In less than two weeks I will return home after five months of helping care for my grandchildren Emilio and Laylani. When I first started this journey I had no expectations, but I did know that I had to find new ways to connect with Emilio who has autism; learning about autism has been an enlightening experience.  Prior to this experience, the comment “It’s the responsibility of his parents” kept me at a comfortable distance. I knew that I needed help to enable me to understand and help Emilio better, so I took a course called “The Son-rise Program” where I learned techniques and strategies that can dramatically help improve Emilio’s learning, development, communication and skill acquisition.

During these five months I have witnessed his proud and happy eyes look at me when he grasps a concept or performs an activity that he has been trying to master for days or weeks.  His genuine gratefulness is visible in his eyes, and he expresses it with hugs and the words “I love you.”  With every simple breakthrough that sometimes comes so hard,  my heart experiences new depths of love as my mind sees visions of the increasing possibilities for him. 

 For these five months I have truly learned what it means to be dedicated - Emilio would not have it any other way - disallowing any personal endeavors which might encroach on my time with him. It has meant being alert and sensitive to his responses and modifying my own to maintain a needed harmonious and enjoyable interaction. It has meant taking deep breaths not to give in to my own frustrations, or to disconnect because he is angry or frustrated.  It has meant throwing worry to the wind; when you are totally present there is no personal worry space.  On this journey many of the things I learned I already knew intellectually, but working with Emilio intellectual knowledge is not enough.  He mirrors the progress of your soul; the quality of my patience and the love I demonstrate are directly reflected in Emilio’s efforts to progress out of autism.

 Emilio has also taught me much about simplicity.  One toy under the Christmas tree is enough for him, with functionality reigning over brands or quality.  Emilio loves to eat but he smilingly shares with you; he will not guard his food or show you his back to keep you away.  Emilio is never bored - he always finds something to do and is happy playing alone or with others.  He is fully present when learning - never impatient.  And one of Emilio’s most loving traits is his acceptance of everyone.  He will approach the poor or the disabled - even the grouchy - and I have seen his smile and unconditional acceptance touch their hearts.

 I believe that Emilio’s ever-growing responsiveness to his newly learned skills and to his surroundings are the direct result of consistently implementing the techniques and strategies from the Son-rise program as well as showering him with love and acceptance at all times. And this is what it will take in the demanding years ahead for Emilio to reach his full potential, and to outgrow the behavior associated with autism. 

 Personally, I am a different person from the one that arrived here five months ago.  It may not be obvious, but inside I know that this opportunity to raise children from a perspective totally different from my own experience as a young mother has enriched my life in ways I have yet to discover throughout the rest of my life.