To All Our Friends ...

22 August 2010

My husband was in a serious accident two weeks ago; he was hit by a truck while on his motorcycle. Thankfully, none of his vital organs were damaged, and he will eventually recover. However, his leg was crushed, requiring two reconstructive surgeries; he has been in considerable pain, and will not walk for several months.

It has meant so much to me, and to Kim, to be able to offer encouragement to you through our site, and through our Twitter and Facebook friendships. One of my first thoughts, after processing all that's been happening in my personal life, was how much it means to me to keep up contact with you. This is going to be a long, slow recovery process for my husband (who is also my best friend and my greatest supporter.) I'll need to be home with him much of the time, though many friends and family members are offering to visit in order to allow me to keep up my other responsibilities as much as possible.

At this point, he can use a walker with someone to assist, but even a trip to the bathroom and back exhausts him. I know that all of you who care for loved ones with autism understand how difficult it is to see someone you love in pain or discomfort. Kim is doing all she can to pick up the slack, but our updates and tweets may be a little slower than usual for a while. Please know that we are still here to support you... and if we don't get back to you as quickly as usual, or miss a few Follow Fridays, we haven't forgotten you.

I appreciate your understanding and your patience... and if you are a person who prays, I welcome your prayers. It is my personal belief (and here I should note that my beliefs don't necessarily reflect those of anyone else affiliated with Awe in Autism) that God does not cause suffering, but that he allows it at times for some greater purpose -- which perhaps we will never understand in this life here on Earth. Just as we, Kim and I, have chosen to celebrate the AWE in autism, I believe there is something awesome happening behind the scenes when God allows anyone to suffer. I believe my husband and I will both be stronger, more sensitive, and more appreciative of what is good in life because of this. I hope you will find similar strength and comfort in your own situation, whatever it may be.

In Awe,
   Deborah