I read the Bible most mornings, but I also try to pick up fiction and non-fiction books for my day and nighttime reading. Recently, I was sitting in the movie theater watching “Wicked” with my family, and a preview for a new movie came on, and I was transfixed. The film is called “The Unbreakable Boy” and is based on a book by Scott LeRette. I saw an adorable boy bouncing around in a jester hat as if driven by a motor, and I knew this book was about a boy with Autism and his family learning to cope. I also knew I had to read the book. I went and ordered the book. I read it in 3 days and feel compelled to share my reaction and the beauty of what I learned from this little book.
Many of those reading this know that our firstborn has Autism. She was diagnosed at age 5, but we weren’t surprised and were already seeking out any therapy and intervention we could to help her comfortably navigate the world around her. Chris and I handled the diagnosis and still handle Molly in different ways, neither wrong, just different. We are incredibly proud of the young woman she has become and continue to walk by her side as she navigates this big world!
In the book, Scott shares his journey through life and navigating a very special son, Austin. Scott’s journey was different than mine, and I often felt angry with him, something I had no right to feel; who am I to judge? After reminding myself of that, I worked to understand where Scott was coming from. His early journey was full of confusion and selfish choices, worrying more about playing golf, drinking beer, and finding time away from his problems than dealing with them head-on. This behavior hit me hard, not because Chris did any of those things; he was and continues to be a hard-working, devoted, hands-on husband and father. Scott’s behavior hit me hard because I was the primary parent, the one making doctor’s appointments, therapy appointments, and rolling around on the floor with my toddler. I know how much pressure that holds when you are trying to work full-time, and I know my journey would have looked different without a supportive partner to back me up and support me more than he will ever know. I was mad for his wife! Scott’s journey is different than ours, but things do change when he finally turns his heart to God.
The spiritual journey is worth reading about and is a testimony to the power faith has in our hearts and minds, especially in our relationships. As I read “The Unbreakable Boy,” I was compelled to pick up a fiction book. The book that landed in my hands as I scrolled through my Kindle library was “The Things We Cannot Say.” As I read the first few pages, I learned that the fascinating tale included a family learning how to connect with a boy with Autism. As I kept reading, I was so touched that I couldn’t stop the tears from slipping out of my eyes. This story is powerful about never underestimating someone’s abilities just because you don’t understand them. It was about having faith.
Two books in a week. In a week when, I was dealing with some daunting medical tests for myself, with more questions than answers, and yet my mind was taken away from myself and turned to think about Jesus. The medical stuff is always there, the state of our world is always there, and God is always there. It is up to me to decide which one I want to focus on. I am working to listen to God and appreciate his gifts daily, even if they are in books my spirit desperately needs to read. I share this because it is through our experiences and our testimonies that we can connect with our community and with each other. Every day, I keep my eyes and heart open to see what is next, and I hope you do, too—shared with love!
by Amanda Renz