This is Liam

I check and make sure that the garage is closing properly on my way out and realize then...that Liam still enjoys using my car as a climbing gym...😳

Defense exhibit A, B, C, D, E and F. It looks like handprints and fingerprints lifted off a crime scene 🤪🤦‍♀️

"I've got joy like a fountain! ⛲️🤍🌟"

Just another photo of a boy petting a pig you may think...

To me opening my text messages after a ping on my phone?

The biggest surprise ever.

For so long,
Liam never showed any interest in his surroundings
For so long,
Liam was in a world of his own
For so long,
Liam was running away from the action
(With us chasing after him)
For so long,
Liam wasn't engaged in anything presented to him

Having a child who is different, with special and additional needs, opens your eyes.
Having a child who is different, makes you appreciate things you never appreciated with your neurotypical kids.
Things you took for granted.
Things you never thought could be challenging to other people:
Like eating and speaking and using the washroom and petting animals.

When your child reveals one of the biggest lessons of Life to you. When you realize that the small stuff is in fact the big stuff.

When you stare in awe at a photo sent to you by Liam's angels at his Respite Home. A photo of Liam at their visit to the petting zoo.

When you look at your son and feel so extremely proud and thankful

When petting a pig
Is not just petting a pig...

It's a miracle 🥹🙏🏻🤍🙌🏻

😄

Years ago,
I made you sensory bottles
From scratch

I hoped that it would help
With your erratic behaviour
Your focus
Your mind
Your regulation

I carefully poured the baby oil
Into the plastic bottles
Added glitter and beads
And shiny stars

I tried my best,
Hoping
Praying
That something
Could calm you down
Could let you unwind
Could let you breathe

(If you could just look at it, could notice it, could wait a while for the magic to start when you turn the bottle upside down...)

You haven't looked at it once
Despite all my effort and optimism.
So I gave it away.

Years have passed,
I find you in the kitchen

Calm
Peaceful
Mesmerized

Unaware
Of anyone or anything
Except
For the sensory toy in your hand

I bought it a while ago
Hoping and praying that
One day, one day
You would pick it up:

And LOOK at it. And WAIT.
And FOCUS. And SEE!!

One day became today

You discovered magic,
On your own
Liam Love

You are calm
You SEE...🥹💫💙

🙏🏻💙 So true! ⭐️

🧩 As an autism parent, that kind of support is everything. It's not always easy; there are challenges that never really go away. But when you're surrounded by people who embrace your child exactly as they are, it lightens the emotional load more than words can explain.

So to the friends and family who show up with unconditional love, patience, and true kindness, we adore you and we are grateful for you.

If you thought of someone while reading this, tag them and show them some appreciation. 🫶🏼

Four years ago... My sweetheart! 😄❤️

I remember this moment like yesterday.

You were running around without pants.
I was saying: "Liam! Pants on. Now!!"

You disappeared for a few minutes and came back. You were smiling proudly and wearing pants.

Your Dad's pj shorts 😉

Loving this 🥰

He didn't build an ice cream business. He built a future where his children could stand proudly, work confidently, and prove they belonged. 🥹

The greatest gift a parent can give isn't just love—it's believing in their children's abilities when the rest of the world only sees their limitations. ❤️