Jackson has been participating in youth activities at church. The youth group is for kids in grades 6 to 12 and has about 20 active participants. Last Sunday we took him to Epworth Forest to participate in the Illuminate Youth Rally. He seemed to enjoy the music and obstacle course. He was overly concerned with "where" everyone was. He kept tabs on the kids in the group; CUMC won't leave a kid behind as long as Jackson is around. Which is truly remarkable when you consider that so often people living with autism are not at all "other oriented".
Tonight we went to Youth group for an informal meeting then to participate in the Prayer service. The kids are so kind and accepting of Jackson. When he walked into fellowship hall, many of them greeted him. A couple of the boys helped him get the pinball game started. Then the group headed to the prayer service. The tone of the service was quiet, serene, introspective. None of these are adjectives I would use to describe my son...but I am a firm believer in exposing him; stretching him a bit further all the time. It was hard work for him to sit quietly and attend (quite honestly it was hard for all the youth to be attentive). At one point, when the sanctuary was quiet and Jackson was being silly he said, "Eat more chicken" to which all the youth got a chuckle. Thank God (literally) our congregation is understanding and accepting. (I was still mortified). At another point in this service, the participants were called to write down what they were thankful for and then go up and share them in an offering plate near the altar. I asked Jackson what he was thankful for and helped him spell "friends" then he got up to put his note in the offering plate. I walked with him, attempting to hold his hand, but he shook my hand off. He walked up and put his gratitude in the plate--then turned the opposite way to walk back. I was choking back tears as I re-directed his steps. You see, I am grateful for my son. I am grateful for a church family that supports his spiritual growth. I am grateful to the Lord for continuing to offer me opportunities to grow in my faith, and find strength in Him.
Tonight, Jackson touched the heart of many. Thanks be to God.
