“This Is The Best Birthday Party I’ve Ever Had!” These words were said by my son to me on Saturday after we came home from his bowling birthday party.  It totally melted my heart.  Autism parents know that parties can be very stressful.  You worry if anyone will come. You wonder about meltdowns and tantrums. You wonder if your friends kids with play with your kid.  You wonder if all of the children will get along.  You just plain worry!  Since MJ was three years old he has had birthday parties at school.  It is a controlled environment where there is adequate supervision and he is with all of his friends.  It has just worked out to be so much better than hosting a “regular” birthday party outside of school.  However, we have had family birthday parties for him over the years.  This year we decided to have a little gathering at a bowling alley. We had only family there and people who we consider family.  As I looked at all of the other parties going on at the bowling alley, I noticed all of the kids and their friends.  I watched how they interacted and played with each other and secretly wanted that for my son.  Then I looked at MJ and realized how much fun he was having.  He was so excited to have people around him that he knew and loved.  The only person that was worried was me! I literally had a talk with myself while there and I decided to shut out those thoughts and focus on my son.  My little boy is now 11 years old.  I don’t know what the future holds but I will be praying every step of the way.  I can’t wait to see how he surprises me! Happy Birthday to MJ; my awesome and amazing son 🙂

On the way to the Party!

Enjoying his birthday cupcake!     

Playing air hockey with dad!

Family love 🙂