Aliah Marie
A Journey of Love, Faith, and Unstoppable Growth
As a Type One Diabetic, I approached my pregnancy with a heightened sense of care and caution. Aliah was my first child, and like any new mother—especially one managing a chronic condition—I wanted to do everything perfectly to protect her.
When she arrived, everything felt right in the world. She was healthy, happy, and began hitting every milestone right on time. From her first smiles to her first steps, Aliah seemed to be thriving in every way.
From an early age, she showed signs of being bright, playful, and incredibly expressive. She could recite her ABCs with ease, reenact full movie scenes with jaw-dropping detail, and her memory for lines and choreography was next-level. But more than anything, music was her language. Long before words flowed easily, Aliah was memorizing dance routines from music videos, singing every lyric, and nailing every beat drop. Music became her way of connecting with the world.
Just after her second birthday, I started noticing some speech delays. Her pediatrician suggested we give her more time, but deep down, I knew something was different. There was something uniquely special about the way Aliah processed the world—something I couldn’t overlook.
Shortly before her third birthday, we received the diagnosis: High-Functioning Autism with expressive language challenges. That moment brought a mix of emotions—relief for answers, fear of the unknown, and a fierce determination to support her however I could.
That day marked the start of a new chapter—one filled with uncertainty, deep learning, overwhelming love, and endless growth.
Aliah began speech and occupational therapy, and as with everything she does, she dove in headfirst. Her therapists watched her meet goals at lightning speed. It wasn’t long before she graduated from those therapies, ready for new challenges.
At three years old, she entered a special needs classroom with an IEP. Within just two months, her teacher confidently told me:
"She’s ready for general education."
I knew it was important to keep her exposed to environments outside our family bubble. I enrolled her in gymnastics, dance, and other activities—giving her chances to build social skills, emotional resilience, and physical coordination alongside peers and adults who didn’t already know her story. I wanted to challenge her mentally, physically, and emotionally. And Aliah? She met every challenge with her own version of the mantra:
"Anything they can do, I can do better!"
And she’s been thriving ever since.
Aliah continues to amaze me with her clever sense of humor, sharp intelligence, and the beautiful way she experiences the world with wonder and joy. She’s high-functioning, determined, and—yes—she’s mastered the art of getting her way with a little dose of charming, manipulative wit that keeps us all on our toes and laughing.
Aside from a brief two-month period of ABA therapy, I’ve worn every hat: mother, caretaker, unofficial therapist, and relentless advocate. Each day, I learn something new—about her, about myself, and about what it means to love unconditionally.
My motivation has always been simple: Love, faith, and the unwavering promise that she will never walk this path alone.
I thank God every single day for the privilege of being Aliah’s mom. And for the beautiful bond she shares with her younger brother, Aizen, who is just 23 months apart from her. Watching them grow together—seeing the world through each other’s eyes—is one of my life’s greatest blessings. Their connection is sacred, and it reminds me daily that love makes all things possible.
This journey has taught me that motherhood isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, faith, and showing up fully for your child, exactly as they are.
And Aliah Marie, just as she is, is an absolute gift.
-Tiffany (Mom)
