By Barb Arland-Fye
Editor
A text message from Amanda, who supervises home-based support for my son Colin, conveyed an unexpected light of hope. Colin, an adult with autism, will lose his part-time job at the end of the month for reasons that have nothing to do with his job performance.
Amanda is investigating opportunities for Colin to volunteer at a public library, one of his lifelong favorite places to visit. “Maybe that would lead to something else. Especially when they get to know him,” Amanda wrote.
She composed a brief letter of introduction to submit to the library but wanted my approval and editing input first. Her introduction captured the life of my son in a way that only his guardian angel could convey. Amanda is his guardian angel. Here is what she wrote:
“I am a 38-year-old man with Autism. I am highly functioning. I live on my own. I have caregivers that help me out with day-to-day needs. My family is a huge part of my life.”
“I love to read. It’s my favorite pastime. My mom is the editor of The Catholic Messenger, so reading is a big part of my family. One of my dream jobs would be (to become) a librarian.”
“That may never happen but volunteering would be an exceptional way for me to be part of the library. I am very knowledgeable, especially with geography. I play the piano. I play sled hockey and baseball, my dad and brother volunteer as coaches. That has inspired me to volunteer. I am a kind, smart, intelligent, and compassionate person. I would love the opportunity to volunteer at the library. Thank for your time, Colin W. Fye.”
Responding to Amanda’s text, I wrote, “God placed you in Colin’s life. Steve (my husband) might be able to take some credit for Colin’s goodness, along with you and many others who have treated him with love, respect and empathy. My love for Colin is immense but sometimes I have fallen far short in demonstrating that love.”
Amanda disagreed, reminding me that Colin, at times, pushes our buttons — hers and other caregivers as well! “But then he gives you the side smile and it makes you melt.” She continued, “We get to have what you have already accomplished. We just want to have him keep thriving.”
She has come to know Colin well, “so I hold him to a higher standard,” she wrote. “I got that from you.” The other caregivers (who rotate days) also appreciate my son and know that occasional rough patches are simply that, occasional. Maybe God provides individuals like my son with a roster of guardian angels!
I thanked Amanda for sharing the experiences she and another caregiver have had with Colin, which made me laugh in agreement. “Sooo frustrating and funny at the same time. Just when you think you understand his mind, he throws you a curve ball!”
“I want to tap into his potential so that he can thrive to his fullest. So, I am grateful to you for taking the initiative to search for work and volunteer activities that reflect his passions and talents,” I told Amanda.
“Meanwhile, Colin is teaching me compassion and the value and dignity of every human being. He is teaching me to practice what I preach. I believe that’s a sign of God’s sense of humor … Colin is that nudge from God to do better — the next time!”
(Contact Editor Barb Arland-Fye at arland-fye@davenportdiocese.org)
