We Never Know What the Future Holds

I am thrilled that Autisable is back up and running as it has always been a wonderful platform for myself and so many others. It thrills me to reconnect with all my followers, and I look forward to meeting and connecting with new people to share our feelings, views and especially HOPE.

I often write about how I feel and what is going on in my life with my autistic son, Brandon. However, what I am about to write is extremely difficult for me but feel I must write this as my very first post on the new platform so people will understand where I am coming from.

In November 2014, my son, Brandon, suddenly and unexpected passed away in his sleep. I was in shock and disbelief and I just couldn’t grasp the reality of it all. It didn’t make any sense and I didn’t think it was real, but unfortunately it was. Even today, one and a half years later, I sometimes forget and call Brandon and I can’t wait to hear his voice. Then I am quickly reminded of reality.

If you are a special needs parent you know that we spend much more time with our special needs children than our typical children. I had spent a lot of time with Brandon even when he was an adult and living on his own. We would talk almost every day. I would see him often to help him with his errands and enjoy a meal together face to face.

Brandon passed away when he was 41 years old. I am grateful that he was able to live his dream: to live independently for the last 17 years of his life, even when the professionals deemed it impossible.

I would like to leave you with an important message–“Do all you can while you can.” I believe that was the very best thing I did the entire time Brandon was alive.

Ten days after Brandon died, the city of Santa Monica, where Brandon lived and was a beloved resident, held a memorial service in his honor. It was an amazing event and an incredibly uplifting day.

A television station filmed a video about Brandon a year before he passed away and they attended the memorial, which is included in the video. I would very much like to share it with you all. It was truly a celebration of a young man who had so many difficulties and hurdles to get over and mountains to climb. And he did it his way. He found a place where he was not only accepted for who he was, but he was also truly loved by so many and was able to make friends by just being himself.

I am so very proud of Brandon and so happy I had those 41 years with him. He ended up being my best friend and teacher. I continue to go out and speak and share Brandon’s story. It is truly uplifting and filled with hope. To view the video and meet Brandon, please visit: www.AutismIndependenceProject.org.

Until we meet again,

Amalia Starr

Amalia Starr

Mother to an independent autistic adult son, Motivational Speaker, Author, and Founder of the Autism Independence Foundation. Book Amalia to speak, call 800-939-1046 or attend one of her conferences or training.