tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87151698264942787902024-02-19T18:44:56.189-05:00Ausome Life of MineAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-40230377068993839402016-05-30T17:23:00.000-04:002016-05-30T17:23:00.327-04:00Hello AgainAfter a VERY long break from blogging, and well pretty much everything else except my family and school, I am happy to report that we have achieved so much in the last two years and thankful and blessed by all that has changed.<br />
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Since my last blog, I obtained my degree in Special Education. I attended Florida Gulf Coast University. Which will always be one of my best experiences EVER! If you are not aware of this college...think Sweet Sixteen..Cinderella Story in 2013/2014 Season....I was then and continue to be proud to be an Eagle. I met some of the most amazing people there and became friends with many of them. Friendships that will continue on past college and for the remainder of our lives.<br />
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I found a job at an amazing school and have I swear the best students in the world! I am so blessed!<br />
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And my two amazing boys! Wow! Where do I begin.....My oldest Alex is just continuing to make gains! He tested at grade level during his end of year testing. I had tears as many parents know getting to that point is such a struggle. He makes friends with everyone that he meets. Well almost. He has informed me that I am not allowed to go to his school anymore because I will embarrass him. When asked what I could possibly do to embarrass him he stated "you know kiss me, hug me, call me sweetie or something lame like that!" okay so noted to not do any of these things when visiting him at school. And then there is my sweet cuddle bug Randy that will always and forever be my love bug! I honestly believe this! He has become more verbal this year. And he is able to get himself dressed. Mind you his pants are on backwards but they are on people! They are on! And I didn't have to do it!!!!!<br />
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Now that we are all caught up......what to say...I guess nothing more today..<br />
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Enjoy each moment. Each smile, each giggle, each hug and kisses.. Each Mommy or Daddy....each snuggle cuddles, each I love you...or each I don't like you! Every moment is worth it...Each milestone that is reached is so precious.......When starting this journey I would never thought that we would be here today......but here I stand...on the other side of the storm...stronger than ever....better than ever...happier than ever........don't give up.....never give up on them!!! Or yourself!!!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-17739223014015298152014-01-01T10:58:00.003-05:002014-01-01T10:58:37.911-05:00Happy New Year and Welcoming 2014Hello everyone out there! What a year 2013 was! I am so very thankful that is gone and we are welcoming 2014 into our lives! From Ed losing his job, being home for well almost all year and driving me crazy. My car accident, and eventual surgery on my shoulder, to how just amazing our two wonderful boys are doing and progressing.<br />
No worries, Ed found a new job and starts in a couple of days. We are very blessed and thankful for his new job. He is very excited about it. My shoulder, while I complain about it every day, will eventually heal and physically I will be put back together again.<br />
The last year however for the boys, what can I say? It's been nothing short of amazing. I have seen both my boys making so many strides this past year that it's a little over whelming to sit and think about it all. In 2013 Evan learned how to read, begin his academic side of school and does very well. He is at GRADE LEVEL work! Hollar for the boy on that one! He isn't required to take AR tests but his friends take them so he asked to take them and he is doing great. Makes him want to read more. The spelling words are complex words and I am so proud that he is doing so well with him. He loves engineering and science the most I think though. Don't tell his teacher though, her passion is reading and I think he lets her think that is his passion as well....She is an amazing teacher though. Really been blessed having her teach our son. He has learned to self sooth and calm himself and his behavior is getting better and better. We had once thought that he may never be mainstreamed. Now we are seriously looking at the notion that he is going to be mainstreamed in the future. So proud of him. He is working so hard. He still has stuff to work on and we are doing that. But knowing how far he has come is just the best gift a mother could ever have!<br />
On to Christopher. What can I say about this kid! He is blowing all of us away. My once not potty trained, non verbal kid that sat in a room and watched the same movie over and over and played with the same toy over and over again is now potty trained, starting to talk, and I mean three word phrases not just one word here one word there. He is counting to ten. He is showing progress and comprehension at school and at home. He is watching new shows, playing with others, playing with all kinds of toys. He smiled, and enjoyed Christmas morning for the very first time in his six years of life. No screaming and slamming to the floor. Now these are pics that I will treasure forever. Having them love the morning and celebrate Christmas with us as a family for the very first time, it was the best Christmas gift I ever received.<br />
