If you could find the term Streetsmart Mom in the dictionary, you would find a picture of my friend Becca there. We have become friendly over the last year as our sons are in Kindergarten together. The boys just love each other and play together beautifully. I had the opportunity to hear a little bit about Becca and her “story” and was amazed at her strength, courage, grace and sense of humor.
While our boys had a play date, we actually had a great conversation. They played so well together, we were able to finish many sentences. Becca has three boys; they are five, four and one. The 5-year old has Epilepsy with some complications. He is the sweetest boy. Due to the complications, he struggles in school. Her 4-year old was just diagnosed with Asper Autism. She believed something happened at birth, which caused some developmental delays, and then it became apparent to her that it was more serious than that. The youngest is doing great.
What makes Becca so special, if dealing with the above was not enough, is that she has been an advocate and the force behind having her boys taken care of. She spends countless hours reading and researching all the possibilities, the treatment options and what opportunities she has to help her boys have a successful life. She was the one who insisted that her son be tested for Autism. She recently quit the job she loved to be available for the boys. Their education will be a full time job and this is clearly the most important thing to Becca. She spends her days taking her boys to doctors and various therapies to help them adjust. Moreover, as they continue in school, she will be with them the whole way making sure they get whatever they need.
On days I feel down and wonder how can I go on, I think of Becca and know I can. She does everyday, under much greater pressure. Her gift to the world is unconditional love and a capacity to give like I have never seen.
