This post is dedicated to my incredible mother, Evelynne – it’s been almost 12 years since your passing, yet your presence still shines bright. This story wouldn’t have its happy ending without you.
My oldest son, Noah works as a news reporter at a local television station in Minnesota. Recently he called me to share some “fan mail” and I laughed. As I teased him about being famous, I realized from his voice that this was something different. Noah’s voice swelled with pride as he read the letter to me.
He had just visited a home for people with disabilities and one of the residents had reached out to share how much he enjoyed meeting Noah and how he hoped to see Noah again soon. As much as this young man was impressed by Noah, what got me was how moved Noah was by him. You see, there is more to this story…
Noah, himself, has lived with autistic spectrum disorder.
He was only three years old when I received the concerned call from his nursery school teacher. Noah wasn’t interacting with the other kids, not connecting. When they went outside to the playground, Noah stood alone by the fence, staring out at the woods.
My heart sank as her words and the world swirled around me. And thus began a fifteen year struggle wrought with fear, shame, guilt, anger, sadness – well, let’s just say if you can think of a tough emotion, I dealt with it.
Noah’s younger years were filled with difficulties, yet there were many bright moments when unexpected miracles fell into our lap in the form of therapists, teachers, circumstances, shifts, magic. The biggest miracle through it all was my mother - Noah's unrelenting, never give up grandmother, Mimi. She refused to see anything but the joy and light Noah brought to this world. And her ability to hold me up, no matter how tired and broken I felt, was unparalleled.
To say I never imagined Noah as an on-air talent is an understatement! A boy who couldn’t navigate social cues, sit still for more than 20 seconds or look people in the eye, is now comfortable and confident looking straight into a camera?!
To see my child reveal a level of compassion and understanding for someone with disabilities is a blessing I could not have foreseen all those years ago. This boy of mine who struggled so… - to see him grow to be a man who possesses a unique and admirable empathy fills my soul with gratitude.
I share my story about Noah during this Mother’s Day week, in tribute not just to my mother, but to all the amazing moms, aunts, grandmothers, “just like a mom” women out there who are running around, exhausted, doubting yourselves and wondering if what you are doing matters at all – please know that it does!
I see you. We – all of us who are a part of the motherhood tribe, we see you. Know that the effort you put in today – no matter how minor it may seem – is priceless.
Your love and support are cherished and needed! And if you are willing to look closely, you will discover sparkling glimmers of light in the darkest of moments on this uncharted road of motherhood.
Noah is one of my great teachers. Despite the challenges, I now see our journey as one of my life’s most precious gifts. And the cherry on top of it all was my indomitable mother - always there, cheering me on while loving and guiding Noah and our entire family.
Mom, your endless support, optimism and devotion were nothing short of magnificent. You were a true
Manifestor Of Miracles
And after so many years spent worrying… as I know you did… I hope wherever you are that you can see…
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