The Minutes That Lasted A Lifetime

It's been over a year since our diagnosis,  and I still remember sitting in the waiting area after Liz's test. We sat there waiting while a group of professionals determined whether or not our child had autism,  whether or not our lives would change forever. That was the longest half hour of my life.
I recall walking over and grabbing a few brochures to read. Brochures about new studies, support groups, and genetic testing.  I paced the floor and wrung my hands. 
In those moments, I knew deep down what the results would be. Over the past 3 months, I had read every piece of literature available to me.  By this point,  I had battled the school, myself, and God. I knew what I didn't want to believe. 
Then, they called us in. You know that feeling you get on a roller coaster when your stomach drops? That's what I felt. I wish I had realized then that this diagnoses was not some doomsday event for my family. This diagnosis would lead me forward. It would teach me to advocate for my child and for others like her. It would lead me to begin a support group in my area. It would lead me to an amazing group of women who have become some of my greatest friends. It would teach me hope. It would teach me patience.  But most of all it would teach me love.