I marched into Jacob's bedroom. Jacob is my little brother. He was having trouble getting up. "Hey Jacob, it's time for school," I said, opening the curtains. I explained to Jacob how exciting school can be. Jacob moaned. He and I have always gotten along really well. I love him as though he were my own son.
My parents were killed in a car crash some time ago. I am now raising fourteen year old Jacob as my own son. I am only twenty six years old myself. I promised my parents I would take good care of Jacob if anything bad happened to them. Jacob has been autistic since birth. Most people don't understand what it's like to raise a kid with autism. It isn't easy.
I walked into the closet and picked out daily clothes for Jacob. I grabbed a pair of jeans, a t-shirt with Jacob's favorite sports logo on it, some underwear, socks and shoes. I took all the items with me. Meanwhile, Jacob waited patiently.
Jacob is quite hyperactive, but very smart. I sighed as Jacob went inside the bathroom and started his own shower. Jacob can take care of himself somewhat but he still needs a lot of help. He is always good about making his bed, after showering and getting dressed.
Jacob will be fifteen years old soon. I look forward to the day when he can live a normal life. Hopefully, it is just a matter of time.
As we were waiting outside for the school bus, Jacob was going through one of his hyperactive phases. I was trying to be patient with him as I had been taught in a parent training class for autistic children.
The school bus had just arrived. I wished Jacob to have a very good first day of school. He does pretty well handling himself while riding the school bus on his own.
However, he does tend to get nervous when other kids pick on him due to his disability. It makes me very sad when people aren't more thoughtful and understanding of Jacob's autism.
I sighed as I walked on my way back to the house. Now it was my turn to prepare myself for work. I have days when I'm exhausted, and I just wish I could stay home and have the whole day to myself. I then realize I have a child to take care of and he must come first in my life.
Izza Miller and David Matthews are Jacob's two best friends. Izza and David understand Jacob's autism. Izza and David promised each other to take care of Jacob as though he was their own brother.
It made me feel so good that David and Izza were so understanding and caring toward Jacob. After getting ready for work, I walked out of the house yawning, marched to my car, and unlocked it with the keys.
Meanwhile, Jacob was heading to class, along with David and Izza. Jacob's favorite teacher was his special education teacher, Mrs. Joanna. Jacob had been diagnosed with autism in pre-k. I had not met Mrs. Joanna until Jacob had started kindergarten.
Mrs. Joanna has always been supportive of Jacob, and understands what it's like to raise a child with autism; her daughter, Tessa has autism as well.
Jacob seemed pretty happy about starting his first day of high school as a ninth grader as he loves to go to school and learn. Jacob has an IEP, also known as Individualized Education Program. His favorite subject is history.
It's a struggle for Jacob to get through school so I hired a tutor named Mrs. Baker who helps Jacob with his homework.
She is from Illinois and has worked as a nanny/tutor for ten years. I appreciate everything Mrs. Baker does for Jacob. She is such a help to me as well.