What a Reality Check

I received a lot of e-mails and texts yesterday about a show appearing on MTV. It is a reality show called World Of Jenks about a young man who lives in another person's world for certain amount of time to understand how that person lives. The episode that I watched was called “Can't Make Me Be.” Andrew Jenks went to live with a 20 year old with autism. What an eye opener. I live my life in my small town with an adorable 10 year old with autism. I tend not to look too far into the future. From the time my son was diagnosed until now, everyone has said: “Live in the day, don't look into the future. You never know what Crew will be like.” Well, what a reality check I got while watching the episode. I saw a glimpse into my future, and it was the hardest thing I have ever watched. I do not live in denial, but I certainly pretend that things in my family will work themselves out. Watching this 20 year old live his life looked so familiar and so difficult. Honestly, this is one of those times when I don't know how to be positive. How do I not think about the future? How do I not live in fear that something could happen to me, and then who would take care of Crew? I know I will always love my son and protect him. I guess this is a time to contemplate an inspirational saying and try and believe it: When life's problems seem overwhelming, look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself fortunate.”