A belated Father’s Day tribute Sarah wrote about her dad in 2008.
“A real dad is one who loves and helps his family. He says funny things to make us laugh, and he drives us to eat out and shop. Often he works in our yard, and also at church. Dad covers me at night and waits till I fall asleep. He’s my favorite man.”
~Sarah
Just stumbled upon this blog and glad I did. I’m a 50-something old father of a 20-something daughter on the Autism spectrum. She has always been an excellent student so we didn’t clue into her Austism until communication challenges became present in her teenage years. Maintaining a close loving relationship with her over the last few years has been difficult for me. I think the difficulty stems from my inclination to “fix” and “coach”, which sometimes isn’t delivered in the best tone. This tribute to your dad is beautiful and has got me thinking how to be a better dad…..so thank you!
Really do love knowing that, even though he died, my Dad is helping people. You are great to be an accepting and loving Dad who knows with real time that your daughter needs you, and not a coach. Somehow, you must find a way to respect the Beast that protects her from a world that is too confusing and noisy and painful. Without the behaviors of the Beast, she hurts. Trying to act normal really is too much to ask. Love the Beast who shields her. You are a great Dad who tries and loves and who can accept. She will feel that.
Sarah,
your new friend with autism.