As I sit here and write this title, I feel very sad. To be honest, I hate when summer ends, I wish it could go on forever. It is my favourite season and the only time all year I really feel connected to nature and I do not have to worry about the daily household schedule and being on time for this and that.

This summer has provided some much needed distraction and rest for my son and I. We have been up at our cottage enjoying time away from the city and just embracing the outdoors. We always have plans to do certain activities in the summer and sometimes we do them all and sometimes we do not. This summer is no different. I used to get anxious if all that was planned did not happen, but I am not that way anymore. I am just happy to do nothing.

My son is my absolute favorite person to hang out with. We can lay on the dock, listen to music, go swimming, boating and lots of other things and there is just pure happiness. I know everyone does not see in him what I do, and that is perfectly okay. Sometimes when others think of autism, they always talk about the struggles and the hardships (which are very real). But I also enjoy the carefree times when life in general just does not put so much pressure on people with autism to mold or fit or even perform for that matter. It is nice to have no expectations sometimes.

As we look forward to returning home and getting ready for the fall activities and school, I am extremely grateful to have had time this summer with my son. My daughter and my husband are just as important but I do not get to spend as much time with them, unfortunately. Our cottage is such a special place and I hate to leave it, but I know that God wants us to have rest and restoration, which is why he created the earth in 6 days and rested on the 7th day.

Being in nature for all of us is important but especially for those on the spectrum as they have a special connection with nature, if that makes sense. If you know, you know.

In Hebrews 4:10 it states,

“for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,
just as God did from his.”

As we move into Fall and all the new things that our children will experience, let us look to God for strength and peace to be able to handle all that will transpire.

May God bless each and every one of your families and always remember that God is in control of everything. He sees everything, He knows our children and He will protect and guide us all. We just need to ask Him.

I look forward to seeing everyone very soon! God bless!

Shelly Wedge
Exceptional Family Ministries Coordinator
Amberlea Church