MY DAD...To Daddies of children with Autism

by Cheryl Killman
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When a child is born into this world
A Daddy is born, full of hopes and dreams
Daddy has a special way of enjoying the moments
While the Mommy is trying to calm the screams.
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As the child he loves so starts to grows
Daddy is confident he has the best laid plans
Of all the adventures they'll conquer together
But then its seems he's slipping right though Daddy's hands
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Mommy says "there something not quite right"
And "I just don't know what to do"
Daddy is sure there is nothing wrong
More love and attention will see them through
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Then as bad as Daddy hates to admit it
He realizes that "something is going wrong"
This child he loves so very much
Seems to be unreachable, almost gone!
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The Doctors say a word they do not understand
And it seems that there is nothing Daddy can do
The Doctors said "Just take him home and love him good
It happens to many families as it has happened to you"
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The days are filled with broken dreams,
Anger, bitterness, pity, guilt and "whys"
But then you shake yourself and say
I will not let this break my life.
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You read, you research, you beg for help
Then Mommy and Daddy find a way
A way that just might help this child
Come back to them someday.
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Mommy's job is reading labels and shopping
Daddy's is doing what ever Mommy needs done
Like a team they tackle the supplements
Little by little Daddy begins to see the rays of the sun.
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It seems that all the meltdowns are less and less
Daddy can see improvements everyday
It seems he can start hoping and dreaming again
Dreaming of words he longs to hear his child say
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A few years down the long lonely road
And a long, lonely road it's been
Daddy is once again filled with pride
As he reads what his child has penned
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Thank you Daddy for all the love and care
For catching me as I ran into the dangerous street
For the long hours you played with me all night
Because of Autism, I could not sleep
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Thank you Daddy for loving me
When you thought I'd never play a game
And for all the times I acted horrible
You loved me just the same.
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Thank you Daddy for helping Mommy
When she had so much to do
She often cried so hard night,
But you were strong and help her too.
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Thank you Daddy for all the times
Autism made me act like a silly pup
And all the times I repeated movies
I know you wanted me to hush up
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Daddy, I did not want to leave you out
When I played with all my toys
I did not want to upset you
Because I could not be like other boys.
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Thank you Daddy for all you've done
For the sacrifices you and mom have made
I know the treatments cost a lot
But it's the reason I can write you this today.
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So as you read this Daddy, please know
I am so blessed to be your child
Not every kid with Autism has a Dad
Who will walk that extra mile
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You have made a marvelous difference
A difference only you could make
Happy Fathers Day to My Daddy
From the Son, that you wouldn't let Autism take.
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For Kile's Daddy
Written by Kile's Mommy