2 Years in September
September will mark 2 years since our lives changed completely -
2 years since our #asd diagnosis.
2 years since our private preschool kicked us out only days after.
2 years since I felt so helpless and lost- and crippled with fear that the way they treated us would be our new normal -
That the world didn’t have room for us anymore.
That doors would only be shut in our face, as they were that day.
That there would be no empathy.
No support. No kindness.
The day we were dismissed still remains one of the worst of my life - being sent home with a child with no back up plans; no support, when we so desperately needed it.
I scrambled. I pivoted. I figured it out.
That’s what us moms do.
I became an accidental advocate overnight.
And once we got our girl where she needed to be, I wrote-
A story about difference and acceptance.
A story about sisterhood and awareness.
A story about kindness. About being Her Voice.
I wasn’t sure how many of you would read it; if anyone cared.
But today I am packing up 165 copies to send to a mom and her daughter, Georgia, in PA- Strangers I met on the internet that felt so moved by our story that they sold handmade kindness bracelets to raise money to put them in schools around their community.
2 years ago, I would never have dreamed this possible ~
That while some people lack empathy; can be callous and act in disheartening ways… There is so much goodness in this world.
That there is an entire generation that is seeing that difference is beautiful; and that patience and understanding and kindness are paramount. Above all else.
Thank you sweet Georgia for inspiring me; and for reviving the hope I have that together we can make this world a safe, gentler, kinder place for our kiddos.
Get your copy of My Sister, Lila Lee here
And if you’re interested in placing our story in schools near you, email me and we will figure out how to make this happen :)
From writer and special needs advocate Morgan Matkovic, My Sister Lila Lee tells the story of her daughters, Maddie Mae and Lila Lee.
Upon first glance, these sisters look nearly identical- with blond hair, brown eyes, teensy freckles and button noses. But once you get to know them, you might notice their brains work a little differently.
Told through the eyes of older, neurotypical, Maddie Mae, this story gives a voice to girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder, while celebrating differences and heralding the beauty that comes along with them.
The heartfelt, rhythmic prose alongside beautiful watercolor illustrations by Betsy Douglass bring this story of love, acceptance and kindness to life, all while championing the power of sisterhood.