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All I can say is keep it up my two amazing, brave boys. Mommy loves you to the moon and back. I am doing all that I do because you two both have shown me to never give up. Keep working at it until you get it and always have faith that you can do anything you set your mind to. I graduated with my AA degree last month. I begin working on my Bachelors in Special Education next week. I am excited and nervous.<br />
For a long time, sadly, my husband and I, pulled away for our faith and God. We can use many excuses as to why. None are good enough however. This last year, through all the challenges, we found him again. Of course one could contend that it was us that was lost not him. So in a way, we were found by God again and brought back home. God has given us so much to be thankful for and we feel so blessed. We at times feel that at times this year things were difficult. But he brought us to it, he will see us through it. And that he did. We came out through the darkness to other side to find ourselves stronger and happier than when we went into the darkest part of the year. He gave us the strength we needed. He carried us through the challenges of the year. And yes we were blessed and we will always be thankful for the blessings he has given us. This new year, we vow to stop trying to drive the bus ourselves, and let him have the wheel again. We literally made a train wreck driving our way. He knows the way, might as well let him drive!<br />
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May the Lord Bless you and keep you all the days.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-42283213451647873392013-10-28T08:20:00.002-04:002013-10-28T08:20:31.584-04:00Halloween for ALL!<div>
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What a wonderful weekend of laughter, happiness, fun and surprises! We don't get many weekends like this. Most times it's kids who are struggling to have a good day as routine is changed for the week. But this weekend, we celebrated eight years of blessings with Evan in our lives. We celebrated, Chris standing next to me (our "non-verbal"son) and count from one to ten like it was "normal"......I sat and looked over at my husband and said "did you just hear Chris?"<br />
He looked at me and said "wait that was Chris? I thought it was Evan!" As you can imagine we cheered Chris on and celebrated his progress and loved every ounce of happiness that he showed as we cheered him on. This seems to be his "break out" year. So many milestones that he is finally meeting. In a way we feel overwhelmed with how much he has progressed in the last few months. Should we dare get him a Halloween costume and see if he will wear it and go trick or treating? Will it be too much for him to handle? It's worth a shot I guess. I guess that is for another post. Yes?<br />
Another fun thing we did this weekend is we as a family went to the Pumpkin Patch to pick out the pumpkins. It's moments like this that we cherish, when we can go together as an entire family on an outing. We of course worry about overload and meltdowns. Evan was so excited and began to wander around looking at all the pumpkins making sure that whatever pumpkin he chose it's the perfect one. Chris held my hand and we walked around. He was gracious about posing to allow us to take pictures of him and Evan. Even with all the other people, the sound of traffic as it drove by, he stayed so calm. He not once chose to dart away or run off. He just looked and walked with me. I said, "pick out your pumpkin!" and you know what! He did! It was just perfect! It was a good outing for all of us. And for that I thank God for it.<br />
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So after all that fun, we went home and looked for ideas to carve into the pumpkins. Chris chose a cute Mummy, and Evan chose Masterchief from Halo. Dear Lord that was a hard one! </div>
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Okay so the last one was Mommy and Daddy's pumpkin.....and of course the boys may have picked out the designs, they would not go near the inside of those pumpkins. Maybe next year, they passed again this year! We had a great time either way. </div>
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Ahhh...the final point for today is, it's almost Halloween. With that in mind, if you have a child with Autism, share with others the following, if you are someone who doesn't have a child with Autism, read it, and share it with others. I hope and pray that ALL children are able to enjoy Halloween this year, and hope that everyone gives that understanding to our children and be kind to them! </div>
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Have a great Halloween! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-18419043677462189732013-10-23T21:06:00.000-04:002013-10-23T21:06:21.250-04:00How they Amaze Me....One Day at a TimeI have been so busy with school and the kids that I haven't been able to post anything recently......life...so much has happened and I feel like I don't know where to begin. On October 8th we were in a car accident. Thank God both boys were uninjured in the accident. I on the other hand have been placed on light duty with life...So far two slipped disks in my neck, shoulder and knee injuries that I need to see the orthopedic surgeon for. But I will take the hit instead of having either of my two children being hurt.<br />
Friday is Evan's 8th Birthday! I can't believe he is going to 8 years old. It really does feel like yesterday that my son was born at 11:59 AM on Tuesday October 25, 2005. I remember how tiny he was that day. I knew I was looking at the most beautifully amazing child on the planet as I sat in awe of him. My little blessing. Now he is only ten inches shorter than me, his feet are officially bigger than mine, and his personality is outgoing, funny, head strong, and loving......He is beginning to love the cuddle time with me. Finally almost eight years later, I get the snuggles and loves that I always longed for. His IEP went wonderfully. He is at grade level in his academics. His behavior is not. So that is what we are going to work on right now. See for yourself how my little guy has grown.<br />
