Posted by: Just Me I can't sit here and honestly say that I know how you all feel,That would make a lier out of me and thats something I don't do,However, I will say this..I have alot of respect for all of you out there with Autistic children and those of you that work with Autism on a daily basis. It takes alot of courage,love,understanding,patience and respect for the families involved. I would just like you all to know that this is a wonderful thing that your doing,opening up deep personal private areas of your Life and sharing them takes a larger than life person and you ALL,Melanie and viewers alike, Have my biggest and utmost respect. Keep on doing what your doing b/c by doing this, your helping others spread the word to learn more about this and what they can do to help!!There are some ppl in this world concidered "Classy" but you all ROCK!! You have the highest of "Class" than any other and I thank you for sharing this with us Melanie,ROCK ON MOM @-@->->

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Posted by: Vickie Melanie...I used to work with children with all levels of autism. Each child was so unique and amazing! I have seen many children improve (those who have family support) and many falter (those with no family support).Never give up on Jack. Even if you think that he doesn't know that you are supporting...trust me...he knows. I once read a story about a young man coming "out" of autism. I believe that it was called Out of the Box. As a teacher, I can tell you that children are more understanding of autism more now than ever. It is a common part of all educational settings. Autism is such a complex issue, yet at the very essence of it all is the heart of a child--pure, loving, wanting to be loved, and innocent. Autism only hinders the EXPRESSION of emotions, not the feelings deep within. You are an amazing woman and God knew that he was meant to be yours. Best wishes and enjoy your unique and wonderful child!

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Posted by: Tene Melanie my heart goes out to you and your son. I don't know why children are born with this handicap, but I believe God gives them wonderful parents to love and care for them. God bless you all.

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Posted by: Missy Sparks Melanie, i dont know u, but i have watched u on the news for sometime now and i think u are a great person and i am so sure u are the perfect mother, i am a mother of four wonderful little boys 6,5,4,2 and i am so sorry to hear that about ur perfect little boy. I hope everything goes great and may god bless u and ur family. I know what u mean when u say ur kids are great, i love kids so much also. I just wanted to say how much i really admire you, I think ur story will encourage other parents with children with autism to do more. But again may god bless u all and i will pray for ur family!!!!

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Posted by: Robert Melanie, I'm 22, and I've been watching you and Rob in the mornings the last few years - I'm amazed that you 2 (and Marina) can be so perky at 5 AM, when I'm like the walking dead at that hour! haha - I wanted you to know I'm praying for you. I coached Upward Basketball at the Nazarene Church in Gallipolis a couple of years ago, and had an autistic child on my team. His name was Ben. I grew so close with all the kids on my team that year, but especially Ben. He didn't always do everything exactly right, but he was one of my favorites. I know it was tough sometimes to coach him, and I can't imagine how hard it would be to be his parent, but I know that I loved that kid after just coaching basketball, so I'm sure a parents love is that much deeper. It's ok to cry :) It's one of those things we've just got to do sometimes. Anyway, I wanted you to know you're being thought of and prayed for. :)

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Posted by: Tammy Melanie, I don't know what you are going through my child is healthy and I thank God every day for him, but I know people who has austim children and I don't treat them any diffrent than mine,becauce I think all children are special, whether they belong to someone you don't like or someone you do I myself don't treat any kid different than mine, I don't know what you are going through, but you seem to me like you are a very strong woman and I know that you will pull through. from one woman to another. Hope you all the best..

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Posted by: candi Melanie, My younger brother is 24 years old and was born health. When he was 3 months old the dr discovered he had 2 holes in his heart, and had to have surgery. He had surgery and the next day his heart stopped for 30 minutes. His diagnosis then was he would be a vegetable, would never walk or talk. His diagnosis today is mental retardation, and let me tell I would not trade him for 2 normal brothers. He can walk, talk, graduated from Open Door school, and is currently working for Tri State Industries. He is a gift from God. He has taught our family so much patience and love. I know that one day I will have to care for him, but I would not change anything!!!!!

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Posted by: Melody LINE JUMPER!

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Posted by: kc i like watching wsaz,i found the solution to the bed bugs and i know how to get rid of them, its called sevin liquid,just put it along the base boards in your rooms and it kills them,let every one know about this ok, thanks kc.

