April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day which aims to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, foster worldwide support, and inspire a kinder, more inclusive world. Anshu Kapoor writes a letter to her daughter Sophia to let her know that life is journey, and this is their journey together.

Dear Sophia,

When I first saw your beautiful, perfect little face, I imagined you and your twin sister growing up as best friends and companions. I envisioned all sorts of moments together. I wasn’t prepared for the labels and diagnoses that would follow soon after you were born - you were diagnosed with autism, and at the time I hardly understood what that word meant. But being your mom has enabled me to grow in more ways than I could ever have predicted.

I am a stronger parent - and person - precisely for that reason. The me before you was impatient. I wanted everything yesterday! But you, my dear Sophia, taught me mindfulness - to be in the moment - to stop and breathe.

*“although you may not communicate in the conventional way of speech, the truth is, love needs no words.”*

~ Anshu Kapoor

It’s a lived experience. I am still working on my feelings. Life is a journey, and this is mine with you. Love speaks in many ways. And although you may not communicate in the conventional way of speech, the truth is, love needs no words.

The most amazing gift you have given me is perspective. I see so many people struggle with trivial problems although I understand everyone’s experiences are their own. But when I see you challenged with the basic things in life for weeks and months, I feel your pain as if it is my own. Then I take a closer look, and I realize that you have the unique and unfaltering ability to just go with the flow. This is your reality - it’s hard and you accept it. You just be in the moment.

Anshu and Sophia using the Rapid Prompting Method, or RPM, a technique which uses a letter board to spell and communicate.

Sophia, you have taught everyone around you to focus on the bigger picture. The deeper picture. You have taught us to celebrate the little things. Of course we have moments of despair, but you have taught us to not sweat the small stuff.

Sophia with her mom, dad, and twin sister Saisha

When people ask me how I do this day in and day out, and I hear the constant question, “doesn’t it get so hard?” I want them to know I did it - I am doing it - and will continue to do it for my child. Always know that I have no sadness, guilt, or angst about the way things are.

In fact, because of you, I am a better mom and human being. I want you to know my Sophia, you will always shine. You are full of kindness for everyone - with no judgment or negativity. When I see your appreciation for the small things, you motivate us all to be better versions of ourselves.

We have our hard moments but we have learned to make these challenges our advantages. You are beautiful, you have autism, and the life we share is meaningful in it’s own way because we celebrate moments - big and small - each day. Thank you for being my daughter.

I love you.

Mom

TIME IS LIVING ME

*I BREATHE, I DREAM*

*MOMENTS FLASH BY*

*SEASONS AND PEOPLE CHANGE*

*AND SO DO I*

*TIME IS LIVING ME*

*IT JUST KEEPS FLOWING BY*

*I MAKE NO PLANS*

*BUT I DREAM*

*WHILE THE HANDS OF THE CLOCK*

*THEY KEEP TICKING*

*EACH BREATH LIKE THE MOMENT OF TIME*

*I CLOSE MY EYES*

*TO DREAM THIS VAST OCEAN OF TIME*

~ Sophia Kapoor, January 2021

The Fem Word story about the Kapoor family originally appeared on The Word and was covered in the Washington Post, April 2020.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Fem Word organization. Any content provided by our authors are of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

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