A Reflection on the Year that has been
As we look to begin 2008, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the year that has passed - the year that autism became a real part of our lives - and celebrate the wonderful memories that 2007 holds.
This was the year that we discovered Jack for who he really is - we have learned more about him, and about ourselves as a consequence. 2007 has been a huge year for personal growth, and for developing our family relationships.
This was a big year of relief - finding answers… and with this came plenty of tears as well as plenty of joy as we made our way through the emotional battlefield that comes as part of finding a diagnosis.
This was a year to learn about letting go - and to trust that with enough love, our children will find their way in life.
This was a year for courage, and for finding the strength to move forward.
This was a year for questions, and for simply being content that the answers were there.
This was a year for learning, knowing, and living autism - and discovering that labels don’t have any bearing on how much you can love your child… yes, we love autism completely and unconditionally.
This was the year where our lives were turned upside down, but where our lives started to make some sense.
And as the new year begins, we remember that this year, 2007, was most definitely a year to be grateful for.
Elissa & Steve 
WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY AND JOY FILLED 2008 - MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!
December 31st, 2007 at 12:42 am
Yep…they got cuter! =o)
Happy New Year and thank you for everything that you share! Looking forward to your book! (I expect prodding too ok?)
December 31st, 2007 at 1:17 am
Happy New Year!
We found out in 2006 and I have to say that was the year I grew the most as a person and we grew together as a family.
December 31st, 2007 at 1:52 am
Jen P - we’ll be prodding each other!!! xx
Joy - it really is amazing how much you grow from it all, we have a totally different outlook on life to what we did 12 months ago! xx
December 31st, 2007 at 4:35 am
Well said Elissa,
Here’s to a great 2008, and remembering our successes and failures in 2007
Have a Happy New Year
Joey Barton
www.balancinglifeandautism.blogspot.com
www.autismspot.com
December 31st, 2007 at 5:02 am
Thanks Joey
December 31st, 2007 at 8:49 am
Happy New Year to you all!
Cas and C xx
May you continue to grow!!
December 31st, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Happy New Year.
I’m glad that in 2007 I found your blog.
December 31st, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Thanks Cas and C, I’m sure we will! xx
and Marita - glad I found you too! xx
And on that note, we have such lovely blogging friends - we’re glad we have all of you!
December 31st, 2007 at 2:43 pm
“Emotional battlefield” — a very fitting description.
Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family, Elissa!
I too am thankful for having stumbled upon your blog this year.
December 31st, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Adorable pictures! They both look like they are bursting with happiness! May your next year be full of learning and laughter and fun! I am glad that with this diagnosis you are seeing possibilities.
Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Beautiful! I loved this post. Your thoughts are so inspiring. Best wishes to you and your family for a healthy, safe and bright New Year 2008!
January 1st, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Wow - those smiles are just amazing! You are doing such a great job with both of your kiddos and I hope this year continues to bring answers for your family in how to best meet your children’s needs. Happy New year Elissa!