My daughter – who lives in Arkansas – and I, speak several times a week.  I enjoy these telephone visits, and Kirsten ends every conversation with, “I love you, Mom.” Yep, we’re one of those kind of families….

 While door-knocking with Art we met Joyce (names changed), mother of a severely autistic young son, Brett.  Joyce welcomed us inside out of the cold wind so she could share her story.  She and her Veteran husband care for an elderly father who lives with them.  Her husband travels to Iowa City often to receive treatment for a war-related illness, and their son has home visits from therapists several times a week.  Joyce has her hands full with the three most important people in her life struggling in various ways with mental and physical illnesses.  Yet, she seemed positive and upbeat as she spoke and I could tell that this woman met life’s challenges head-on.  At one point she said, “If a person has a grumble, then they better do something about it!  I have become an activist for the causes important to me.”  Before we left, Joyce told us about the progress her son has made, which she mostly attributed to the professional therapists who have worked with him.   She looked at me as she spoke, “Every mother eagerly looks forward to hearing their child speak, and especially to hear the words ‘I love you, Mom’.   Last week, Brett edged closer to me than he normally would, and said, ‘Mom – good’.” It was a milestone moment for Joyce; one of those meaningful moments that keep her going day after day through all the hardships life throws at her.  Our encounter with Joyce left Art with a better understanding of the issues affecting caregivers like Joyce, and it left me with a much greater appreciation for the verbal expressions of love from my own daughter.

Oh, and by the way, I love you, Mom!!