Grow with Grace

If you are looking for food charities to donate to, particularly in the Philippines, to help fight hunger, especially during this pandemic which have been extra difficult for millions of Filipinos, I’m sharing this link. There are community food pantries as well. This list maybe helpful for Filipinos abroad who are looking for a way to contribute. If you have an updated list, let me know.

I am me & you are you. As you’re growing up, I am discovering you moreyour strengths, quirkiness, your relentless personality, & how you don’t take things too seriously. I want to emulate your relentlessness & learn to laugh at life’s inconveniences. When we’re out & you’re loud & stimming, I remind myself that you don’t blend in & don’t need to blend in. You’re a child who flaps, giggles, & jumps constantly. You are you. People say you’re blessed to have us to which I’m hum...bled. But, I want others to know that I’m more fortunate to have you. What a privilege it is to be MAX’S MOM! I hope they know that you neither need their pity nor are you a charity case. You kick a** with an unapologetic attitude. There’s no need to feel sorry because you’re autistic. You don’t need people to tolerate you but to embrace you as fully human in the same ranks as them. April 2 is WORLD AUTISM ACCEPTANCE DAY & April is AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH. Let’s shift from awareness to acceptance. Language matters for the autistic community. Awareness is easy. People post puzzles & light it up blue which most autistics find offensive. By now, society knows the existence of autism. The autistic community needs allies to work with them to make lives better, address practical issues & fight for equal rights. (As a side note, I don’t support Autism Speaks.) Autism acceptance is not just a shift in language but it’s an essential step to improve education, employment, accessible housing, affordable healthcare, & create legislative actions for these individuals, and to provide support for their families and caregivers too. Inclusion begins with acceptance. Let’s be an ally to people on the spectrum & their families, & learn what we can do to helpthat is the essence of Autism Acceptance. Acceptance requires facing that which makes you uncomfortable about us, thinking about why it makes you uncomfortable and confronting any prejudice at the root of that discomfort. To accept us is to make a conscious effort to overcome that prejudice, to recognize that your discomfort with our differences is far more your problem to overcome than ours. Kassiane S, ASAN #AutismAcceptance #autism See more

Beautiful by Design A love letter to Max on the eve of his 6th birthday You came into our lives As a much needed surprise.... Even from the womb You break out from the norm You preferred to lie horizontally Instead of vertically. Always have your own way. You were born healthy and strong I remember your first words and sing along But later your voice and words came less Replaced with more cries and distress What happened to my happy boy Who danced and waved his toy Whose smile is just pure joy? We navigate our new reality together Lost & confused but press on further You cry and I couldn’t understand I’m crying beside you, holding your hand Helpless, exhausted and desperate Through touch we communicate & find respite On my knees in prayer, hope please don’t exit. You work hard to achieve steps forward Struggles happen, you’re a step backward Though disappointing, we are not backing Always searching, learning and celebrating. You are free to jump, spin and flap I’ll clap and dance while you snap You are safe, my love, the world is not a trap. You open my eyes to teach me situations That love transcends language and expectations My heart swells with happiness and pride Nanay will always be by your side Your beautiful mind is by design God’s plan will align Because my precious boy, your fate is divine. I love you, Max. #happybirthday #autismacceptance See more

Cheers to my boys and all our children who bravely went through several transitions and changes, and made adjustments to the best of their abilities in the midst of the world turning upside down. I couldn’t be prouder of their resilience and ego-strength. I pray that 2021 will gradually bring our children some sense of normalcy, perhaps a new normal. I wish them fun with family and friends, and adventures outside again. #happynewyear #goodbye2020 #newyear #2021 #childhoodunplugged #motherhoodunplugged #letthembelittle #siblings #siblinglove #mommasboys #momoftwo #momofboys #bromance #nyckids #pinaymom #nycfamilies #familyphoto #instakids #blessed #newnormal #proudmomma #brotherlylove

First rule of 2021: Never talk about 2020! Second rule: Approach slowly and tread carefully. Third Rule: Don’t. Touch. Anything. ... However you have survived and coped this year, whether by heart or by humor or both, congratulations, you made it!!! That’s all that matters. Now yell, Jumanji! There was never an absolute and best way to navigate all that we’ve been through. Although, this year did make me feel like being tied down to a chair, helpless at times, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do! Completing 525,600 minutes is still an inestimable gift. God is still good! Our family wishes you new dreams, new hopes and new joys this 2021! Be safe, healthy and blessed. Happy New Year! And remember, don’t touch anything! P.S. No parents were hurt during the photoshoot. #happynewyear #newyear #happyholidays #goodbye2020 #momlife #parenting #motherhoodunplugged #honestmotherhood #childhoodunplugged #letthembelittle #mommasboy #momofboys #momoftwo #pinaymom #nycfamilies #thestruggleisreal #familylife #familylove #homelife #nyckids #instafamily #godisgood #blessed #jumanji #525600minutes See more

Oh to be a child during Christmas time! The beautiful mess in our living room from people’s generous gifts on Christmas morning. Thank you for all your presents! Happy weekend! #christmas #merrychristmas #seasonsgreetings #christmasmorning #christmastime #childhoodunplugged #motherhoodunplugged #letthembelittle #homelife #familylove #thankful #presents #familytradition #happyholidays #happyweekend #funfunfun #momofboys #momftwo #momlife #pinaymom

All is calm. All is bright.

Nothing ever seems too bad, too hard, or too sad when I got my boys gathered around the tree. I pray that Christmas waves a magic wand to every heart this year especially to those who need love, joy and comfort the most. We are never too old to believe that the miracle of Christmas lives on today and every day, and His name is Jesus! From our (loud, messy, sticky but jolly) house to yours, we wish you the Merriest Christmas and Happiest Holidays! We shall gather and celebrate soon again. #merrychristmas #christmas #happyholidays #merryandbright #familylove #seasonsgreetings #familylife #momlife #homesweethome #momofboys #momoftwo #momoftwo #motherhoodunplugged #childhoodunplugged #grateful #thereasonfortheseason #happybirthdayjesus #pinaymom #familyphotos