My name is Donna Prezioso Lund. I included my maiden name for two reasons. First, my mother-in-law is a published author who is also named Donna Lund. Second, Prezioso represents the girl I was. The social butterfly who wanted no less than 5 kids. It represents the girl BEFORE autism hijacked  her life. The girl who I don’t know anymore, but the girl who was raised to take on the challenges that have come to fruition during the second part of my life.

My husband Don and I are the proud parents of 4 children: Nicole, Donny, Catie and Brian.  Both boys have ASD. Throughout my autism years (which spans close to 20 now) writing has been a source of therapy for me. I have kept many journals that I often revisit and wonder how I survived certain times and events. I truly hope the stories that I intend to share help young moms get through the tough years ahead. After all, like the song says…..I’m still standing! I went from 35 to 51 in a blink of an eye. I’m not even sure my 40s happened, as it is all such a blur. I’ve done my share of fundraising and awareness raising and have done my best for the greater good of autism but that is behind me now. It says quite a lot that I would never choose to be a younger version of myself. Those years represent crisis after crisis so I’ve buried them in my heart.

My journey certainly isn’t over, not even close. It won’t be over until I take my last breath but I’m closing a very lengthy chapter and starting a new one.

My children inspired me to start my blog. Not by their verbal encouragement but by their actions. In the past seven months, change has been the hallmark of our home. Each child gracefully and with lots of courage began their new chapters in life. Nicole began a new job and moved to NYC (something this homebody could have never done). Catie said goodbye to high school (thank God) and is thriving at Westminster College. Then there’s Donny, who has a very special place in my heart because it was he who brought me into the world of special needs. Yes, I entered kicking and screaming but that was then and this is now. I’m at total peace and acceptance and have both feet planted. Everything I learned, or for that matter didn’t learn, was because of him.  He paved the way for his little brother and taught me to advocate and want more. I’m so grateful to him and I marvel everyday at his strength and compassion for people….all people. He feels in a way I do, very deeply. He has recently left home and has started a program at Slippery Rock University — a monumental step for all of us. Lastly, Baby Brian, who is definitely not a baby anymore but will always be to me. He is the light of all of our lives. He makes us better people.  Our surprise baby with the beautiful blue eyes that lead us right into his pure soul. He transitioned to a new school with a new team with no problem at all. He is riding the “big” bus with his peers. Yes, he sits alone behind the bus driver but he enjoys seeing the kids. He looks around and smiles as I watch the bus drive away. I hope the kids reach out to him and give him a big smile. If they don’t it is without a doubt their loss.

A lot of change for one family but I’m proud to say mission accomplished!

So, I guess now it is my turn to step out of my comfort zone (whatever that is) and try something new.  If my kids can I surely can too! Hence, my blog, welcome to Labeled to Lunderful! My objective is to share my experiences and perspectives with the “autism mom newcomers” and hope to make you feel a little less alone because you are not. You are special and don’t ever forget that.

I hope you continue my journey with me.