On May 7th, 2011 our sweet little girl Madison was born. A beautiful little blue eyed girl, she stole our hearts from the beginning. It wasn't until after her first birthday that I started to notice some things that seemed different. She wouldn't respond to her name, she seemed hostile and upset at the slightest changes, and social situations became very overwhelming for her. Simple routines like going to the store, ended in screaming meltdowns. People would smile or speak to her and she would cry and pull her hair or hit me until we would leave. I thought maybe she was just scared of strangers and it was a phase that would pass. But it didn't pass. It got progressively worse. I found myself in front of a computer researching, not knowing that what would pop up would be the start of an emotional rollercoaster. There in front of me, I finally had the answer-Autism. Each sign I read, Madison exhibited. I felt my heart break. Would she be able to lead a normal life? Would she spend her life struggling? I had a lot of questions but no answers.
In public, people would say rude and hurtful things about her. Pointing, stares, and whispers became an ordinary outing. I was looked at like a horrible mother who wouldn't discipline her child. Even told by some she was a spoiled brat.
On November 1st, 2013, we received the official diagnosis. Madison had a moderate-severe form of ASD. While each day is a new challenge, Madison has come so far. Every milestone she accomplishes is much more bittersweet to me now because I know the struggle behind it and how hard she worked to reach it.
Madison is sweet, smart, and funny. Full of love and compassion for others. She loves animals and nature. She loves to study and analyze the world around her with such an innocence I'm in awe of and admire. I love her with all my heart. I'm her protector and advocator. Her biggest fan. I'm her mother and she is my Angel.
Starkville, MS
