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…..….…..
