Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

oh honey i'm sorry your feeling this way i tell myself god won't give me more than i can handle so he must think we can all handle the job of children with special needs. they are our little angels. remember the footprints in the sand when you only see one set he is carrying you. and always remember that a lot of people are worse off than we are and pray for them

Remember when you are doubting faith and you feel frustrating, you are upset because you are not getting what "you" want but you are failing to see that God has given you what you "need" - we must learn the differences between our wants and "needs" - our needs are more basic than we think. i did respond to your message - probably rambled a little more than answered - but i think you are truly blessed and i think you like the rest of us parents of these autistic angels are some of the luckiest people in the world - we experience parenting joy that a parent of a non autistic child will ever feel -andthat joy is so great because of the challenges that we face - you sweetie are a blessing in yourself - you have no idea how many of us you've helped - how many people turn to you for support and how lucky your angels are to have you as their mother - you have to truly watch what you wish for,the grass is only greener on the otherside of the fence when you want it to be - the other side of the fence always has some sort of misery too - bless you my dear friend - you are a blessing to us, to your husband, to your angels that's because you yourself are a gift from God -

Denise, we have all had our faith tested by our kids' autism. When I am at my lowest point, I count my blessings, and my faith is renewed. And, I try to take things day by day, so that I am not overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all. Plus, prayer always helps. Ask the Lord, and he will give you acceptance, and serenity. Big hugs to you, for all that you do.

Yeah I have it tested it seems everyday. The weird thing is that once I gave speech in a church for an autism group down south and we took Austin (Jacquie, Charlie, Austin and I went) and when we walked in, Austin began looking under the pews and up towards the ceiling and on the stage etc. He kept saying "Where is he?" and we had no idea what he meant. Finally Jacquie said "Where is who? Who are you looking for?" and Austin said "G-d". It was a really nice moment.
I am Jewish. Jacquie is Christian. Chuck is an atheist. G-d is not spoken of much in our home and yet he had the concept somehow. It was so sweet and innocent. I always remember than when I feel pretty low.
If a struggling 9 year old (this was a few years ago) can have simple faith then surely I can too. I admit though, some days I have wondered "why me" and "why him" and blamed G-d but then I look at his simple faith and try to gain strength from mine and move on.
Carebear is right. I try to see the great things G-d has given me (family, friends, a roof over my head, a stomach that does not rumble (and needs to shrink LOL), clean water to drink, the ability to sleep in peace without war raging outside my window etc. and that helps too.
Also like Ethansgram said, remembering there are people much worse off than I am or Austin is.
I tink it is normal to resent G-d from time to time. Don't feel bad.
G-d will never give us more than we can handle and sometimes he just has more faith in our ability to handle things that we do.
(Ok this was rambling but its too darn early here and I hope everyone can read though the ramble LOL)

well denise as you know i have adam and both parents i deal with 24/7 and the only support i get is here at DS. As for faith, I have to have it, I think that faith is the only way I have been able to juggle all 3 peoples needs and deal with husband that thinks i neglect him, duh! but anyways, i am not a very religious person, but I just think that God has to be carrying me, cause if he wasnt, I would have broken a long time ago. love ya,
p

God only gives you things you can handle... therefore he knew you could handle autism.... in your case with 2.

think of it as a gift... many parents take for granted what you and many cherish

I don't think it's a matter of questioning your faith. I think that once we realize that things simply happen, for no purpose, it's just life, you can give up some of the questioning of why...we all have days where we feel like we've been given too much to handle. More than we should have to take. What I try and do, is at those lowest times, think of what could be worse. Who has it worse than I? A lot of people far and away and probably more closer to me than I realize. I become thankful for the things I do have and try to work through the feelings of being overwhelmed and sad. Try not to question too much or blame, because there aren't answers and no one to point the finger at. love you sweetie!

Sorry if I'm the naysayer. I don't believe we are only given what we can handle. I think some of us are certainly dumped on harder than others. I think we have to as noahsmommy says, "take each day, one at a time". Perhaps trying to find strength in our own personal strength. Think about before autism for a moment. Most of us before kids, if we were asked if in the future if we were given "this" situation, could we handle it? Most of us would say "no way!" but we have, all of us, handled it. WE should be proud of ourselves and what we have accomplished. And that is where we should find our strength, in Ourselves.

Good Job Moms, Dads!

Denise, the one thing that is great is that once you have had God in your life you can never lose him. You may question him as a lot of us do, but he is always there. You can pray for strenght and open your heart up to him. The ladies say pray and I agree. I will also say a prayer for you honey. Debbie

Hi Friend....
yes yes I am feeling that way, but u know what gets me thru... I believe in heaven. And no matter how bad life can be, someday we will all be in heaven and no one will be sick or unable to speak..
everyone CURED for GOOD!!
I just take one day at a time, cry allot, pray, ..
The part where God doesnt give u more than u can handle. I dont know if i believe that anymore, because if that is so, why would people take thier own life?
I guess we have to make a choice in trust God, and help ourselfs in ways we only know will actully help us feel better.
One day at a time..
..and a glass of wine.
HUGS