In a World of People, I Stand Alone: PTSD and Autism Up Close

By Sheri Timmons

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Autism. What are they? How does one become diagnosed with either condition?

In life, there are no guarantees. Every day is a walk all your own... However, you are not alone.

Walk with Sheri Timmons as she tells of her journey of being diagnosed with PTSD while, at the same time, raising a child diagnosed with Autism. Learn how the unconditional love of her family, learning how to forgive herself and others, reliance on her faith, and unwavering love for God was able to bring her peace - the same peace YOU can obtain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pearly Gates Publishing LLC
• Release date: Jul 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9781945117220

Sheri Timmons

Author Sheri Timmons is a devoted wife and mother of six who boldly shares her faith with others. She shares her life experiences that led to her PTSD diagnosis and how she fought to battle back to a place of peace, joy, and healing. Sheri also shares the uncertainties her family faced when their youngest child was diagnosed with Autism and how they refused to give up hope that he would not do well in "normal" settings. She hopes that by telling her story, she will be the light that someone needs.

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In a World of People, I Stand Alone:

PTSD and Autism Up Close

Copyright 2015

Sheri Timmons

All Rights Reserved.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any electronic system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise) without written permission from the publisher. Brief quotations may be used in literary reviews.

For information, contact:

Pearly Gates Publishing LLC

Angela R. Edwards

P.O. Box 62287

Houston, TX 77205

Pearly Gates Publishing LLC on the Web

Published by Pearly Gates Publishing LLC at Smashwords.

This book is available in print at most online retailers.

Preface

In a World Full of People, I Stand Alone: PTSD and Autism Up Close is intended to inspire others to embrace life…even during the most difficult of moments. It is the author’s sincere prayer that the reader is honest with himself or herself and finds the courage to begin (or continue) on the path to healing as he or she walks through the journey of one or both worlds.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the many families touched by PTSD and Autism. Over 44 million people struggle with PTSD. 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls have Autism.

I hope what I’ve written on the pages of this book provides some hope and encouragement. To you, Dear Reader, I say: Never give up! Even on the hardest of days, there is something to be thankful for.

Life all by itself is a gift. Everything else is extra. I am praying that courage, strength, understanding, patience, peace, and healing find their way to you.

Author Sheri Timmons

Acknowledgements

It has taken several years to arrive at the place where the thoughts in my mind could make it onto paper. The choices we make in life determines the path we are on. The wonderful thing is we always have the ability to make new choices and change that path.

Some of my choices led me to places I don’t wish to return to. However, having gone to and through them, I have come back a much stronger, healthier, and kinder person. I am able to love and forgive without expectation.

I am forever thankful to God, His unwavering love, and mercy. My personal relationship with Him has given me strength in moments when I thought I could no longer go on. I thank Him for the courage He gave me to break the chains that bound me to family cycles that only brought about unhappiness.

To my husband, Marque:

Thank you! Neither of us would have expected this journey to take us to the places it has. Even on my ugliest days, you have stood by me. When I was unable to gather the strength and courage to fight for myself, you fought for me. You have been my confidant, friend, cheering squad, motivator, and doctor. I am thankful to be your wife.

As we celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary, the words in sickness and health have an extra gold star by them. So many marriages end when things get tough. I’m so grateful that you stand by each and every vow we spoke on our wedding day.

I laugh when I reflect upon how our paths first crossed. Even then, you found humor in the situation and responded with kindness. You have worked tirelessly to break down the walls I worked so hard to build. You have held my hand and shown me that good still exists in this world. You saw me when I didn’t see myself. Thank you for refusing to sit back and allow me to miss out on such beauty.

You are gentle. You are kind. You are compassionate. You are handsome. You are full of life. There is no one in the world I would rather grow old with. I love you!

To my firstborn, Elisha:

You are such an amazing young man. I remember so clearly the day you were born. My universe changed. I held you while you slept and counted your toes and fingers. I talked to you about all of the things I wanted for you as you grew up.

You have always been quiet and reserved. At times, I have wondered what was going on in that head of yours. I know that you have worried about me, especially when I was sick. You are my protector – my superhero.

Son, it’s your time now. It’s time for you to chase your dreams, travel your own paths, and write your own story. Of course, I expect visits