The lights shine faintly on a girl softly singing, “The sun will come out tomorrow” in the center of the stage. Lights dimmed. Volume lowered. Chairs spaced out so that the audience can move freely. Isaac jumps up and down, and moves with excitement as he watches his first sensory-friendly production of Annie. His Mom is beaming with joy.

At an early age, Chessy’s oldest son Isaac was diagnosed with autism. He is mostly nonverbal, and can sometimes exhibit self-injurous behaviors. In the midst of understanding this diagnosis, Chessy strived to reshape the future she once held onto for Isaac.

“When you bring a child into this world, you have a vision for what their life is going to be. Realizing that vision won’t come true…you go into mourning. It was challenging coming to terms with the fact that life would never be what I thought it would.”

Although the vision for Isaac’s life had changed, Chessy was so blessed to have the support of her loved ones through every circumstance. Even though times of hardships and moments of gladness, the love Chessy has for her son remained constant. And just like his mother, Isaac is a kind, caring person.

He is not always able to express himself verbally, but Isaac communicates joy through his facial expressions. His face lights up when he sees someone he knows and cares for.

“Isaac is mostly nonverbal, but one phrase he does says is, ‘I love you.'”

Chessy loves her sons, and she is always seeking to provide new experiences that will cater to their individual needs.

When Chessy takes Isaac to Jill’s House for a weekend, he gets to enjoy swimming, playing outside, and connecting with the loving staff.

“The moment we walk through the door, you feel the love they have for these kids. That’s why my kids love going there. That’s not something you can fake, it comes from a place of realness.”

Chessy uses her time away from Isaac to rest, recharge, and spend time with Adrian, her typical son. Knowing her kids are in a place where they are genuinely loved and cared for allows Chessy to rest and take some much needed time for herself.

Her world revolves around her two sons, and they mean everything to her.

As someone who understands the world of intellectual disability, Chessy’s life is a reflection of the love she hopes to see in the world. She is not afraid to let Isaac try new experiences and meet new people. In doing so, Chessy teaches those around her that autism is not something to be feared, and that people with autism want to be accepted and loved for who they are. 

Chessy enjoys working as the Finance Director of her local theater. Last December, her theater produced the sensory-friendly performance of Annie in hopes that children with intellectual disabilities could enjoy a show with their family.

Isaac was one of the enthusiastic audience members who got to appreciate a show that was suited just for him. Chessy was thrilled to share that experience with her son.

A life with autism was not what Chessy expected, but it has greatly impacted and shaped her view on life. Instead of focusing on what she can’t do, she focuses on what she can do. She focuses on those moments of joy she can share with her sons.

Chessy may not know what the future holds, but as she sits in the darkened theater, watching her son’s face light up with excitement, she can’t help but feel like the song echoing throughout the audience is being sung just for her.