“ohfacisn”.

We learn so much from our children…if we allow ourselves to be students, realizing that the more we know….we know nothing. That no matter the height of their stature, their view of life and words can pack more knowledge at times than sitting for 3 hours in a class on Middle East History.

God continues to teach me daily about my journey with Him through Joshua. Our son has Autism…what couldn’t I learn as I see him daily defy what doctors say he could never do. However, it is not my little boy (who now, at the age of 5, soon to be six, stands up to my arm pit) that I have gleaned from. It is my little girl. Who stands all dressed in pink with her little ballet sneakers on, blonde curly hair and her big blue eyes looking at me and saying with a sigh, “Are we doing Autism today?”

Ever since Faith was born she has breathed “Autism” with us. To nursing her as we waited for Joshua during therapy, to this continuing journey. She is the sibling of a special needs child and her question packed a HUGE statement. She wanted to do something outside of how we live. She wanted to do something with mommy that was typical. She wanted mommy to notice her, see her desires, her beauty….her.

I remember reading a comic strip once where a mother was busy working at her counter when her little girl came up and said, “ohfacisn”. The mommy turned around with a huge smile, looking down at her daughter and said, “Okay, I’ll whole face listen”.

How easy it is for us as adults to put on the “adult armor” and tell our kids they have to “wait, they need to listen, one second, let me finish….” Instead of hearing their hearts, pleading for our attention.

Our role in their lives is not to be a WARDEN. A RULE MAKER & KEEPER. We are their parents. To love them, guide them, protect, nurture…cuddle, play puppets with them, make play dough bunnies, read books….experience life that they may see Christ in us and desire that relationship. Our kids are pursuing us….we need to pursue them and never stop. How the pursuit plays out will continue to shift and change over time as they grow…but never stop “ohfacisining” with your kids.

Today Faith and I had our lunch outing. Our GIRLS DAY OUT, as my grandmother used to call it. A tradition that I have been honored to continue with Faith. Because it was a GIRLS DAY OUT…she ate her cookie first, and loved it. She and I later walked through the store with her new pink paracel (umbrella)…opened, skipping in her ballet sneakers, curls bouncing….

Not matter if you have a child with special needs or not….may I encourage you to make every sibling feel like they are the best in your eyes. I tell both of my children daily, “You’re the best.” May I also challenge you to find things to do with them that is solely theirs.

One last note regarding my precious daughter…who by the way is a princess of THE MOST HIGH GOD….I remember when Faith invited Joshua to come with us to her favorite “GIRLS DAY OUT” spot. A place that was solely her’s and mommy’s and yet she wanted to share her “treasure” with her big brother. Wow. Sometimes I think kids share their precious things more readily than adults.

"Lord, thank you so much for the precious gift and treasure you have given in Faithy. Lord, I pray that she continues to grow as Your princess. I pray that my actions will display your love and that it gives her an intense thirst for you. Please continue to mold her heart to want to share the deepest "treasures" hidden in her heart with others. Thank you for letting me be Faithy's mommy...I am humbled, and honored. In Jesus name....AMEN"

Much love,

Angel Thompson
angel@oasisautism.org
www.lulu.com/UPM2005