Today, I am 40 years old. It is a number that I have been struggling to say it because I never thought I would be able to make it to. At least if I was, I never had thought that I would be able to do the things that I have been doing in my life. While in my opinion, I don’t look or feel 40, it is just another day to me, but it still is a struggle to believe.

For as much as I have been through in my early years it was without a doubt both  of my parents that have never given up on me, even when they have had to make some challenging decisions that they both didn’t see eye-to-eye on. They have also had to see me suffer mentally on my own a few times, but were there for me in those times, striving to see that I was safe and prevent me from ending up in worse situations. Even though in those instances I did not value them in the way that I do today, I know it was both of them that still care and love me in ways that no parent that has been as challenging on them has should. Now is my time to start to make things right and pay the favors forward by being there for me when I can.

To those siblings and their families. I know I wasn’t a joy growing up and sometimes when I wasn’t my best. But even being a blended family, you often saw me as no different and sometimes being the elder or inspirational figure that was notable for the things I was notable for doing. In those early years when I was undiagnosed, you supported me even when I was different. I can never thank all of you enough. Now you support my parents, they catalyst of my what has made us the central point of our family. I hope we continue to grow old together and get to know all of the families together.

The extended family members and their families who I made life challenging and at times caused strife when you were scared of me, but forgave, learned, and eventually became inspired by my life. You too have contributed to my life in the little ways that will never be forgotten in my life. My hope is that we still stay connected in some way and never break away from where we left off.

To the many treatment and support professionals and staff that have helped me along the way, from the teachers, paraprofessionals, bus and van drivers, office staff and so many more that have touched life but have also been there in my life when it was challenging and scary for me. Your reassurance has always allowed me to know that you have me in your best interests always. Also, to those of this group that are no longer with us on this earth, I still remember the many things that we have talked about or the life lessons that you have taught me as we traveled through life.

To the natural supports whether in my personal Facebook, my church or my Monday Night Group or anywhere else we may have connected. May we continue to build bonds that made us stronger even in those times when I was mentally unstable, you know who you were, and I value you immensely even when I didn’t back then. I know you too have my back when I am struggling and need either a listening ear or a ride to an appointment or wherever I go, I will always be thankful for the things you did and being patient with me when I was growing up or being difficult.

To my day services family, the countless staff that I have been blessed to encounter, especially the ones that have been there the longest and are still there today continuing to be supportive of me as I go through the world. I have spent all but a year of my life after high school. There has been many, many times that I thought of leaving and almost did and while I never imagined what has happened in the course of my independent life, you have been there for me through thick and thin guiding me through life, even at times when my emotions and anxiety have gotten in the way, you allow me to see that you are there to support and advocate for my needs, even when I am not my best self. Some of you have seen me as the shy and awkward person that I once was as you provided me the confidence, stamina, patience, knowledge , skills and opportunities that molded me into the man that I am today, I can never thank you enough for that.

To those that are now my work family, especially the people that brought me onboard when I even doubted that I wasn’t interested in this kind of work. Anxiety got in my way in those early days, but each looked out for my well-being and my best interests even when I didn’t see it. Even through the multiple office locations to our present new home, of many of you have been through it with me making our work strong, being patient while I understood the workplace and social norms, I know I am much better because of you and strive to be better because you deserve of that in me and I do too.

To the county behavioral health program and managed care staff, past and present, I have been with you since the throes of those early challenging days when it was hard to make it through the day, but through your support and dedication to provide the services that you contract and provide, I am the person that I am today because of them and I  can never thank you enough for all the support that you have given.

To those on my support team that have inspired me to build Dustin’s Dynasty to what it is today or be in the life that I am. I can never thank you enough for all that you have done to guide me along the way and support me as I had often been outside my comfort zone in those early days to where I am today, continuing to provide the background of being autistic along with he comorbidities that it has. I am strong and confident because of you. I never thank you enough and I hope to continue to be an inspiration to those that cross your path.

To anyone that does not fall within the silos that have been mentioned, Thank you for whatever you did to help me and lastly Thank you God for looking out for me and pointing me in the right direction that I needed to be in or sending the help was needed, all in Glory to you.

Today may just be another day, but I know that my story is not over yet and there are many great things to come in the years ahead.