I get asked why I share our autism journey on a cookie page. This illustration is a perfect example of why.
Sure, I could keep our journey to myself and never speak a word of it on my page. I could still raise awareness with those close to me. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that choice. But what if I did just that and the entire reason I was put on this Earth and given Scarlett was to be a voice? A voice to another mom, in another state, or in a different country. A mom who, like me, didn’t know a single person with autism and was scared to death at a diagnosis she was just handed. A mom who just needed one person who she could feel like she could connect to? To know that it’s all going to be ok. What if I was that person and I didn’t show up?
Or maybe, just maybe, God’s plan for me is to promote grace and compassion so that all mother’s regardless of their struggles, are no longer judged.
That by speaking up about autism someone will stop and reconsider judging a mom whose child is melting down in a store. That instead of giving the sideways look of disgust or under the breath comment, replaced it with an understanding smile or heck, even a “you’re doing a great job, I’ve been there too. Hang in there”. Maybe it’s for the mom at the checkout line with a stack of coupons, price matching, and having to put items back because she doesn’t have enough money to cover it all. I’ve been “THAT” mom doing my best to raise my older three with no financial help. Trust me when I say, I didn’t want to be in that position. I prayed that I would get a patient cashier and even more so, kind people behind me in line, but more so than not I received impatient huffs and judgemental comments over what I was purchasing. Oh what a blessing it was when I was treated kindly by the cashier. What a gift when the person behind me would be gracious and tell me to take my time or just offer up a simple head nod and smile. Maybe it’s for the mom who is judged because “she just can’t be THAT perfect”. The mom who seems to have it all together yet secretly feels like she’s always coming up short. The truth is, we’re all struggling with something. We could all use a little more grace.
The thing is, I don’t know what God put me on this Earth to do. I’m not sure what my mission is. What I do know is, when I feel that tug on my heart I follow. I will step into His direction. My steps may not be strong and steady. They may not be fast and bold. I may not know everything about cookies, autism, or business but I will keep moving forward, shovel in hand, doing my best to clear a path for everyone. Compassion is the ramp that needs to be cleared. Cleared of all the crap the world keeps dumping on it over and over again. Imagine if we all routinely helped shovel that ramp day in and day out. The work may not go away, but it would lessen the load for everyone. So my question is, will you pick up your shovel and clear a path with me?
During the month of April we do something special around here to help support a charity that is near and dear to my heart – Autism Works. Autism Works is an amazing organization located in the Kansas City area that helps support children and young adults with Autism. In order to help this organization continue doing the work they are doing in the community, I will be donating ALL the proceeds from sales of my ebook to Autism Works for the entire month of April. Thank you for supporting Autism Works and making a difference in the lives of those they stand behind everyday! Grab your copy of my ebook HERE!! Get more information about Autism Works by visiting their website HERE or by finding them on Facebook HERE.
Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing
Hi Tricia, thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I really appreciate it!
God only gives special people special assessments. Thanking God you have accepted yours. I will take my shovel with pride.
Dear April,
I just wanted you to know I think you’re pretty Amazing!! I’ve been watching your tutorials on Tuesday nights either live or on replay for quite awhile now. I love watching you decorate cookies…& all the tips & tricks you offer up for everyone watching. You make everyone watching feel like they could do the same thing….that’s a gift my dear friend! Not everyone possesses that quality in this life and when I see it I can’t help but be drawn to it. I love how you interact with Scarlett on camera!! I know that’s not fake or a show because of how she reacts to you! I do believe your a voice for Autism and you have a platform in which you can raise awareness so Go Be that Voice!! It really irks me how people ask such inappropriate questions this is your business and your lives so you keep doing you and shout it from the mountain tops to raise awareness for Autism!! I have a niece who is a nurse that has 4 children the oldest being twin daughters both with Autism in fact she lives and works in Kansas City! I see her struggle with the girls in public situations and the backward looks and whispers and sometimes the rude inappropriate comments!! It makes you want to reach out and literally touch someone!!! I don’t know that this is the appropriate place for this comment but I wanted you to know I enjoy your lives and your platform for Autism as well as your faith. I just really admire you so please keep it up!! I would love to sign up for VCC but we raise our grandson and $ is very tight! I’ve interacted with you on a couple lives once we were coming to KC for the wknd and I mentioned we were coming to see our son and granddaughter. Our son is an aviation mechanic and works at the KC airport. Well I really just wanted you to know I think your doing Great Soo keep it up!! Thanks again for what you do!!
Karen, THANK YOU. Thank you for taking the time to reach out to me. I appreciate it more than you know.
Beautifully written and straight from the heart. Hugs!
Dear April,
Well said! I have two adult sons who suffer from a mental illness. I am starting a baking blog soon and in my about me page I mention this. I just want people to know they are not alone. I have been volunteering with adults with special needs for eight years. One of the girls mom was in my bible study. I told her mom that I didn’t think Allison knew who I was and the mom said “she talks about you all the time” You just never know how you are touching people. All we can do is our best.
Jennifer, you are so right. We all may never know the extent of our impact on this world. Keep up the good work. 😉
We love you guys ♡ you’re doing a great job. I’m proud of you!!