My name is Kavita Mishra, and I live in the vibrant city of Varanasi. My 10-year-old son Rohit has autism, and our journey together has been one of discovery, growth, and countless small victories that have left lasting impressions on my heart.

When Rohit was first diagnosed with autism, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain. Like many parents, I grieved the expectations I had unknowingly placed on him, worrying about his future and whether I could give him the support he needed. However, as time went on, I learned that autism wasn’t something to fear—it was simply another way of experiencing the world.

One of Rohit’s greatest joys is gardening. His love for plants began when he was six years old. At first, I didn’t think much of it when he spent hours carefully watering the plants on our balcony or observing the way the sunlight danced on the leaves. But as the days turned into weeks, I realized that this wasn’t just a passing interest—it was his way of connecting with the world.

Rohit has a gift for nurturing life. He knows each of our plants like old friends. He remembers when they were planted, how much water they need, and even how they respond to different weather patterns. One day, I saw him talking to a wilted jasmine plant. His small voice carried words of encouragement: "You’ll bloom again, don’t worry. I’ll help you." It was in that moment I realized the depth of his empathy and understanding—qualities often overlooked but deeply powerful.

His gardening has become a symbol of growth not just for the plants, but for both of us. We’ve turned it into a daily ritual. Every morning, we step out together to check on “our green family,” as Rohit calls them. Each time a new bud appears or a seedling sprouts, it feels like a celebration of life and progress.

One of my favorite moments came last spring when Rohit decided to start his own small vegetable garden. He planted tomatoes, chilies, and spinach in the little patch of soil behind our home. At first, I worried he might lose patience or get discouraged if the plants didn’t grow as expected. But Rohit surprised me yet again. He carefully tended to each seed, talking to them and checking on them with a sense of responsibility that made my heart swell with pride.

The day the first tomato ripened was magical. Rohit rushed inside with his prize, holding it like a treasure. “Look, Mama! It grew because I took care of it!” His face beamed with joy, and I couldn’t hold back my tears. It wasn’t just a tomato—it was proof that he could nurture, achieve, and thrive.

Through Rohit’s gardening, I’ve learned to celebrate the little things. Each small achievement—whether it’s a new leaf, a smile after a challenging day, or a skill learned at his own pace—reminds me that growth takes time and patience. Rohit’s journey has taught me to embrace progress in all its forms, no matter how slow or unconventional it may seem.

As a social worker, I’ve started hosting workshops for parents of autistic children. I share what Rohit has taught me: that every child has a light that deserves to shine, and it’s our job as parents to nurture it. I tell them about our garden, about how Rohit’s love for plants has brought us closer and helped us find joy in the everyday.

Rohit’s journey isn’t defined by milestones society deems important. It’s defined by his compassion, his unique way of viewing the world, and the countless “daily wins” that have shaped our family’s story.

For me, these small victories are everything. And as I watch Rohit care for his plants with unwavering patience and love, I know we’re growing together—day by day, leaf by leaf, and win by win.