In a world that often places immense value on communication through speech, we sometimes overlook the profound depth that can exist in silence. In my recent conversation with Susan Baker, author of A Life Beyond Words, I was reminded of the immense beauty, wisdom, and transformation that can come from embracing life’s challenges and tuning into the voices that speak beyond words.
Susan’s journey as a mother of a non-speaking autistic child, Andrew, is nothing short of extraordinary. In our discussion, she shared the complexities of raising Andrew, the heartbreak of losing her second son James, and the transformation that occurred within their family as they navigated life’s unpredictable challenges. But what makes Susan’s story so powerful isn’t just the strength and resilience she demonstrates as a mother; it’s the wisdom that shines through from Andrew himself—a child who, despite his lack of verbal communication, has an extraordinary message to share with the world.
The Gift of Seeing Life Through a New Lens
One of the most moving aspects of Susan’s book is the opportunity to see life through Andrew’s eyes. His way of perceiving the world, so deeply connected to nature, energy, and emotion, stands in stark contrast to how many of us experience life. While we are often consumed by competition, comparison, and daily pressures, Andrew values the purity of love, connection, and presence. He reminds us of the beauty found in simplicity and the importance of tuning into what truly matters.
Andrew’s insights, communicated through a letter board, reveal his deep understanding of life’s true purpose—one centered on love, compassion, and being present in the moment. As Susan shared with me, he often reminds her that while we are busy focusing on societal expectations, he is attuned to the universal forces of nature and spirit. He urges us to slow down, to feel more deeply, and to live with greater awareness.
Surrendering to the Unknown
Another key theme in Susan’s story is the transformative power of surrender. As a holistic health practitioner and a mother who had dedicated herself to nurturing her children with natural remedies and therapies, Susan initially believed she could control and “fix” everything. However, when Andrew was diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism, she realized she had to let go of that control. It was only in her most vulnerable moment, when she surrendered to the unknown, that the family began to find new ways forward.
Surrender, as Susan explained, is not about giving up. It’s an active process of letting go of the need to control every outcome and trusting that life will present the path we need to take. For her family, that path came in the form of a simple yet life-changing tool—a letter board that allowed Andrew to communicate his thoughts and emotions for the first time. Through this, the family discovered the rich inner world of their son and came to appreciate his magnificent gifts.
Living with Purpose Beyond Words
Andrew’s wisdom teaches us a vital lesson—that our purpose in life is not defined by what we achieve, but by how we love and how we show up for others. In one of the most profound moments of our conversation, Susan shared Andrew’s insight that we are all here to live with purpose, and that purpose is to embody love. He reminds us that the most meaningful connections in life often happen beyond words, in the silent moments where we are fully present to one another.
For families raising children with neurodiversity, disabilities, or complex health needs, this perspective is a powerful reminder that each child, regardless of their abilities, has something extraordinary to teach us. Andrew’s story illustrates that the greatest gifts often come from those who are perceived as “different” by society, and it’s our role as parents and caregivers to be open to receiving these gifts.
A Call to Embrace a New Way of Being
As I reflect on my conversation with Susan, I am struck by the profound lessons her journey offers to all of us. Whether we are parents of neurodiverse children or simply individuals navigating life’s challenges, we can all benefit from slowing down, embracing the unknown, and tuning into the deeper wisdom that exists beyond words.
Susan’s story, and Andrew’s insights, challenge us to re-evaluate our definitions of success, communication, and purpose. They remind us that life’s true meaning isn’t found in how much we do, but in how deeply we connect—with ourselves, with each other, and with the world around us.
I encourage you to pick up Susan’s book, A Life Beyond Words, and to let it transform the way you see your own life and the lives of those around you. You’ll be reminded, as I was, that every child, no matter their diagnosis, has a unique purpose in this world, and it’s our privilege to witness, learn, and grow alongside them.
To listen to the full interview with Susan Baker, please visit: https://christinelabbe.com/podcast/ and select one of the many platforms where our podcast is featured. Or watch it on YouTube.