How do you do it? That is a question that I am asked a lot.

“I could never do what you do daily and keep the faith like you.” I have heard countless times.

My response is always the same, “Yes you can. You could do it if you had to.”

Too often in life we give ourselves a choice when we shouldn’t give ourselves choices. In reality, all we need is to be grateful for the many blessings that God has granted us and look at the positive in the situation instead of dwelling with what he/she wanted to happen instead of the life that God granted us.

There have many times since my journey with autism that I thought there was no way that I could get up and do the chaos all over again the next day and the next. But I did. Life itself presents many challenges. However, when it is your children, when it is your family, when it is your life, you simply don’t give yourself a choice. You do what needs to be done daily.

The same is true for all the life challenges that come our way. Do not give yourself a choice during your storm and you will be amazed at the beauty within. You will realize how strong you actually are and that you can stand firm against your storm.

But how do we hold onto to that faith? How do we stay strong during the never ending storm that just keeps on pounding at your front door step daily? How do I stay strong during the sleepless nights and continuous meltdowns? How do I stay strong while trying to educate the world on my children so that they can live in a world that accepts their differences? The answer is quite easy.

It is first having a strong faith in God in knowing that he had a better plan for me than the plan I dreamed about. Once I accepted that, the strength that has shined through my storm has been amazing. My sons and I have found our place in this world and we are embracing each day with a smiling face and giving all blessings to the good Lord who gave us this amazing life. Don’t get me wrong, you still have many bad days and many moments when you will long for the life that was supposed to happen. However, it’s just a little daydream and who doesn’t day dream about life?

Raising special needs children was always one of those things that “happen to other people.” Going through a divorce once again was one of those situations in life that, “happens to other people.” However, when you find yourself living the life that “happens to others” you will find your strength and purpose in your storm. Your storm is not the end of the world. Once you accept the life that God gave you, it is amazing how awesome and beautiful you can make your unique life.

The strength of your storm comes through your faith in God and through the acceptance of the life that has been handed to you.