Happy Mother's Day!!!

Things have been really busy these past few weeks for all of us but we felt it’s time to write again and what better topic than Mother’s Day. Nick and I decided to share sort of an interactive blog between us this week and we hope you take some time to read both entries. 

             Mother’s Day is approaching and for many of us it is a time to spend the day with Mom; stepping back from our busy lives to show Mom how much we love her and appreciate all she does for us. Sadly, some don’t have that opportunity but are able to reflect; recalling childhood memories and understanding what unconditional love really means.

            This is obviously no different for those on the Spectrum; in fact I would argue that for Nick and Lou, every day is Mother’s Day. Marian can do no wrong in Louis’ eyes. And Nick was able to express himself quite clearly in an essay he wrote during the process to get into the College Experience Program. We were notified that during one of the interviews in Albany, Marian and I would meet with staff to discuss Nick’s qualifications for the program and Nick would be taken to another room to write an essay. Topics were mentioned and one of them was “Who is the most influential person in your life?”

            Having some time before our trip to Albany,  I gently  “reminded” Nick that it was me who took him to his first baseball and first football game. It was me who bought him his first Raiders football jersey, introduced him to the Beatles, took him to see “1964 The Tribute”  Beatles band several times and to make it complete, I took him to see Ringo Starr at Jones Beach. I went on and on, lobbying for top billing but Nick just nodded and said okay. What was going on here? The choice was clear!

            And then it hit me. As he put his thoughts together on a few topics, he said he was going to write about his mom if he got that subject. Of course! You can’t compete with Mom, especially Marian. She has devoted her entire life to making sure her boys are taken care of and are given every opportunity they deserve. In addition, she has sacrificed a lot to ensure they will be taken care of in the future. Marian and I, with the help of my daughter Emily and son Nick, will be there to see it through. The boys will have a home as long as they live, surrounded by people who care and love them. They will never be alone on a holiday; in fact, they will celebrate with loved ones. Furthermore, by starting OneStep4Autism, Inc., we hope to provide that same future for other adults on the spectrum. Yes, I’m sure Marian will be like her mother Elizabeth, who is still working at 76 years of age. I guess retirement is not an option or a need. Working at something you love isn’t work at all. It is your life! Even though Marian and I have gotten a late start in life, we have lots to do and I couldn’t be more fortunate to be doing it with an incredible wife and mother.          

            When we returned to Albany for our interview, Nick was fortunate enough to get the “influential person” topic. He wrote his essay on the spot, recalling his thoughts, and he shined. 

Please go to Nick Z's Blog  to read his essay…..….…..