A Mother's Journey: Finding Strength Through Love, Resilience, and Advocacy

As a mother of three and a professional with 25 years at the same company, my story is one of stability, adaptation, and unwavering love. Growing up in a traditional immigrant family with six children, I watched my mother navigate the challenges of a new country while maintaining our home with remarkable resilience. Her determination became the foundation of my own approach to motherhood.

When I became a mother myself, I was blessed to take a year of maternity leave with each of my children. Those precious moments of bonding laid the groundwork for the challenging journey ahead—one I never saw coming.

The day my youngest son was diagnosed with autism, my world shifted. I remember sitting in the doctor's office, the words washing over me like a wave I wasn't ready for. At first, I couldn't process it; my mind refused to accept what my heart already knew. But maternal instinct is a powerful force, and once the initial shock subsided, I transformed into the advocate my son needed.

Living in a French-speaking city presented unique hurdles, especially in finding English-speaking professionals who could help my son. We went through countless therapists and speech specialists, trying to find the right fit. Each "no" that left my lips when something didn't feel right was a step toward finding the perfect team for my son. I learned to trust my instincts and push back against approaches that didn't align with his needs.

The early years were filled with uncertainty. While other parents shared stories of their children's first words, we celebrated different milestones. I remember the countless hours of speech therapy, the patience required, and the small victories that kept us going. When it came time for school, I became his voice, advocating for accommodations and understanding. Sometimes, this meant making difficult decisions, like changing schools to find an environment where he could truly thrive.

But oh, how he has thrived! The journey from a child struggling to express himself to becoming student council president at his school is nothing short of remarkable. I'll never forget the day he stood in front of the entire student body, delivering his campaign speech with confidence and clarity. The same boy who once struggled to string words together was now inspiring his peers with his vision for their school community. In that moment, every challenging day, every therapy session, every advocacy battle felt worth it.

His siblings have been extraordinary throughout this journey, developing a depth of empathy and understanding that amazes me daily. They've learned that love speaks in many languages, and sometimes the strongest connections don't need words at all.

Today, my 14-year-old son continues to surprise and inspire us. His journey has taught our entire family about patience, perseverance, and the power of unconditional love. To all mothers out there, especially those navigating the complex world of special needs parenting: trust your instincts, celebrate the small victories, and remember that your child's path, though different, is perfectly their own.

In today's world of carefully curated social media moments and constant comparison, it's crucial to remember that every child and every family's journey is unique. We don't need to meet society's expectations—we need to meet our children where they are and help them become who they're meant to be.