Chasing Chase


“Hi what’s your name?” …. “Are you having a good day?” …. “Well you be good today.”  Neither a response, nor an acknowledgement, just continuing on his own way.

“He’s just slow to talk, it will come.”  I’m sure it will, every child grows up in their own way.  “Before you know it, you won’t be able to shut him up.”  Well actually we already wish to shut him up… when he’s not talking.

He really likes toy cars.  Loves to line them up.  Car rides are a score, just make sure you take the same way, even if you are going somewhere different.

Roll back the clock a few years.  Oh look he’s walking.  Always on his tiptoes, keeping balance.  What’s that you hear, that’s him reciting the alphabet.  Yep, that’s my boy, saying the alphabet all by himself at 18 months.

Individually, none of these really ding a bell, but when added up together, and put into perspective, you have something special on your hands.  We have known for a while, something was wrong, but we couldn’t put our finger on it.  When he turned 3 years of age, we got the school district involved, and they got him into IEP (Individualized Education Program – also known as Special Ed).  His IEP was language enriched, and it seemed to work, but too much was still a miss.  More doctors, specialist, appointments, frustrations, and today a year after we first got going, we now know.

Chase turns 4 years old today.  Today we were given the official diagnosis: autism.

I haven’t cried since my favorite cousin died.  You can look at me, and tears may not be rolling down my face, but I’m crying inside.  All those hopes and dreams, crushed.  My life, forever changed.  My family, forever changed.  We are embarking on the greatest and toughest challenge we never dreamed of, but because of our undividing love, we will do whatever it takes, and make every sacrifice that needs to be made.

I started this blog, to allow me to vent, talk, educate, understand.  This blog will be about Chase, and our family adventures that we will embark on as we are Chasing Chase’s dream: to live integrated with society.  We have a long and arduous journey ahead of us, and with the right dedication and support we will reach, and surpass our goals.  It won’t be easy, nothing this great is.  But this challenge, handed down to us, we accept.

I leave you with this passage, which I came across today by chance.  I will keep this passage close to my heart and use it as inspiration.

Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it.  Impossible is not a fact.  It’s an opinion.  Impossible is not a declaration.  It’s a dare. Impossible is potential, impossible is temporary.  
Impossible is Nothing.

 

How can you not love this face?

8 responses to “Chasing Chase”

  1. Love and patience is what we have as parents to give our children. Some need more than others.

    For Chase the journey through his eyes will be different from what we see in our world. The trick is to rememer how he sees life and how he chooses what path to walk (or run).

    As for me I feel blessed to call you and Jen friends and I can only wish the best for you and your children. I will always be there for you if you should need it.

    Love
    Dave, Judy, and the kids…

  2. Pierre, I am shocked! I never viewed him as an autistic child, special indeed, but not special in the way most people think of autism. I would love to connect you to a friend of mine who’s son is autistic. Coincidentally, they live in the same neighborhood as you. Let me know when you’re ready and I’ll do the rest. Their child was diagnosed in preschool and today he is in main stream school. Amazing parents will always have amazing children! Big loves to you and Jen!!! Christine Hoopes

  3. WOW…Such an awesome way to get things off your chest, and have us to be able to console and help you guys during this journey the best way we can! (As I sit here at my desk at work with tears rolling down my face)!

    As you already know I grew up very closely with an Autistic cousin whom is now 19 years old, and he is one of the most loving, special young man I know! He has the biggest heart, full of emotion, and most importantly doesn’t have the usual attitude like his 13 year old brother already has!…lol! Yes, it is going to be a struggle at times, but just remember that he is so special in so many amazing ways!!! He may not make you proud with some of the accomplishments he will endure like Levi has, but he will definitely make you proud in other ways that you may least expect!
    Although this is a very difficult step in your lives, just remember that God only gives us things we can handle and he chose you and Jen to be the strong, great parents that you are to make the best Chase that Chase can be!!! Just stick together as best as you can and be there for one another when either of you are having a rough day!
    I am just a phone call away and hopefully one day, just a few steps away again if you guys ever need ANYTHING!
    Wishing you all the best always….you can and will get through this!!!!
    Melanie (your x-neighbour)

  4. Pierre: There’s a very good reason why you are chasing Chase. You are absolutely the best parents in the world for him. Remember, the best thing you can spend on your children is time, always. Keep writing, keep reading, keep loving. Aunt Connie

  5. Pierre: I haven’t known many people that take life head-on like you do and I am certain Chase will follow in those footsteps. Let us know if we can help in any way. – Ryan

  6. Pierre, my heart goes out to you and Jen. Fight the fight everyday for Chase. We will all help you through it. Chase is one lucky boy to have such great parents. Please let me know what I can do to help.

    Stacy

  7. I have a son named Jonah and he has also been diagnosed with asd. We are on waiting lists, taking classes as parents, I feel the best moments in the classes is when we were on break… the smokers when out to smoke, and the others sat in the classroom and shared, talked of triumphs, concerns and challenges. in my eyes it was the best times. maybe we could one day do a play date. Jonah is 3.5yrs loves trains, colouring, puzzles, maps, and most of all outer space.

  8. Light it up blue! Many of us are wearing blue today April 2, 2015 in support of Autism Awareness Month! Autism is one of only three health issues to be recognized with its own day by the United Nations. Thanks for posting this Pierre!

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