Persistent Fathers
By Julie Coulter
I
recently watched a public television documentary about the life of
President Harry Truman. What struck me the most was his
persistence. As a teenager, he had to work to help support his
mother and sister after his father’s economic failures. In his
twenties, he failed as an investor in a mine and an oil well, and
then returned home to toil for years on his father’s farm. In spite
of setback after setback, he kept working and studying on his own,
because college was out of the question. Harry waited for years for
Bess, his childhood sweetheart, to accept him as a suitor and then
to finally marry him. All his life, Harry Truman kept searching for
solutions, kept trying and kept hoping. These were the secrets to
success that enabled Harry Truman to become President of the United
States.
As
the mother of a son who has Asperger Syndrome, I really appreciate
seeing that same persistence in fathers of children who struggle
daily to overcome the challenges of living with Autism Spectrum
Disorders and similar conditions. I admire those fathers who also
keep searching, trying, and hoping. Mothers appreciate the
fathers who work hard to understand their children’s special needs
and keep looking for ways to help their children learn. Many times,
these fathers have to learn new ways to relate to their children
who, in turn, show their fathers new ways to see the world. Like
Harry Truman, these fathers may see their efforts fail, and they
have to pick themselves up and try a new approach.
These
fathers understand that working today to help their children may not
bring results today. But they keep trying to help their children
learn new skills which will result in growth months and years down
the road.
To
all persistent and hopeful fathers, thank you, and Happy Father’s
Day!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Julie Coulter and her
husband, Dan, produce videos that support people with Asperger
Syndrome and autism. You can find more articles on their website
at:
www.coultervideo.com.
Copyright 2008 Julie Coulter
Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.
