Superman

Being the mother of a special needs child can be one of the most heart breaking and challenging jobs in world. And that has been true with me as Max's mom. But it can also be said that being Max's mom has been a privilege, joy and one of my greatest source of pride. Max has autism and other very challenging illnesses. The world has always been a scary place for him. The world hasn't always been kind or patient to him. But he still tries his best. Max works 6 or 7 hours a day, 4 days a week. He has someone to help him with life chores about 3 or 4 hours a day. He makes the best out of his situation.

Max is also a very artistic, creative sort who dreams big dreams. Dreams like becoming a monk, a cowboy, Mario for Super Mario, Dick Tracy, a mystery writer, and film director to name just a few. He stays on these dreams for a week or two and then moves on to a new dream. Most the time, each dream usually comes with a costume he has created. Mario had the outfit along with a painted on mustache. As a cowboy, Poncho Del Maxo wore a poncho he made from a blanket, a hat and boots he bought from Goodwill. Dick Tracy was when he was younger. The outfit consisted of my coat and a metal kitchen bowl, and when he is a writer, he usually sits at a typewriter with a pipe in his mouth.

Right now, Max wants to go to college. Not just any college. He wants to go to Seminary. He has been researching and yesterday, went to a thrift store a bought a suit so he would look good when he goes to classes.



Isn't he handsome?

Max is the bravest person I know. Even though he has rough days, he teaches me how to live under difficult circumstances. He is a real life Superman!