A Special Mother's Day: The Unique Love Language of Autism
Mother's Day is a special occasion when we honor and celebrate the incredible love and care of mothers everywhere. It's a day filled with appreciation, gratitude, and heartfelt gestures. This year, my family experienced a truly heartwarming Mother's Day as we witnessed the unique and beautiful ways in which my autistic sister, Jessica, expressed her love.
Jessica, with her love for colorful artwork and crafts, had been working diligently on a surprise for our mom. She took extra care in every stroke and detail, determined to make Mother's Day unforgettable for our mom. First, in her special needs class at Taylor Road Middle School, she crafted a handwritten card from pink construction paper, decorated with a crafted flower made of cupcake liners, her own mini drawings, and heartfelt messages. The card was a simple yet heartwarming display of Jessica's inner world, a world filled with love and gentleness.
But Jessica's efforts didn't stop there. At our local church event at ACCCN, she spent hours of patience and devotion in creating a stunning flower painting for our mom, while also connecting with other children in their artwork. Using bold strokes and vibrant hues, she brought to life a beautiful production that seemed to mirror the love she felt for our mom. It was awe-inspiring to witness how art became her voice, allowing her to express emotions that might otherwise be difficult to convey verbally.
In addition to the card and painting, Jessica surprised our mom with a unique craft she had made at a nearby social gathering event. It was an aesthetic black frame with beautiful card messages hung by clothespins on a brown string. She also arranged a mini bouquet of flowers with ribbons and metallic craft paper. Each message she chose to place on the crafts like “My mom is the best” and “she’s compassionate” represented her utmost care in outwardly expressing her gratitude.
What touched our hearts the most was the genuine love and care Jessica poured into these creations. Autism may present communication and social challenges, but it does not dampen the depth of emotions autistic individuals can experience. In fact, their love often shines through in the most unexpected and profound ways. This includes their attention to detail, unwavering dedication, and ability to find beauty in simplicity. Their love transcends words and demonstrates itself in the art they create, the moments they share, and the heartfelt gestures that comfort us.
As Mother's Day unfolded, the joy on our mom's face was priceless. She recognized the immense effort Jessica had put into making this day special. It was a celebration not just of motherhood but also of the unique bond between a mother and her autistic child. Their love is profound, resilient, and capable of transcending any barriers that may exist.
Our family experienced a truly heartwarming Mother's Day, thanks to Jessica's genuine expressions of love. Her card, painting, and craft were not just creative endeavors; they were heartfelt tributes that left an indelible mark on our mom's heart. Let us remember that love knows no boundaries and that autistic individuals have their own beautiful ways of expressing the deepest emotions. May we cherish and celebrate the love of all mothers, including those with autistic children, on this special day and every day.
