CHAPTER 1

Original: November 24, 2002

Reposted: January 22, 2025

This is a different world. Finally I decided to introduce it to you all.

Lun, aged 16 this year (i.e., November 2002 this article was written) my eldest son, was diagnosed to suffer from Childhood Autism at age four. Autistic children are born with a profound disability. They cannot communicate normally with the world, and shut themselves inside their own world.

Outsiders cannot understand their world. Even I, his dad, am not sure what is in his mind even though we have been together for sixteen years. He laughs sometimes, and other times he is sad.

His coming has changed our lives.

After confirmation of his Autism, we knew that our living had to be adjusted accordingly. Since then we have stepped into a different world. This world tastes differently. Outsiders are hard to feel and know what it is about just  by words or imagination.

Simply put, he becomes the centre of living with every program and schedule arranged around him, everyday for sixteen years.

As everyone else, our lives are filled with joys and sorrows. It is very stressful yet fun. Physical and mental hardship were plentiful for sure. What makes the difference is the acceptance of the reality, open mindness and support from families, friends and community.

An idea surfaced in my mind a few years ago. I want to introduce the lives of special needs people and their families to the community

Most special needs children cannot express themselves clearly. Their parents are always labored with chores, routines, and caretaking, spare no time sharing their stories. As a result, this community lives silently in the unnoticed corner of society.

Indeed this community has many unique sharing on living, love, and lives from their unusual life journey.

I am as busy as everyone. Caring for Lun has consumed much of my energy. Even so, I always pledge to tell the community whenever a new challenge from Lun happens. Once he calms down, like a losing air balloon I have no energy and will to write.

My memory will fade with Lun’s growth to adulthood. Procrastination will finally empty my record of struggle. It is not worthy.

This column is not for Lun because he cannot read. It is about Lun, but not exclusively, only because I know him best.

I may not be able to take it if Lun can read and write one day.