Morales - For the Love of Autism

FOR THE LOVE OF AUTISM

Copyright 2022, Tamika Leche Morales

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced by mechanical, photographic, or electronic process, nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form, or otherwise be copied for public use or private use without written permission of the copyright owner.

This book is a compilation of stories from numerous people who have each contributed a chapter and is designed to provide inspiration to our readers.

It is sold with the understanding that the publisher and the individual authors are not engaged in the rendering of psychological, legal, accounting, or other professional advice. The content and views in each chapter are the sole expression and opinion of its author and not necessarily the views of Fig Factor Media, LLC.

For more information, contact:

Tamika Leche Morales | www.fortheloveofautism.com

Fig Factor Media, LLC | www.figfactormedia.com

Cover Design & Layout by LDG Juan Manuel Serna Rosales

Digital book(s) produced by Booknook.biz

ISBN: 978-1-952779-59-6

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022905935

This book is dedicated to The Legendary Kid, who has taught me more than I could ever teach him. Maximilian Eros Morales you are my world, my love, my everything. Thank you for making me all that I am and all that I never knew I could be.

-Mami

To those who need these stories: This is for you.

This book also is dedicated to a world that is too blind to see, too noisy to hear, and too slow to change. If you wake up tomorrow, its still not too late.

-Tamika Leche Morales

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUTHORS CHAPTERS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

If theres anything that I have learned, its that we arent meant to go through life alone! The African proverb got it right: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Sometimes we read to know that we are not alone. YOU are not alone and thankfully neither am I. This book is a labor of love and I have so many people to thank for it. The reality that this book is here today is because of those who have been by my side in different seasons, who have invested and poured into me when my own cup was low. I am better because of them. So, it is with a full heart that I am grateful to each and every one of you.

First and foremost: Thank you, God, for being omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnibenevolent. You delivered me from the darkness and brought me back into the light where I belong. Help me to stay here like only you can. #GodIsGrand

To my moms, Mom and Mami: We all are paying for the sins of our fathers. There have been generational curses bestowed upon us, but both of you have done your best to break these cycles. Our parenting is not perfect, but we are not perfect. Thank you for doing the best you could. I never felt a shortage of love. You loved me unconditionally and thats what matters. Your love and belief in me keep me strong. Thank you for all I am and all I hope to be. Te quiero con todo. #NothingLikeAMothersLove

Hugo Boss: You get the award. I really dont know how the hell you do it, but you do it with such patience and grace. Thank you for all the grace you extend to me. God knows you have endured the good, the bad, and the ugly, and you havent left. You are the proof that God has not forsaken me. Without you, I wouldnt be me. We have our own kind of love story. With big red puckered duck lips... Yo nac para amarte, til death do we part. And maybe not even then. You should be so lucky. #TuCielo

Dear sons (Lobo Blanco and The Legendary Kid): Lose your fears, not your confidence. Make meaning of your existence. Know that my love has no limits and that you inspire me each and every day. You are my greatest accomplishments, and I have been blessed by being your mom. Legendary Kid, this book is for you and other unique humans like you. #BeTrueToYou

Brother and Sister (Darnell & Jessica): You get praises just for being blood. I adore you both, and the morning pics of the little humans youve created really do start my day off with a smile. Keep them coming and remind them always how much titi loves them. Love you guys. Maybe one of these days we can finally get it together and not live so many miles apart. #FamilyGoals

Jeanette Miranda: Thank you for being a faithful friend, confidant, cheerleader, and soundboard. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers. Most of all, thank you for your friendship. You planted the seed for this anthology on September 27, 2020, and we can celebrate together now that it is here! Love ya, girl. #RenaissanceChica

To the authors: I cannot express the gratitude in my heart that you said yes to me, to this project, and to its mission. Thank you for coming together as ONE voice to educate the masses and to unify for the greater good. I have learned so much about resilience from your stories; but most of all, I have learned that even in adversity there is a gift. Each and every one of you has been a gift to me. Luv you all. #FTLAAuthors

Eileen Lamb (The Autism Cafe): You, my friend, get an extra special shout-out. You were the first influencer I contacted and without hesitation, you listened, heard, and helped. I admire your courage. The world needs more Eileens. You truly are special. Dont ever change. Je vous aime. Merci. #TheAutismCafe

My posse Luz Quagliaroli (Lulu), Rachel Lamboy (even in death you are with me), Gloria Lamboy, Michelle Gerez (Chela), Gabriela Quevedo, Familia Cuevas, Isabel Torres, Teresa Santiago, Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo, Judy Rivera, Jacqueline Cardona (Jackster), Jeanette Segui, Patricia Alcala (Tisha), Marisa Muoz, Leticia Neri (even from heaven), Marilynn Lopez, Gisenia Diaz, Yanira Guzman, Astrid Rivera, Esperanza Ortiz, Mercedes Feliz-Matos, Marina Kostina, David Lopez, Lila Navarro, Analiz and Veronica Molina, Shama Malik, Reinette Carrico, Shawn Fair, and Milton Otero: There are friends, there is family, and then there are friends that become family. Because of you I laugh a little harder, cry a little less, and smile a lot more. #MyTribe

To my heroes past and present at The Autism Hero Project (AHP)Jaime Clark, Angelica Silva, Marcus Williams, Michelle Kapusta, Sylvia Garcia, Deborah Wilbert, Deborah Ann Hines, Mike Oquendo, George Theodossopoulos, Jen Schleicher, Mary Jane Battaglia, Felix Sanchez, Juan Graciani, Enrique Mendoza, Jose Birriel, Chavdar Angelov, Jennifer Lewis, Megan Carranza, Ava Hawkins, Karina Guzman, Kimberly Johnson, Samantha Rojek, Christina Hernandez, Madison Hernandez, Susan Kerrigan-Barnett, and so many more: I wish I could name you all, but we would never get to the rest of the book. Thank you! You do HEROES work every day because you know the compounding effect: little by little, a little becomes a lot. Together we are changing the world for someone we love. #StrongerTogether #AutismHeroProject #NotAllHeroesWearCapes

My book sisters (Todays Inspired Latina), Daisy Jimenez, Yaneth Medina, Ana Santos-Vitelo, Luz Canino-Baker, Luz-Marie Caro, Dolly Rosario, Elizabeth Coln-Rivera, Marisel Melendez, Teresita Marsal Avila, Angelica Monroy, Maria Castro, Amanda Sanchez, Linda Alberty-Layhew, Gabriela Reyna, Carmina Cortes, Paloma Greer, Zory Martnez Jaen, Sandra Maldonado-Martinez, Mariela Camacho-Kimble, Ivys Ramirez, Jennifer Sanchez, Irma Zavala, Karen ODonnell, Iris Soto, Minu Yoshida, Channabelle Arriaga, Tanya Flores,