The love and strength that my Father showed to me during the most difficult time in my life helped me to accept my son's diagnosis of autism. My Father was solid as a rock, and although I am sure he may have been worried he said to me, "You know Jenny, Shawn will be just fine." We will do whatever we can to get him to develop to his fullest potential and he will live a happy life, and things will be ok." Over the last 9 years of my son's life my Father has been there through it all, never ever has he let our family down. My Father has shown incredible strength in his life, and my Father gives me the courage to keep on going when things get hard, and still when something goes wrong he does not get upset or get a tone to his voice that seems worried, his tone is smooth and constant like it has been throughout this entire journey. Without my Dad this Journey would have been more difficult, but he made me see the light instead of the dark, the blue sky instead of the clouds, and the smiles instead of the tears. My Father has made my life wonderful and I love him with all my heart. On this Father's Day I want my Dad to know how special he is to me, but more importantly how important he is to his Grandson Shawn, and to all his Grandchildren. He has a special bond with each one, but the one that brings a smile to my face and a tear to my eye, is his special bond with Shawn. Thanks Dad for giving me the ability to be compassionate and giving, kind and strong and thanks for being the Rock of our family. You are respected and loved and you have given so freely all these years, what a wonderful Man you are........ I Love you..Jenny
