Autism is a Four Letter Word: Love
Michael's Journey Continues
by
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When a parent enters the world of an autistic child, it feels like being taken hostage--as though someone grabbed you when you least expected it--as though someone has you by the throat and there is a gun to your head. Instinct would have you panic and run away. When you try to break free, the grip only gets tighter and more force is applied. If you make a wrong move, a life could be ended or, at the very least, permanent wounds and scars could be left forever. What you are left with is the constant question: “How did this happen?”
I was just living my life, harming no one, when out of the blue, I was grabbed and taken hostage. Like many, my first reaction was to freeze. I know now that when I was grabbed and taken hostage, I should have screamed--screamed as loud as I could and screamed for help! What I have learned these past five years is to be a hostage negotiator, and a good one at that. My negotiation skills came from on-the-job training and time. With them, I have negotiated my life and the life of my autistic son. When you hear of a hostage situation, you often hear about the number of people being held. First and foremost was our little Mike, then Jim and me. Our son Ryan was next. Our parents and those who loved us all, our family and friends, were the next victims. Furthermore, anyone who has a connection to our son Mike in any way, shape, or form is also a hostage. This book is for all who face autism in their lives. It’s for parents, family, friends, teachers, professors, doctors, scientists, law enforcement, and politicians of this great country. If you deal with autism in any manner, you know you can never have too much information. I believe autism is this century’s epidemic. I believe that we, as a country, are unprepared for what this epidemic has brought and will continue to bring. I believe that, with the right people involved, we can make a positive impact on those currently held hostage by autism. Much work needs to be done for the current and the future autistic. I have faith that this will happen. You see, I have to. I was held hostage by autism. I fight every day to remain calm, not freeze, nor panic when I am grabbed without warning. I
I have learned to walk defensively with each step of my life. My defense is knowing I am never alone. When I was first taken hostage, I thought I was alone in this world with no help or guidance. I know better now. When autism tries to grasp me tight, I feel the safety of thousands upon thousands of other people who were also once held hostage by autism. When we are having a hard day with struggles in our home, I remind myself of this truth. I know that in another home, somewhere, there is another mother doing just what I am, and she is OK. We find our strength in numbers, and quietly support each other. Hopefully, a day will come when our quiet voices of support become shouts of unity, and we will work together for our children and the bright futures they deserve to have. We have learned, now more than ever before, the power of unity and what can be done if we fight hard enough for it. The title of this book was decided by my mother Susan. The title of my first book,
After my mother read the manuscript, she was able to see things a different way. She was able to focus on the nature of the book, and the love that went into each and every word. She knows me best: usually mothers know their children better than anyone else. I continually thank her for the love she provides and sees in me. I hope this book will educate and inspire all who read it. What I have discovered is this. Autism is a Four-Letter word-Love. And
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About the Book
This book is a sequel to The Color Red, a mother’s account of her head-long plunge into the world of autism. Believing strongly in the need for research, funding, and--most of all--connecting with others who are traveling this bewildering path or, as she describes a certain milestone, figuratively scaling Mt. Everest, Julie Jurgens-Shimek speaks to the hearts of all who live with autism. Autism Is a Four Letter Word - Love
Julie doesn’t just talk the talk-- she walks the walk--and invites you to join her as she introduces “Mike Shimek,” regales you with a heart-warming account of where an autistic would wash custard cups, admonishes you to keep close tabs on presumably trustworthy professionals, testifies compassionately for safety devices, answers FAQs, counsels the bewildered, describes her personal transformation, and honors her mother--her “rock”--with space for a grandmother’s chapter.
In The Color Red, we saw fear and bewilderment but through the chaos, unconditional love. In this book, we see that same unconditional love, embellished with courage, faith, determination, stubbornness, stamina, and trust.
This is a must read if you or a loved one is dealing with autism. The message is strong and will help carry you the distance.
About the Author
Julie Jurgens-Shimek freelance writer, published author and public speaker, has been featured in newspapers, television news, radio talk shows and television talk shows. Her family and her first book The Color Red were featured on CNN’s Autism Day- April 2008. Julie has stood at the platform on countless issues concerning Autism and Special Needs. Julie sits on several boards in Minnesota that help to address issues and needs for those with developmental disabilities. She is an active volunteer to countless organizations. She lives in Minnesota in a quaint town on 3.5 acres of land on the Crow River with her husband, two sons and beloved hunting dogs. She currently has four books to be released in 2009 & 2010. Her plans for the future are vast with aspirations for a political future. She is the author of The Color Red and Autism is a Four Letter Word - Love. Learn more about Julie Jurgens- Shimek at