| Welcome to JT's Page |
| JT..... Describe JT, in one word…. We would say “Happy”. What a gift it is to wake up each day of your life with a smile on your face and not a care in the world. That is the world by which our son lives. Upon seeing or meeting JT (John-Thomas) for the first time, he looks and seemingly acts like any other “normal” little boy. Everyone who is lucky enough to meet JT, can’t help but fall in love with him. He has big blue eyes and a contagious smile that can light up any dark room. He also has a famous “JT” hair cut. The locks are long with shades of light brown and tan as if he has been kissed by the sun. Soon though, appearances fade, and you begin to see the mysterious world of “Autism” start to emerge as JT appears to be just a little “off”. If you see JT at the park, you will notice him running and playing with the other kids. The more you watch and start to study him, he may appear to be “playing” with the other kids, but in essence, he is actually playing his own version of some other game... he is off into his own little world. Not to worry, JT doesn’t really care, he is probably the happiest one out there as he dances and sings and talk to his imaginary friends. As more time passes strangers start to wonder. If people try and make conversation with him, he may respond with a rote answer or in most cases, he will giggle and just smile at them. Around this time, the questions start firing from puzzled adults: “So how old is JT? …..It’s not so much the question as it is the tone, the way it is asked or the facial expression of the person asking. This is when we know that people know, JT is “special”. We usually will reply that JT is Autistic. Typically there is some awkward silence followed with one of the following responses. • “Really,” (pause) “he seems to be so happy and he makes eye contact?” • “Wow,” (again a pause) “hum” (pause) “can he play the piano or is he a math wiz, like Rain Man?” • “Autistic?” • “What is Autism?” We typically do not go into too many details; just explain that JT is developing at his own pace, and that he has been diagnosed with PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder) which is part of the Autism Spectrum. We explain that we are looking around every corner and under every rock to help him develop so that someday JT can take care of himself. Does this sound like a typical day with your child? For the Hughes family this is the norm. Fortunately, we are blessed to be able to answer the questions with dignity and hope. We love our son for who he is not what we hope he will be. We thank God each day for our little “Happy” man. He is our life. |
"When you receive a package, you don’t always know what’s inside. Sometimes that really doesn’t matter too much, the gift is great just because of who gave it to you". K Hughes |
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| What is life for? It is for you! Life must be lived, that's all there is to it. And a good time to live is any time you can. Today is the gift you may wits you had back tomorrow. So open your arms and take it all in. This is your moment; this is your time for adventure, risk and living. Truly you will never have this opportunity again. Everything is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Live, Love, Laugh & Learn |