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Posted by: dear melanie God send you that special child for a reason.he would not have given him to a drug impared person,and abuser,or someone else unworthy.God has a plan,just love him as i know you do.i live in ky,and very seldon get to wv but i hope one day to be at the mall,or target ,or wallmart and see you and your lovely family,it would be an honor to ever be able to see and tell you what a great job your doing,and give jack a smile and tell him im proud to have met him,love from one of your many admirers. jackie

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Posted by: kathy melanie thank GOD everyday for your little angel. YOUNEVER KNOW HOW SPECIAL GODS GIFTS ARE UNTIL YOU HAVE ONE OF YOUR OWN. iHAVE A 13 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WHO IS AUTISTIC. HE IS MY WHOLE WORLD. HE WAS DIAGNOSED WHEN HE WAS ABOUT 4. HE HAS A 10 YEAR OLD BROTHER WHO LOVES HIM SO MUCH AND HE WORKS WITH HIM AND LOOKS AFTER HIM. HIS MOM AND DAD SOMETIMES IGNORES HIM BUT NOT ME. I LOVE BOTH OF THEM WITH ALL MY HEART BUT CODY, MY ANGEL, HAS A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART THAT NO ONE ELSE CAN FILL. YOU HANG IN THERE AND IF YOU EVER NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO OR SOME ENCOURAGEMENT FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME ANYTIME. TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS. KATHY FANNIN

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Posted by: Ron Melanie, i have 2 great neices with autism and they are the most precious kids in the world because the teach us to be strong and caring and giving if they offered me ten normal kids i would have to the two with autism they teach you the very true meaning of caring loving and shring the most wonderful part of their lives so autism isn't a bad thing it teaches and strengthens us.these children are a true gift of god and a many many blessings./with me it is them that makes life worth living.

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Posted by: shirl brewer MELANIE,IN GOD,S EYES JACK IS A ANGLE,WHEN GOD GAVE YOU JACK HE KNEW HE PICK,ED THE SPECIAL MOM FOR HIM, SO WHEN YOU PUT JACK TO BED AT NIGHT JUST LOOK UP AN SAY THANK YOU GOD FOR MY LITTLE ANGEL,SO WHEN YOU LOOK IN JACJ LITTLE EYES JUST THANK GOD GAVE THIS LITTLE ONE TO YOU,FOR HE KNEW YOU WOLD BE THE BEST MOM FOR HIM!!TO ME HE IS A ANGEL GOD SENT TO YOU,WHEN YOU THANK IT GET,S TO HARD JUST LOOK TO HEAVEN GOD WILL BE THRER LOOKING DOWN TO HELP. O YES GIVE JACK A BIG KISS FOR ME. AN YOUR OTHER KIDS TO GOD BLESS YOU AN YOURS. SHIRL BREWER

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Posted by: Kim I'm sorry to hear about this Melanie. I think you're an awesome mama. Jack is one lucky little guy to be part of such a big loving family. I'll certainly keep you guys in my prayers.

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Posted by: John Melanie... Please do not feel folks are "looking down" at your child when they look at him "too long". Most often they too are interested in him, and would like to help as best they can .. if they only knew. Please don't turn in to one of those bitter moms with a "special" child. Your son Jack is just as special as any of your other children. Folks aren't normally inclined to be mean, but are naturally curious, and most would do anything to help, if only they knew what type of help was needed. Be well, Melanie.

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Posted by: Sabrina Patrick My prayers are with you. I work in the school here and have seen children with Autism. The are in school and are doing well. I also work with a woman that has a son with some form of this and he goes to work at McDonalds don't worry. May God be with you! God bless you and your family.

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Posted by: Brinda Melanie, My prays are with you and your family. Be strong and the Lord will be with you always. All children are God's angels.

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Posted by: Melissa I have a 6yr old daughter that has Rett Syndrome and she is loved by everyone. I remember when I received her diagnosis 2 yrs ago and i was devastated. But you just have to take it one day at a time.

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Posted by: Elaine Melanie,God bless you. Our three nephews (all brothers) have been diagnosed as autistic--the youngest as severely autistic. Your faith and strong spirit will see you through as will the prayers of friends near and far.

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Posted by: Janine I have a friend who has Hodgkins Lymphoma, and is also Autistic. You wouldn't know if you looked at him today. All you can do is love and teach him all you can. He will find his knack in life, and live very happy. Good luck to you and your family....No thanks needed.

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Posted by: Pam Church I hope my comment was not taken wrong, in no way was it intended but encouragement. I have battled austisim for 10 years and that what I stated was what I have, had and still deal with. I never meant other wise. my baby is always with me, we go every were, we have melt downs so bad that people has often said she needed spanking and asked us to leave a store, the heart ache and break is from seeing your child try to communicate and knowing that there is not a lot we can do to help them, not in general so please accept my apology if you thought my comment was another than encouragement.

