Dear Addie,
There’s no denying we are living in a digital world. It's true, technology has become a consistent piece in our current lives, and dare I say even more so now in a pandemic? Good or bad it’s literally at our fingertips and it has become a staple in just about everything we do.
Now a technology-based environment isn’t exactly something you stand in awe over because it isn’t exactly new to you. You’ve known nothing different since you were born. It’s funny when I think of that, because if you would’ve asked me at 10 years old what I thought the world would look like now, I never would’ve imagined it being full of virtual school, Zoom calls, and FaceTiming abilities, or how about the ability to pay for something by simply scanning your phone! Craziness. Seriously Ad that kind of stuff was something I only saw in the likes of a Jetsons episode back then – that was a cartoon from way back in the 80’s Ad! So it was like a super long time ago ;). It’s funny to think just how different our 10-year-old lives have been from one another.
Before I even jumped on this journey with autism, I’ll admit I had no idea just how valuable technology was for some people (or how valuable I would find it today). It's not just all phones and fancy laptops baby. In fact, autistic individuals, mostly the non-verbal part of our community but it’s not exclusive to them, tend to gravitate towards technology to help with many things that some neurotypical people may take for granted like learning, playing, or communicating their wants or needs. This type of technology is often referred to as a form of an augmented communication aid. It’s a voice for those that have often been left in silence for a variety of reasons. It acts as a kind of bridging between two worlds if you will. Pretty cool huh?!
Now in our present-day with this lingering virus still keeping us apart from our friends and family, technology has grown even more important than ever. It has literally become the lifeline for communication to anyone outside our households – perhaps giving some a perspective of those in our community solely using technology for communication in some fashion? Life is always full of perspective moments Addie. It's important to recognize and soak up those when they happen.
Now, where was I, ah yes...
This week we used the blessing of technology to help celebrate a very special person to us, your papa.
But he’s not just any papa.
You see Ad on the day you were born he and nana drove 12 hours in the middle of the night just to meet you and welcome you into this great big world. When we received your diagnosis, he bought books on autism to help understand you & your world better. He’s never pushed your silence instead he’d sit quietly seeing things from your perspective. He has spent a great amount of time getting to know you on your level my dear. Some would say he’s not just your papa, but your buddy, your friend, your partner in crime – especially if the crime is eating ice cream 😊. A beautiful friendship between grandfather and granddaughter that happened organically all on its own and literally without words.
He's kinda your bestie.
With a virus still lurking, travel & family gatherings still not advised throughout the country, nana and papa haven’t been able to visit as often as they usually do, but while a virus can work its ways at keeping us apart, living in a digital age ensures we can still stay together.
So with that in mind Operation Papa's Birthday was underway. We got this!
We wrapped our gift and shipped it off, baked a delicious cake, and used technology to our benefit to celebrate the guest of honor via FaceTime. We watched him open his gifts, we laughed, sang happy birthday with a cake full of candles all just for him, and all seen through a phone. A phone Addie. An experience a once 10-year version of me never could’ve imagined.
While he didn’t get to blow out his candles, I'm confident he was more than happy to watch his bestie help with his wishes this year. And you did a great job at that! Surely they will all come true baby girl because of how well you did.
This week we were not only grateful for the opportunity to celebrate papa, but also for the technology that allowed us to be together as family hundreds of miles apart.
I bet he wished to see you again soon Addie.
Great job baby.
Love,
Mom
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