Life with Grace. By Joy Lin Kulp

Joy Lin participated in a sibling support group with a few other girls her age who also have siblings with Autism. Over 6 weeks they got to know each other and shared thoughts and complaints over what it feels like to have a brother or sister who looks and acts differently from other kids. I thought posting it online might be helpful to other kids like her, as it was to me when I read it.
The first page is about Autism in general.
She writes: What is Autism? Autism means that kids think, learn act and do other things differently than most people. People may think that Autism is way different, but the only difference is how their brain works."

The Second page says:

Meet my sister, Gracie. She has Autism. We have alot in common and alot not in common.

First that is what we have in common- We both don't like dark, crowded places.She has fits and I just get 

uncomfortable."

THe third page: Things we don't have in common. Gracie likes the Wiggles and I don't.
                        Also she likes soft music and Michael Bubble (Buble), and I like music, today's hits"

The next page is in regard to Gracie's therapists.
"Having a sister with Autism is kind of hard. When the TSS's (therapists)  come, I feel a little burned up because they're always there with Grace and they have fun with Grace so, I feel a little left out."

The next page:
            "But I never ask. I am afraid to ask. I am afraid they are gonna say no or I'm gonna mess it up.
               Also, I am afraid

I particularly like the accurate portraits of myself and Grace on the page above.  Thought the way she drew Gracie writing on the walls was very creative.
IT says; "Sometimes I feel "in charge". If my mom goes to the bathroom and she says 'Joy watch Gracie' I feel a
little worried because is she does something she isn't supposed to, I will get blamed for it."

The last page is a family picture.
"Having someone in your family that has Autism is sometimes/days really hard!
When Gracie "isn't feeling ok" and I help out I feel pretty awesome!! Because my parents get happy because they're happy."
I am happy when Joy plays with Grace. She can be so good with her. I just felt like sharing her pictures and words to show that it's not easy living with autism. But it also shows "Ohana". from our favorite movie ( about Gracie)
Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten"

This is my other favorite Stitch quote that fits just as well.