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Posted by: Cindee Melanie: What a special Mother you are. Your "special child will always provide you love much like other children. He may express or show it differently but it is still there. I am an RN who works in mental health. I do not "box" you special child as a mental health issue. Don't let others lead you down that path. Love and protect him as any Mother would. Your family will be labeled as "special". ALL families are special. Enjoy your kids. Cindee

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Posted by: TRISH Melanie,You are simply put, A WONDERFUL, CARING MOTHER WHO LOVES ALL OF HER CHILDREN. Your crying is very normal reaction. God bless you and your wonderful family

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Posted by: Dave Melanie, I am going to pray for your son and your family. I know that our Lord Jesus Christ can and will heal your son. To many times have I seen the doctors stand in amasement at the awsome power that faith in Jesus can and will do. I beleive that healing and strength reside with Jesus. James chapter 5, please read it, in that chapter of scripture James reveals to us what Faith in Jesus will do.

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Posted by: anonymous God bless you!

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Posted by: sll Melanie, I feel your pain. Though our situation is a bit different than yours, the feelings your are going through are the same. I can remember the times when I could not speak with a teacher or a doctor without crying. I knew in my heart it was not out of shame or emabarressment. It was because I knew I could not shelter my son from the hardships he would have to face. Find peace in the fact that when life is cruel to your son the Lord will shelter him from understanding the experience. Life is not fair and fair does not mean that every child should be treated the same. It is a road less traveled and that tends to make you uncomfortable as a parent. The fear is sometimes shown in tears and even resentment or anger. But know that it is so normal. You will not be able to protect him from the world...but that is when the Lord will help him preceive life in a way that will be helpful to you and your family. He is a gift and you are such a wonderful person to share his story.

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Posted by: Thank you I' m crying as I read your blog. You are fantastically brave to open up such a personal part of your life. Our family is new to autism and some days it is just hard to wrap our brains around it. Our little girl has been diagnosed with autism. I started to see the signs at 18 months but I dismissed them saying no autism is a boy thing. Then I went into denial not my beautiful baby. Autism can strike anyone boy or girl, rich or poor, any race, any religion. Thank you for sharing because maybe somebody else will admit the signs they are seeing and get help quicker. My daughter is in a preschool special needs class. Where she is starting to play more. I haven't heard mommy I love you yet. But I know it's in there and we're working to get it out. I'll be praying for your son and your family.

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Posted by: Stacy I work with Autistic children and know how challenging and how rewarding it can be. Hang in there and keep doing all the therapies you are. In most of the children I've worked with, it eventually does pay off and you can start to see them slowly come back to our universe. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Thanks for sharing with us. Keep us posted as to how you guys are doing! God Bless you. P.S. In Ohio there is an Autism Society of America (they meet for support and to learn about whatever interventions may be out there). There may be one in your area. Worth checking into. God Bless you, Jack, Terry and the rest of the gang!

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Posted by: Debbie Melanie, Sometimes people really need to "cry it out". I think not talking about something lets us deny things to ourselves, now you are coming to terms with it and tears are normal. Everything you're feeling is normal. I told you my nephew has Aspergers, his mom and dad were so stressed they ended up divorcing. At least you guys are not letting it tear your family apart. (I hope). Yes others can be cruel, but take comfort in knowing it doesn't matter what THEY think. It matters most how you guys deal with it and it sounds like you're handling it well. I'll keep following the study in Louisville. I do hope it helps to know there is help and possibly effective treatment on the horizon.

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Posted by: Kathy God Bless you Melanie. God knows exactly how many tears you have cried and the reason(s)why. Blessings to your family. Love & Prayers:)

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Posted by: PAM GUE MELANIE, I THINK ALL OF THESE EMOTIONS ARE "NORMAL" FOR PARENTS (ESPECIALLY MOTHERS) WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN. NO ONE SHOULD JUDGE YOU FOR DOING WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY BECAUSE EVERY FAMILY & SITUATION IS DIFFERENT. IT IS VERY EASY FOR EVERYONE TO SAY THEY WOULD DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY. I AM PERSONALLY VERY HAPPY YOU SHARED YOUR SECRET & FEELINGS. I KNOW I HAVE FELT THE SAME WAY AS THE MOTHER OF A CHILD WITH AUTISM. I KNOW I HAVE MADE PLENTY OF MISTAKES DURING THE LAST 5 YRS. SINCE HER DIAGNOSIS BUT EVERYDAY I TRY TO DO WHAT I THINK IS BEST FOR HER & OUR FAMILY.

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