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A Valentine to my Daughter with Autism

Valentine Mug
Made with Gianna in 1999


Dear, Gianna. Here it is, 20 years later. I love you as much as I did when you were a 2 year old little girl. I love you just as you are. I do not love your autism. I never have. I never will. I love that you smile and laugh and bring everyone around you joy. I do not love that you are in a day program instead of working in a career you love after college. I love that you look out for your sisters who also have autism. I love that you are kind. I love that you remember what's on the calendar every single day when I can't remember what day it is. I do not love that you will never have a true Valentine of your own with whom to share love, sex and a life. I love that you bowled 120 this week with your friends. I love that you recited Good Night Moon with your sister as the two of  you lay in your room before going to sleep. I love that she helped you remember the words and you giggled. I love that you are OK with visiting your dad four nights a month instead of having an intact family. I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my Gianna you'll be.

Love, Mom

Gianna Valentines
2018



Comments

Mark Brown PA

What a nice valentine's letter to your child. What a beautiful picture.
I wish you all the best with your journeys. 💚

Anna Quandt

This is a beautiful post. The picture, the sentiment, the girl. So much love it gives me hope. Thank you Kim.

Beleaguered Autism Mom

When I see your beautiful daughter I think of the old ad campaign I used to see on a city bus as a kid. It was a captivating photo of an attractive young man with a heavy chain and lock around head (like a sweatband - with a simple caption "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." (for the United Negro College Fund by Arthur Fletcher) I think that slogan should be reproduced with our kids and sent to all our elected officials or their influencers. Do you think that would get their attention? The issue is the same - preventing people from achieving a life they deserve.
They were meant to lead full lives, not this weird half life, dependent on social services.
Thank you for sharing.

Andrea

Really a beautiful picture. She's glowing.

Anita Donnelly

Lovely.

annie

Beautiful! Happy Valentines to you and your beautiful family!! Thank you so much for all you do!!!

Jeannette Bishop

Happy Valentine's Day!

Benedetta

Hugs to all four of you!

Gayle

Happy Valentine's day Kim to you and your beautiful daughters! I feel the same enduring love for my adult son with autism and always will. God Bless them all!

John Stone

Happy Valentine's Day Gianna!

Aimee Doyle

Kim - a beautiful tribute to your beautiful daughter.

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