GoTeamKate
  • GoTeamKate
  • MomBeast (Couch to Crossfit)
  • Entertainment/Shopping
  • Contact Us
  • Writing Services
  • Basic Bitch Baking
  • Photos by Kate
  • Photo Gallery
  • Diary of a Dad
  • The Diagnosis
  • Shanell's Portfolio
  • Shop
  • Help and Advice

I talk about Autism, a lot

A Letter For Grace

11/28/2012

13 Comments

 
Picture
Dear Grace,
Your dad and I wanted to let you know how unbelievably proud we are of you. You are the most amazing little four year old girl.  We wanted to write you this letter because we know this journey has not been easy for you.  We are sure, at times, you feel left out.  A lot of our life right now is consumed with Kate's therapies, treatments and appointments.  You sit quietly and colour in your books while we discuss options and interventions.  You wait patiently while we go to, what must seem like, endless sessions and meetings.  Through it all, you adore your sister. You never lose patience with her.  You don't blame her for taking up so much of our time and attention. We are so grateful that Kate has you.  We haven't told you that Kate has autism or that Kate is a little different.  I am afraid for the day when you begin to notice on your own. Kate is two and half now and as she grows bigger the behaviours associated with her autism stand out more and more.  It is becoming harder and harder to dismiss some of the behaviours as typical for a baby as she grows into a little girl.  Your dad and I watch you try and communicate with Kate and you are so patient and sweet. She is saying a lot more lately and you understand her as well as anyone.  You answer for her when you think she needs the help.  You let her try to speak and you coach her when you think she can come up with the words with a little help. Her funny little quirks make you smile.  You are her biggest fan and there is not doubt she cherishes you.  We know you will always love your sister and she you, but we wanted to let you know that there will be some days when it is really hard to be Kate's older sister. There are some people in the world that are mean and cruel because they don't understand that it is ok to be different.  These people might pick on Kate.  They may even pick on you for being her sister. These people may point out the funny things that Kate does and this might embarrass you. Sometimes Kate may do things that bother you, or make you angry.  We want you to know that it is ok to be frustrated and sad. We can work through it together.  We have noticed lately that you are becoming more and more shy.  The more attention Kate draws to us the more you hide away.  Your dad and I understand that you are trying to work your way though this too.  We will always be there to help you deal with these issues.  Sometimes you might need some quiet time alone with just daddy and me and I promise we will make sure this happens.  You are so important to us. You are so incredibly kind and smart.  There are no words for how much you mean to us. We know you will be brave and always love your sister as unconditionally as you do now.  We love you Grace.  Mommy and Daddy xxoo

I selected this post to be featured on my blog’s page at Autism Blogs.
13 Comments
Kathy
11/28/2012 09:35:42 am

This brought tears to my eyes Shanell. Such a beautiful, from the heart letter to your sweet Grace.

In the years to come, she will cherish this letter and the love of her family. You are a strong, loving family and will get through this together one step at a time.

I think of you often and pray that it gets easier in time as you cope with the everyday issues you have to deal with. I am so proud of you and Alex as you move forward with Love and Hope each step of the way for sweet Kate and her big Sister Grace.

Love you,
Aunt Kathy

Reply
Shanell
11/29/2012 09:08:57 am

Thanks Aunt Kathy. We love you :)

Reply
Grama
11/28/2012 07:12:58 pm

"Grace Jacqueline" . Think of that, "Grace" is so our Grace and "Jacqueline" her Great Grama, the one women whose strength I so deeply admired. I believe Grace was God given in so many ways, but I know Grace to Kate will be her Pillar. And just you watch, Kate will be Grace's rock as well. How lucky can we be, in this journey to be blessed with 2 amazing little girls whose love for each other is clearly unconditional. Grama is so proud

Reply
Shanell
11/29/2012 09:10:18 am

Grace knows all about her great grandmother. Just ask her. She'll tell you she was a stunning redhead that loved her before she was born.

Reply
Heidi
11/29/2012 11:09:40 am

Lovely - so often the "other" kids in the family are overshadowed by the attention autism draws to their sibling. My heart jumps up and down with excitement when friends/family ask about our daughter and not just our son.

Reply
Shanell
11/30/2012 07:36:42 am

Hi Heidi, thanks for sharing. You are so right! The whole family is affected and we often forget. Keep reading :)

Reply
Shanell
11/30/2012 10:27:17 pm

http://ideas.time.com/2012/11/30/autisms-invisible-victims-the-siblings/#ixzz2DjLEriWj

Reply
zidlow link
12/1/2012 03:44:43 am

HEART HEART HEART

Reply
Bev Moore link
2/22/2013 07:06:05 pm

Beautiful, and so true xx

Reply
www.skintagfree.com link
4/23/2013 02:17:34 pm

I don't know how I exactly landed up here but the love for your daughter is really admired.

Reply
visit the site link
6/24/2013 09:20:47 pm

The letter to the four year old girl named Grace was very interesting. It shows the real love of her mom and dad to her. I am so happy that her parents love her so much. Thank you for posting.

Reply
sailing link
9/1/2013 07:42:25 pm

Another nice and interesting article. Keep writing like this and I'll make sure to come back and read your blog constantly

Reply
Patricia
2/7/2014 01:12:23 am

Hi, My name is Patricia and i'm from Chile.

Your letter makes me cry so bad ... I'm trying to imagine Grace and Kate and all I can see is two beautiful little girls loving each other no matter what.

Grace is amazing, her hearth is full of the most amazing and pure love and that´s why she is so nice with the little one.

Hugs for your family and don't give up never!

Patricia (sorry about my english)

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Click Here to support my Patreon
    Happy Mail to:
    GoTeamKate

    27 Wellington Row
    Saint John, NB
    E2L 4S1
    I've been a tad overwhelmed with teaching Kindergarten during a pandemic (masks and all) butttttttt, I have not forgotten my sweet patr https://www.patreon.com/sunnyandsinclair
    https://www.patreon.com/sunnyandsinclair
    Click to Browse ETsy Shop
    Patreon
    Email Me

    Archives

    April 2022
    October 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012

    Author

    Grace and Kate's mom. (Shanell)

    RSS Feed

Contacts for Team Kate
Shanell Mouland
Alex Mouland

Blogs We Like
Rockstar Ronan


Links We Like
National Autism Centre
  The Greenspan Floortime Approach
  • GoTeamKate
  • MomBeast (Couch to Crossfit)
  • Entertainment/Shopping
  • Contact Us
  • Writing Services
  • Basic Bitch Baking
  • Photos by Kate
  • Photo Gallery
  • Diary of a Dad
  • The Diagnosis
  • Shanell's Portfolio
  • Shop
  • Help and Advice