Anxiety

ANXIETY : As if I were he

I feel as though my soul is shaking even though
The world around me is still
I am afraid and do not know of what
I cannot tell you I am afraid
Therefore I am even more afraid
I am alone
I do not understand your actions or your words
Nothing you do makes sense to my mind
You make me more nervous
You will expect me to act like you and then be frustrated when I do not
You will say more things to me I do not understand
Your face does not make sense to me and I know I am weird to you
I wish you would go away
I will shut my eyes and my ears and live in my own world
Here I am safe
They tell me I have Autism whatever that means
I cannot understand you either

Kelly Taliaferro Haysley, 2011


Know the signs. There is no cure. Early detection is key to improving prognosis.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/

[Rick Schies]

A profound image.

[Kelly T.Haysley]

@digitalrn Thank you ! He's been sick this week which always increases his anxieties. Makes me want to just fix everything for him.

[Sheri Jeanne]

Wow Kelly! The image together with your words that follow are very impacting.

[Jennifer B.]

Wow. This gave me chill bumps. Very profound words and image.

[Margaret Tryon]

This is very moving.

[April Resa]

This is great Kelly, I loved your words as well. A lot of people don't know too much about autism (myself included), thank you for sharing this with us!

[Lynn M. Watson]

Oh Kelly, this is fabulous . . . but much too dark for your little guy, he's doing soooooooooooo well . . . hope he feels better soon!

[10- 96]

I read a great book last year, Look me in the eye.. very touching. Written by a man with Aspergers..great book
I cared for teens with Autism a number of years ago and I can say it was the most rewarding 3 years of my life.... hard. sad. scary at times. but rewarding non the less..

[Lynne R]

a compelling photo, his eyes draw you in. Wonderful words too

[Peggy Sirk]

Oh my goodness...this is such an incredible post, Kelly. Such profound insight through your words and photo. Very powerful. Very enlightening. Stunning. This one will stay with me.

[Rebbecca Castillo]

what an poigniant shot and poem Kelly! Very meaningful- thank you for sharing!

[Lisa McCombs]

Agreed!! Wow!

[HVR]

Very touching. I know what you mean about wishing we could reach out and magically take away that gut-twisting fear,

[Kelly T.Haysley]

@lynnmwatson You're right Lynn. It does leave a very dark image of Cole rather than the brighter spirit he truly has. However he's been sick this week and he always just seems to disappear back into himself when he is sick; it's like going back to the beginning of the fight and getting a sucker punch in the gut all over again. BUT, it will pass . Thanks for your support

TO ALL : Thanks for your amazing words. I'm glad to hear such amazing support. All I want is for the world to accept my son and try to understand him -- meet him half way in his efforts. Thanks !!!!!!!!

[FaerieMoon]

Very powerful photo and message

[Barb Smith]

Very moving, Kelly, very touching. Thank you for the link.

[Eva-Marie]

Lovely xx