#mark monday

But this is where it gets better. Photo op time. We bought 2 Photo ops because I needed a picture with him on my own and my kids were begging to be in one.

If you don’t know, my boys are on the autism spectrum. My oldest is smart as a whip and mostly struggles in social situations and being slow to process directions.

My youngest also has ADHD...horrible ADHD. He barely listens to anything. He is also smart as a whip, but usually needs to be told things 3 times or more to do something.

I am their mom and they are both dear to me. They are my everything.

The idea was to have Mark Sheppard protect me from my children in our second photo op. The kids and I had talked about it several times before we went to the convention. I wanted them to be prepared. None of us had ever done this before, so a learning curve is expected.

We told Mark what we wanted and he gave quick directions. Everything moves fast. Mark told my oldest what to do and he was confused for a moment, but Mark directed him with absolute patience and kindness, and still very quickly. As soon as Joseph got it he played along and came up with throwing a fist. So much fun. My youngest was easily directed as well. 

I cannot make people understand, but I am going to try. As a parent of children on the Autism spectrum, I have spent countless hours over the years dealing with harsh people. Impatient and mean people. This would include workers in restaurants, stores, anywhere you go, really. It has included family members, and even teachers. People that are supposed to be patient with children and even children with special needs. 

I didn’t tell anyone, not Mark, the photo people, no one, about the boys’ Autism. When my son froze at the directions, Mark did not hesitate, he kindly directed the boys to their spots and told them how to do it. He didn’t tease or pick on them, or say anything horrible. He was simply kind, and courteous. And it was still quick.

His obvious directing ability and fathering abilities were on display.

This made the day complete for me. I am tearing up just writing this. My kids had a great day and Mark was a big reason why. They had fun. 

For me this is a lasting memory. All of these years and heartaches. All of the times I have dealt with harsh and cruel people, teachers, family members, all of those heartbreaking moments. All of the times I didn’t take the kids anywhere. 

I have loved Mark Sheppard for awhile. I still love him. But I love him and respect him more now than ever. He really is as close to perfect as I can imagine. 

The Final Product:

We survived. We have great memories. I met Mark Sheppard. YAYYYYYY!