Rain Man

As we settled in for the evening last night we were flipping channels. PBS was featuring Rain Man. I have not seen that movie for about 20 years. Nor, I have seen it since I found out 7 years ago that my son, Tyler was diagnosed with Autism. Ron and I started to watch the movie. I watched Rain Man with such a different perspective and emotion than I had 20 years.

 Now, I am the one who has a child like this! If I allowed myself, I would have cried throughout the whole movie. Of course, there were parts that we laughed at and could totally relate. The one thing that made me so sad was in the movie when Charlie was saying to himself, I know you are in there Raymond, I know who are in there somewhere. Then Ron, piped in and said there are so many times when I say that about Tyler, where is my son?! That broke my heart.

Please don't get me wrong, I am not trying to have a pity party. I am thankful each day, that I have a healthy child, that can walk, talk, enjoy life, laugh, cry, loves music, school, sports,  plays with his sister and cousins. It is just moments like last night, where I see my son's life just a little different then someone elses. 

I wonder what the future holds for Tyler? Each day we see such progress! We are thankful for the school that Tyler goes to, the resources through the community and the support of our family and friends.

Eleven years ago, we were given a beautiful baby boy. Who has grown up to be almost as tall as his mother and still growing! His idol is Bono of the band U2, he loves sports, computers, video games, etc. He has 2 parents that love him and advocate for him every day! Tyler you are amazing and know that you have the biggest fans cheering for you everyday - mom and dad!