Family member’s perspective
Hello world. My name is Elsie. I am M.J.’s baby sister. I was asked by M.J. to write this blog to give a family member’s perspective of Jayson’s autism journey. I am so honored to share what I have witnessed seeing my sister and my nephew go through this journey. At the beginning of the journey, I have to be honest and say that I was very naive and unfamiliar with autism. I had been with my nephew from birth and knew that he had some difficulties but not once did it cross my mind that it would be autism. Yes delays, but autism? No way. After my sister received the diagnosis, I remember how upset and how worried she was. I remember her breaking down crying uncontrollably. She just couldn’t believe it. Watching her broke my heart. I knew the road ahead of her was going to be tough but if there was someone who was strong enough, I knew it was my sister.
As a family, we knew that our emotions could not show outwardly to my sister or to Jayson. But, I cried for her. I cried for Jayson. I knew he wanted to speak so badly. You could see his frustrations all over his face. There were times he would scream and in me, I knew he just wanted everyone to understand him. But my pain and sorrow did not matter. It was not about me. I had to find a way, by all means necessary, to help my sister and to help Jayson the
best I could. My ear, my shoulder all of me had to be available to M.J. especially during her times of deepest sadness. I, along with all of my siblings, were there to encourage her and to pray with her. When she couldn’t pray, we stood in the gap for her. When she couldn’t stand,
we tried our best to carry her. We were her village and we will continue to be. M.J., I love you so much. I know this journey hasn’t been easy but rest assured our God will always work it out for YOUR good.
Stay blessed everyone!