Stories From The Spectrum

Patti Mercer | Mrs. South Carolina 2008

Stories From the Spectrum...

Overcoming adversity--- I realize this sounds like a generic beginning, however, it's what it all boils down to after all. Everyone has a story, a life, full of ups and downs. How can we appreciate a sunny day if we have never known a rainy one? Just pause for a moment and understand that the beauty of a rainbow would not be possible without the rain and sun coming together.

Sometimes I wonder if some of us are lucky and are spared of hardship, or does it just rest in our individual interpretations of such events? I believe that is has been proven time and again that a positive outlook is very beneficial. When I reflect over my own life, I am amazed at some of the obstacles I found in my way. Each one represented a chance to persevere or throw in the towel. I chose to move forward...upward and onwards!

I am intrigued by the strength of the human spirit. Please share with me your story of life on the Autism Spectrum. How have you personally triumphed by the gift of your child? I am willing to say that you have discovered more about yourself than you would have under any other circumstances.

Share your story and your strength with others HERE

The following article was recently shared with me via email, and now I would like to share this beautiful piece of writing with you:


It’s a beautiful day and we’re at the beach. The air is filled with laughter and joy. I smile as I watch my 4 year old daughter build sand castles with her cousin. I turn to my son and my heart grows heavy. Oblivious to everything around him, he constantly sifts the sand through his fingers, watching the particles scatter as they fall.

The playground is alive. Children are laughing together. They take turns on the swings, propelling themselves higher and higher. They flitter effortlessly from the slide, to the jungle gym and across the monkey bars. I watch my 5 year old daughter join in with the crowd. Her face is filled with delight as she spins on the tire swing with two other kids. Chatting to some friends, I smile and look happy but depression sets in as I watch my son scale the perimeter of the fence. Unaware of the activity around him, he simply stares at the trees, watching the leaves blowing in the breeze.

We’re in the clothes store and my daughter is excited. At 6 years old she likes matching her clothes. She happily goes from rack to rack, wanting to buy shirts and skirts and socks. Her participation is wonderful to see. My anxiety increases as I hold onto my son’s hand. Not caring what he wears and not knowing how to match, he is crying and constantly trying to hide between the clothes racks.


At home I am relaxing on the sofa. My 7 year old daughter suddenly runs up to me and throws her arms around me in a loving embrace. “Mommy I love you so much” she declares with a huge smile. It’s a bittersweet moment because out of the corner of my eye, I watch my son staring at his fingers as he flicks them through the air.

Walking through the museum my 8 year old daughter is impressed. She happily discusses each piece with us, asking questions and offering her opinion. My son walks by my side, staring blankly at each piece. My heart is broken. He makes no comment and I wonder if he comprehends where we are.

Years go by and my children grow and mature

Taking a family stroll through the park we pass by a playground. My 13 year old daughter grumbles that she’s hot and nags us to go home. I turn to my son and can’t help but smile. He has picked up a dandelion and holding it high in the air, he watches fascinated as the seeds sprinkle and scatter through the air.

On a tour through a famous art museum, my 14 year old daughter is not happy. Refusing to look at the displays, she constantly asks when we’re planning to leave. I look at my son and he smiles at me in delight. My heart fills with pride as I watch him intently study the artwork and paintings on the wall.

It’s the perfect evening for a walk on the beach. As we settle on the sand to watch the sunset my 15 year old daughter complains of boredom. With a sigh I turn to my son and immediately get caught up in his delight. Enjoying each moment as if it were his first time, he watches the sky change color as the sun goes down.

While at the food court in the mall, I notice my 16 year old daughter with her friends. I smile and wave happily. At the age where she’s embarrassed to be seen with her parents, she pretends not to notice me and walks right by. The hurt is immediately replaced by joy as my son innocently gives me an affectionate bear hug and then happily drinks his soda.

We’re in the clothes store and my 17 year old daughter is mad. I listen in frustration as she insists that she can only purchase the latest and most expensive designer jeans. I turn away from her and break into a smile. My son is holding up a simple pair of shorts while looking at me with questioning eyes.

Stuck in traffic our whole family is frustrated. Everyone except my son who has turned his attention to a flock of birds resting on a telephone wire. One by one we smile at each other as we notice his delight. With his unique ability to appreciate life, my son constantly reminds us all how precious it is to appreciate each moment.