A mother’s journey
Albert Bridge resident outlines family’s road through autism
With great anticipation, I am looking forward to reading “Through Rainbows and Storm Clouds, Finding His Place in this World,” by Tracey Hilliard.
A resident of Albert Bridge, Tracey is the Mom of 21-yearold Matthew and 10-year-old Marcus. This book marks her first endeavor in the literary world.
A labor of love, this 200-page book explores the world of autism and how Tracey and her husband of 27 years, Michael, dealt with the diagnosis of their eldest son and the obstacles and rewards they encountered along the way.
I have a personal interest in the Hilliard’s story. I am also the mom of two boys, or should I say, two young adults. Our youngest, now 21, was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) at four years of age.
It was not an easy time in our lives.
You suspect your child is “different” but when a health care professional confirms your worst fears, things can become very dark. My husband and I eventually realized that this diagnosis was, by no means, a dead end. Granted, I took it particularly hard. I needed some time to process things, grieve and plot our plan of attack.
Deep down I knew that a diagnosis of autism was not going to stop our son in his tracks. It just meant that we had to follow a different path. There were many uncomfortable bumps along the way but eventually we settled in to our “New Normal” and we continue to reap the rewards of the kind and loving young man that is Parker Ross.
And if you follow Tracey on Facebook, you know how passionate she is about her family and one of the biggest reasons, she says, for writing this book was to re-assure other families that they are not alone, that there are people out there who care.
“It’s pretty scary sitting in a psychologist’s office, hearing all the medical terms, you have no idea what they mean and you are in no frame of mind to say wait, stop and explain that to me in terms I can understand.
“We needed to sift through all the medical jargon so we could help Matthew understand. That was an important part of our journey. That he understood and was aware of everything that was going on so that when he felt a certain way, he knew why.”
Tracey, a tireless volunteer and vocal advocate for quality education, also encourages educators to read her book.
“We were very fortunate to have so many wonderful educators on our team as we travelled this road with Matthew. My book will show educators what happens when children go home at the end of the day.”
The author hopes that after reading her book, parents will feel comfortable to reach out and ask questions.
“I may not have all the answers because no two children or young adults have the same journey. Autism has a set of rules all of its own but at least you will know that you are not alone.”
Through Rainbows and Storm Clouds: Finding His Place in this World, will hit bookshelves this fall, but there is no need to wait. You can visit Tracey’s webpage, http://www.traceyhilliard.com/ and pre-order your copy to be shipped for the September 21 release.
All pre-orders will be signed by Tracey before shipment.
Mira events Today
- Picnic on the Mira, 1-5 p.m., Grand Mira Community Hall. Roast beef dinner, games and auction.
- Lobster Dinner, Fourchu Community Hall, 2-5 p.m., Bring your shell-cracking tools.
- Auction, 7-10 p.m., Zion Wesley United Church, auctioneer Alfie MacLeod.
Saturday, August 4
- Country breakfast, Mira Centre, 8-11 a.m. Sunday, August 12
- Cemetery Mass, St Margaret’s, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, August 18 - Breakfast, 8-11 a.m., Zion-Wesley.
- Country days breakfast, 9 a.m., Union Presbyterian Church Hall, Albert Bridge.
- Blueberry festival, Mira Centre, 2-4 p.m.
Sunday, August 26
- Roast beef dinner, 3-6 p.m., Grand Mira South Community Hall.
Weekly events:
- Thursday night Tarabish, Grand Mira South Hall, 7:3010:30 p.m.
- Chase the Ace, every Saturday, Grand Mira South Community Hall, 7-9 p.m., drawing at 8:30 p.m.
- Darts and Cards, Saturday evenings, Mira Centre, 7-10 p.m.
- Every two weeks, the Mira Centre hosts an afternoon of card games 2-4 p.m.
Two Rivers Wildlife Park - The 6th Annual Acoustic Roots Festival will get underway at the park, August 31- September 2. Please visit the park Facebook page for a full schedule of entertainers and other great events planned for the park this summer.
Mark Your Calendar
- Mira’s biggest party, the Mira Boat Club’s 12th Annual Pig Roast, happens Sunday, August 5. Gates open at 3 p.m. Drink specials will be held 3-6 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. there will be a variety of food. Afternoon entertainment, 6-9 p.m., Final Cut. Evening Entertainment, 9-1 a.m., Full Circle. Tickets $25 per person.
Also happening at the Mira Boat Club:
- Sunday, July 29, The Mira Triathlon.
- Friday, August 3, entertainment by John Curtis Sampson
- August 10, entertainment by Michael Cavanaugh
- August 17, entertainment by Wayne Bedicki
- August 24, entertainment by Rob Murphy.
- Saturday, August 18, poker run with registration at 12 p.m.
Have a happy summer everyone.