I would walk 500 miles...

When you hear the words "Autistic Disorder, with profound developmental delay" you have NO idea what that really means.

Your boy, your little man, your son. It impacts your heart and soul in ways words can't give justice to. You are suddenly not who you thought you were or were going to be. Everything you do from that moment is always enclosed in those parameters. If you let it, those words can honestly crush you to the point of being unrecognisable.

Enter Autism and Aspergers Support Group Sydney.

In this group of inspirational and motivated parents I have found people who "get it". They have provided me with comfort and knowledge. They have recognised me and see no obstacle in the parameters. They have taken the time to understand and listen. They will do EVERYTHING they can to hold back the tide so those words are rendered powerless.

Tomorrow five of us (plus others who like to run not walk!) will be pounding the pavement for 14kms in the City to Surf to raise funds for this AMAZING group. We will be laughing all the way, hauling each other up "Heartbreak Hill" because amongst us we don't give in to heartbreak. We only see the other side and our hearts are full.

www.autismsupport.org.au

Isn't she lovely...

I have a confession to make... I never saw myself as the mother of a daughter.

I was your typical tomboy growing up. I found the girly part of life tricky and awkward. Surprising considering I'm one of two girls and went to an all girl high school.

When I discovered I was pregnant, I resolved "it" would be a boy because that would be easier for me. I wouldn't have to negotiate my way through dance lessons, the heartbreaking politics of the playground, the intensity of feeling towards the opposite sex, the bombardment of words that fluster you into agreeing to things you're unaware you're nodding your head to, the hair styles and colours, the fashion "must-haves" etc etc. It was all too familiar to me and I honestly didn't think I was up for it.

Enter...Elayna Grace! My first born, my daughter!

At six years old she is proving to be a wonderful combination of tomboy and girly. There is dancing and lego. Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia. Dress ups and motorbike rides.

It seems nothing stops her. She honestly sucks the marrow out of life. I am constantly blown away by her beauty. She is such a light in our world. (Her name actually means "shining light")

Of course there are challenges. The ability to use words is strong in her (no idea where she gets that from!) and the politics of the playground have already started.

I am so grateful for the gift she is. Her soft heart and her tenacity inspire me. What a future we are in for and the best bit is I know I can do it. We are a good fit she and I. I am hers and she is mine and that's fine with me!