Luke & Levi

Do you know how special the word "Momma," is? When I waited over 4 years to hear it for the first time from my child it made me cry. How a simple hug reduced me to tears because it was the first time my child ever initiated it from me.

What I love about my boys is that they begin every new day with a smile on their face... I am the mother of twin boys who just happen to have Autism. Recently they have been diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome.

Family is the most important thing to us. After adopting our little ones we felt spirit led to move to the mountains of Western North Carolina to raise our family. We were here only four months when my husband got very ill. I was told by the doctor that Lon would probably not survive, that he was in the Lord's hands. It was a long haul but Lon made it only by the Grace of God. Over a month in the hospital, three surgeries later, I brought Lon home. Two months later Lon had to have his fourth surgery. Lon was home for almost six months recuperating. Now with Lon's continued health issues he is unable to work and is on permanent disability.

We barely came up for air when our twin boys, Luke & Levi were diagnosed at the age of 2 with severe Autism. Luke and Levi are the most beautiful boys in the world. Full of dimples and smiles. Full of love. Full of innocence.

Luke is the oldest and the sneakiest. He likes to sneak up on his brother and take his toys. He now is making great eye contact and also has started to take our hand when he wants to play with a certain toy or to open a door. This is such a huge milestone. Luke is a happy and sweet soul with a laugh that comes from his toes. He also does a crazy little dance that makes everyone laugh. We went nuts when Luke recently said his first word - "Hi" and waved his hand.

Levi is the jokester of the two. Even though there is lack of verbal language he likes to laugh. He loves to play with a ball and will sit still for a nursery song. His favorite is Baby Bumblebee and Incy Wincy Spider. Levi loves his daddy and their play time together. He likes taking a ride in his Daddy's jeep but probably loves riding the school bus the most. Levi loves his big sister, Ali, who gives him lots of kisses. Recently Levi has learned to say bus and surprised us with dog.

But our challenges as parents are great with Luke & Levi. They must be supervised around the clock in order to insure their safety. Autism makes the dangers of childhood MUCH more dangerous. Luke bangs his head against walls during the night so Lon & I must sleep on our porch so that we can get to him right away. Sometimes we are up four times a night. Luke has even pulled up the air/heat vent from the floor in the middle of the night. Velcro and duct tape have become our best friends. We also cannot have any furniture in their room because they can turn it over and hurt themselves. There are no "safe beds" for them so we have to put a mattress on the floor. We have cut their bedroom door in half so that they can have a "safe" area to play and still be supervised. The only parties we go to are "poop" parties.  Besides the safety factor children with autism face unique developmental challenges.

Autism involves the entire family. Neither the cause nor the cure are known, so we as parents must be the most important force in Luke & Levi's life.

While life at our home is certainly interesting, and of its daily challenges, it is also a place full of laughter, love, caring & acceptance. So many people say to us: How do you do it and stay sane?" Well, we don't stay sane! :) We do, however, look for the joys of autism (believe it or not, there are joys), as well as the challenges, and greet the most difficult situations with practicality, determination & thank goodness, a sense of humor. There is also a rule in our marriage....only one of us is allowed to be "completely" insane at a time! Ali, Luke and Levi are our special gifts from God.

If you can make a difference in the daily lives of families that are affected by having children with Autism then I encourage you to do so. Whether it's in voting to change the laws regarding Autism, running or walking to raise funds or awareness to extending a helping hand or kind words of support to any family who lives the world of Autism everyday.

I used to ask God why it always had to rain. Now I have learned that life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, but it's learning to dance in the rain. Now I am learning how to dance in the snow.

May we always continue to radiate strength, humor and hope for our children.

Autism does speak, through us!

Victoria Warrenfeltz,

Luke & Levi's Mommy