Autism Awareness Month

Puzzle Hope Design April is autism awareness month. In honor of this, we have added a new Puzzle Hope design to our product line. It is similar to our Puzzle Love design created by Hailey, but obviously features the word Hope instead of love. We have also brought in a new Bible verse: Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7 And an inspirational saying: Hope is knowing that people, like kites, are made to be lifted up. Autism is getting a lot more attention than it used to, of course, a lot more people are affected by it. It is difficult to meet someone who has not been touched by this disorder. It seems everyone knows someone who has a child with autism. I know Ashley's diagnosis of autism has more profoundly impacted our life than anything else. We watched our beautiful two year old daughter withdrawal inside herself, lose language and eye contact. She began to self-injury by biting her wrist and banging her head. She was robbed of a typical life by a devastating disability that has taken her deep within herself. We have watched her suffer everyday for the past nine years and most likely that suffering will continue. The only thing that has gotten us through these years is hope. Faith and hope in a loving God with a perfect plan. Hope in the plans and interventions of the many teachers, therapists, medical personnel, and all the other people who have become part of Ashley's life. I can name so many good and wonderful people, experiences, and things that have helped shape our life as a result of autism. We can count many blessings as a family. Ashley amazes us and inspires us every day. Autism in and of itself has been so damaging, each day we attempt to choose to focus our energy on faith, hope, and love. Our faith has grown, our love has absolutely endured through every circumstance, and we refuse to give up our hope. Please take a moment during the month of April to remember the many people and families affected by autism. Originally posted March 29, 2013