I've spent over an hour trying to keep a rather large 3yo from hurting himself while he kicked, screamed, and beat his head off of anything around him. I love my boys immensely, and have for years physically placed my own body in the line of fire to keep them from hurting themselves during a sensory meltdown. Reed can't tell me what is bothering him (tummy ache?), so I genuinely am at a total loss of how to help him. I do all of this, of course, after days of mind-crushing migraines and a seizure. 

Please don't tell me that I am a lazy fat*** and that all of my potential was completely wasted. No, I'm not the teacher or principal or superintendent I hoped to be, affecting the lives of thousands of kids each day, but I can honestly say that today I kept one beautiful little boy from hurting himself. My potential was not wasted, because he is not a waste. My beautiful little boy matters. 

Most people could not do what I do every day (or far too often every night). I'm exhausted, I'm emotionally tapped out, & I'm physically beat up, but let me be clear - when it comes to my boys, I am as strong as steel. No, I didn't become who everyone (myself included) expected me to be. I became someone far more important. I became an Autism Momma. <3