I am once again joining with www. maternalspark.com to talk about what is inspiring me this week. Well my son, M is. This is a collage I did two years ago in a moment of fear, doubt, and uncertainty, concerning his future. My oldest son, M, was diagnosed with autism when he was two. When I made this collage, M was about to enter Kindergarten and I was fighting with the Board of Education for an appropropriate setting for him as he is high functioning and had a lot of potential. They either wanted to put him in regular ed or in a low functioning program. Neither was acceptable to me. As I made countless calls, visited programs, prayed and cried out to God continuously, I decided to create art. I was lead to this verse in the Good Book, Jermiah 29:11, which says "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. " The text is over M's face as I am pictured praying. Somehow, creating and believing this simple image and text concoction symbolizing my giving M to God and letting Him handle the situation, let me rest.
M is now in an amazing inclusion program, talks a mile a minute, is a legos master, loves music and drama, and is quite assertive. He is an inspiration. Recently, my younger son also was diagnosed with mild autism. I immediately took this collage out in a moment of sadness. It made me feel hopeful. If God can work miracles with M, he will do it with D too. God's power and reassurance through art, never ceases to amaze me.
Gorgeous prints on your clothing. I had thoughts of designing things to decorate clothing like that... How inspiring to see it happening.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I can relate to that feeling in your picture - throwing up your hands and hoping and praying for the best. My son is not autistic, but I was very concerned about him during his first very rocky introduction into the public school. He seemed so young and vulnerable, and I can imagine how hard it was for you - having a boy who may have had difficulty communicating too.
You asked about the pictures on my blog, and yes it is an exercise class. It's called Nia - and the pictures are of our latest 'jam' where the St. Louis teachers team-teach an extended class. Loads of fun. Pictures are professionally done by one of our members. I am lucky enough to teach Nia myself, and to be able to teach at these quarterly jams.
What a beautiful, meaningful collage. I relate quite well to your struggles with your child and school... I've always thought i'd like making collages, for all those things that words can't begin to fully express. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteHi Nellie. I was so happy to see you post in Monday's Muse this week! Thanks for participating, I've missed you. Your collage is lovely and I know you'll face your challenges with grace, strength and hope. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteLovely collage. Best wishes for you & your family
ReplyDeleteDear Nellie, you are so strong and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story and transmitting your faith and hope with it. You and your children will always be in my prayers.
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