). I was kind of surprised by one mother who emphatically said "No". In the 3 seconds it took for her to compose her answer, I thought "how can you even think to say that?" Then she explained that out of all her children, her autistic son knew and did things that none of her other children ever did. He did things that totally amazed her and showed her just how special he was, she was very proud of him. I was so amazed. I had never thought about it that way, I had always thought how much easier I thought it would be for them. I know all of our children are special. I know they all have great potential. I know they super smart. I am always amazed at how much they teach me. I had simply never considered "that" answer before. It definitely made me pause.

Another thing to consider is: if we could indeed "remove" or "cure" the autism, it would change the person they are. So then... What would you do? Since we know that we cannot currently or "cure" our kiddos of autism, it's nice to be reminded of what's truly important. So, instead of thinking what you'd change, perhaps think of what you wouldn't.

Please always remember:

From a mother's heart - Even though my boys are autistic, I know they're smart, wonderful and special. I now ask myself on a regular basis... would I cure my children of autism if I could? What would you do... what a truly great question it is.