The Story Behind Jude’s Parent Project

Every minuscule moment of their lives revolves around Jude and his baby sister, Clementine. And yes, this is how it should be. A parent’s role is to support a child’s overall development and well-being.

But as each hour turns into another day, another night, another month, another year, I can see the toll it takes.

I have observed the lives they live. I have heard the exhaustion in their voices, greeting me at the door or over the phone. I have listened as their hearts quietly break when they watch Jude play alone while other children play together.

Jude is often by himself.

More times than I can count, when I visit, I notice my daughter’s appearance. I have seen tears fall from her beautiful eyes when she thought I was not looking or when she did not know I was in the next room. She tries to hide it behind the best smile or tone of voice she can manage. I often see her enter a room, drying her swollen eyes after a long night of trying to calm Jude during yet another meltdown.

She holds him close to her heart.

She plays with him.

She has endless patience.

Stickers decorate their home from floor to ceiling, stickers from books, stickers from produce. Jude loves stickers.

He also loves to draw on anything. Their home is a living gallery of Jude’s mind.

His books are everywhere. Jude loves to read. He likely has one of the largest libraries of any child his age.

This kind of constant exhaustion they face leads to health problems and depression.

And I ask myself, what can I do to help?

I want to help them so badly, but I do not know how.

Then my son-in-law bursts through the front door, just as he always has. His smile is still there, but it has faded over time. Eyes that once glistened now look dim. He is human. He is exhausted after a 15-hour workday.

Gregory still jokes with me, but the laughter is softer now. He is the man I prayed for for my daughter. He is a wonderful husband and an extraordinary father. He comes home and immediately takes over so Kimberly can shower, breathe, or take a short moment for herself.

Gregory plays with Jude as if the exhaustion did not exist. Jude’s eyes light up when Papa comes home to tickle him, twirl him, and make him laugh. Jude loves to be twirled.

Papa takes him outside to the swing set, the trampoline, or through a meltdown no one else understands.

Gregory is tired beyond words, but nothing stops him from showing up every hour of every day to make Jude’s life the best it can be.

Jude is nonstop, and so are his parents.

This is part of being the parent of an autistic child. They are learning every day. It is overwhelming. It is relentless. And still, nothing stops them from loving Jude with everything they have.

I prayed and asked God to help me help them.

Jude’s Parent Project is my prayer answered.

The answer was simple.

Time.

Time is everything.

We try to hold onto it, but it slips through our fingers like warm sand on the beach, never to return.

I wondered.

Is there a way to slow time down?

Is there a way to give time back?

Is there a way for parents of autistic children to get a chance to breathe, rest, and truly experience their child rather than survive each day in exhaustion?

That is where we come in. Jude’s Parent Project is designed to give parents some time back.

Time to rest.

Time to heal.

Time to breathe.

Because when parents are supported, their children receive the very best of them.

With your help, Jude’s Parent Project will help parents thrive. In return, autistic children will receive one hundred percent of a parent who is strong, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Together, as an understanding and loving community, we have the power to empower parents of autistic children.

"We envision a future where parents of autistic children are supported, not overwhelmed, where caregivers have the balance, resources, and relief they need to sustain their well-being, strengthen their families, and help their children thrive in safe, stable, and compassionate home environments."

For my grandson, Jude.

Our light.

Let us be the light for my daughter and son-in-law.

Let us be the light for parents of autistic children everywhere.

Welcome to Jude’s Parent Project.

Marlene Crawford

Grandma and Founder