What an overwhelmingly amazing day. Today I was invited to share this story, our story to a room full of beautifully kind and compassionate people at the Quota’s International Women’s Day.
For about fifty minutes I stood before this room of people and shared our journey and not only hopefully raised autism awareness but gave people some coping strategies to help them through difficult times in their lives.
Our story started with the death of our son Robert which had the entire room in tears. I was thinking to myself oh no this was not the desired affect. It was not a bad thing and was more evidence of the compassionate and empathetic people I was sharing the room with.
My darling friends were in the room. They were scattered throughout the room as my go to people if I didn’t know where to go. I have to tell you they were not real great go to people that is for sure. 
first I went to Janine, crying, Jayne, crying, Peta crying…. I thought my Jodi she’ll be right nope crying. Lol. Back up girls. Yeah right 
I love these girls and can’t thank them enough for the gift of their friendship and for allowing me to have such sincerely wonderful back up. You make my life so much better because of the gift of you in my life. Thank you for your support today. I could not have done it without you.
I continued to share more tragedy that was our life back in 2003 and the years that followed including the death of my dad and than moved on to our life living with autism times three.
Then I shared the gift of 1stAvailable in not only my life but this journey and how without their support I would not be able to share this story like I am. Nor could I raise autism awareness to as many people as I do. Thank you again.
Finally finishing up with some strategies I utilise to get through my everyday including wearing my many masks to get through the day and the importance of looking after you.
I hope people took from the day that no matter what you are going through life is not a comparison. It is not about comparing what is going on in someone else’s life. It is about looking at your life and identifying that if something is impacting on your life, something is affecting your life than that something is important. If it matters in your life, if matters. That simple. Never dismiss something you are going through because of what others may be going through or even what others may think. But identify what is the issue affecting your life and put as many strategies in place to either elevate or lessen that impact on your life.
The human spirit is an amazing creature and you do not realise the strength you have inside of you. The strength you have to endure anything that life throws at you is within you already. Even if you don’t realise it yet.
I wanted to thank the darling Bree over at Twinkle in the Eye who I have the blessing to know in my personal life. It was through a professional relationship with Bree that I was invited to speak today and I will forever be grateful to her for this gift. Also for being my face of strength in the crowd when I needed it (seeing my back up girls were all crying on me ) Thank you beyond words Bree for this opportunity.
Finally I want thank 1st Available. They ask nothing of me ever and support me to travel throughout Australia and share this story, to raise autism awareness. To hopefully just help one single person because with out their support I could not do what I do. Together we are making such a difference. I’m sure trying anyway.
Thank you to everyone that attended today, that made me feel the love and compassion that you did and Thank you also for my many hugs, the kind words and for sharing your amazing stories with me.
My friend Gary Raymond said to me once that God had a plan for my life. I was going through so much at the time. Losing Robert, Jenny and Dad, Living with autism (only times 1 at the time) I remember thinking what he could do with his ‘God’s Plan’ but after today who knows maybe my wise friend was right after all.
Who would have figured hey through such tragedy there was a plan and my triumph would simply be my life, this life and that this would be the greatest reward.
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Well what can I say but Thank You and I am glad that I bought Ashleigh with me today, even though she cried the hardest. I will continue to be here to support you, and yes WHEN I hear you speak again I will probably cry AGAIN but just know that they are not always tears of happiness but tears of pride as well. Well done on an amazing day lovely lady…xxx
I’m so glad I have found you on Twitter. I have a child with a disability (not Autism) and always gain so much from hearing other people’s experiences. I look forward to reading more of your blog. As for your “go to” girls, I was crying just reading the first paragraph, so I can empathise. Lol xo
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You are an Angel and your ability to touch the hearts of those around you, your words of heartbreak and inspiration provides not only comfort but a sense value and enduring courage to move forward. I will be forever grateful for that gift that you have shared. J xx
Gary Raymond sounds like such a wise man. I have thought on more than one occassion, that this, raising awareness, and making things better for other families, is the thing you were supposed to do. Not that I think God made your kids autistic; just that He gave you what you need to get through it.
So proud of you xxx
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You’re a brave and wonderful woman and thank you for gracing us with your presence on such an important day xo
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You are very welcome and thankyou so so much for thinking of me to share my story. You are such a beautiful person Bree. Much Love Coralie
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