In 2022, a crime was committed, an act so heinous, so utterly incomprehensible, that it left the entire nation reeling in disbelief and profound sorrow. As a mother intimately acquainted with the challenges of raising a child on the autism spectrum, my heart ached with a feeling of sorrow too deep for words.
Dear Ethan and Aston,
My heart is heavy with sorrow as I try to find words that could encapsulate the magnitude of the tragedy that befell you. As a mum of a child who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and global development delay (GDD), I couldn’t wrap my mind around your story and with my mama heart praying that you are somewhere peaceful where you feel so loved and cherished.
What happened is not fair, and it's certainly not your fault.
You were not defined by the challenges autism presented. Instead, you were extraordinary souls who faced the world with resilience and grit. I know that Autism, though it may bring its own set of trials and that the world might not have fully understood the beauty of your uniqueness, but it made you remarkable, one-of-a-kind people.
The news of your unthinkable departure has left a void. It has reverberated across the entire country, shocking us to our core. In the midst of this overwhelming grief, I believe your passing is now an urgent call to action for everyone. It's a call to recognise the critical need for support and understanding for families grappling with the challenges of neurodiversity.
Your lives, though tragically cut short, can spark change—a change that ensures families facing similar challenges receive the support and compassion they desperately need. Let this be a rallying cry for a more empathetic society, one that stands united in its commitment to providing resources, understanding, and love to kids and people navigating the intricate paths of Autism.
As the world mourns your departure, may your memory not only be a source of sadness but also a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we bear toward one another. Let more hands create a world where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is embraced with love and understanding.
In honouring your memory, may we forge a path toward a more compassionate society—one where no family feels alone in their journey, and where every child, regardless of their challenges, is celebrated for the unique light they bring into the world.
With deepest sympathy and my heavy, heavy heart,
Pheona
A Mum of an Ausome Boy
For those mums and dads raising a child in the spectrum, I hope you hug your child a little bit tighter today. Being a parent of a child on the spectrum may not always be easy, but with the special light they bring to our lives, it will always, always be worth it.
Do not hesitate to ask for help and reach out for support. Visit the Autism Resource Centre website to learn more.
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