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As a mother watching your child grow, you really are amazed at all the new things they do. I have learned through this journey how precious each and every milestone is. The first word (not Momma) Dinosaur. His first friend Aden. (still the best of friends) First day of school. The first time he spoke a sentence. The first time he looked me in the eye. And of course the first "I Love You Mommy". Still stay in my mind and heart as they will forever. I will never be able to forget the first or following seizures. The hospital trips, ambulance rides. The specialists. The tests and tests and more tests. The fear of not knowing what is going on and not being able to help your child. What I did learn from this journey is, we are okay. And we will be okay. We got this. I tell my boys this all the time. We got this. There will always be days that I hate Autism. Those days that it rears it's ugly head to prove to me that it's still there and no I can't forget it. I no longer however feel bad about their Autism. I am too busy praising them for all the amazing things that they do. Loving them. And most importantly having them love me and show me and tell me that they love me. Yep I am blessed that these two amazing angels are in my life. They teach me the best lessons in life each day. I am a better person because of them and thankful that they are there.<br />
What I hope that you take away from todays blog is, always remember who they ARE, not the disorder they have. Look at them and see the amazing person they are. Love them and be there for them.<br />
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To Evan and Christopher....Mommy loves you to the moon and back. Always and forever!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-80206115347551055792013-08-28T12:18:00.002-04:002013-08-28T12:18:48.307-04:00Who Are You? Shameful! <style>
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My it’s been forever it seems since my last blog…a little
behind but bear with me. This blog isn’t just about Autism…it’s about people
treating others with DISABILTIES terribly! Not just those with Autism, but with
any disability. I have a few videos that I want to share with you as to prime
examples of people who really need to learn about disabilities, compassion and
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As a mother of two children with Autism, each day I worry
that they will be treating badly by someone who doesn’t know about Autism,
understand it and does not possess the capacity to accept it. While I
personally feel that these are all characteristics that all human beings should
possess. With that said, there are a great number of people that are lacking in
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As I am sure many of you have read or at least heard about
the horrid letter that was left in a mailbox of a woman whose grandson Maxwell
lived there and also had Autism. The letter which I will attach to my blog as
well as a video story on the issue, was so vile, horrific, and cruel. I cannot
imagine ANY mother telling another mother that she should euthanize her own
child. My statement to the “author” of the letter is “Have you lost your ever
loving mind? You know you were wrong when you wrote the letter or you would
have left your name! How dare you think for one second that you have the RIGHT
to say something like this to anyone especially about a child. Shame on you for
the vile things you put on that paper. Your children, will treat people with
disabilities the same way you do, because you teach them to. I just want to say
one thing to you. The statistics show right now 1 out of every 31 boys will be
diagnosed with Autism. One day you will know someone or love someone who is
going to be diagnosed with Autism. It’s a reality, so don’t say it won’t
happen. It will! And then what, will you ask that others not treat that
INNOCENT child the same way you have treated MAXWELL and his family? Will you
demand they be treated fairly. Be treated as any other child? How hurt will you
feel when that child is in tears because they were treated badly because
someone else’s parents taught them to treat him the same way you are treating
your children now? Will you demand that they not be treated that way?</div>
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I don’t expect to be treated any DIFFERENT than you expect
to be treated. I don’t expect my children to be treated any DIFFERENT than you
expect your children to be treated. That isn’t asking for special treatment.
That is equality. If you need to look up the meaning take a moment and do so.
Do the right thing here, if you don’t want to admit who you are and that you
wrote that letter, learn, and I mean REALLY learn about Autism and begin
teaching your children to be accepting of it, teach them how to understand the
differences and above all teach them to befriend a child with Autism and be
good to them. That is my wish for you. Not to be humiliated or hated by
everyone, just to learn about Autism and accept the differences and teach your
children to treat others better than you yourself have done. </div>
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Now a video that I viewed this morning just burned my buns!
I appreciate all service given by all military members, police officers, EMS
and firefighters. These wonderful people risk their lives each and everyday to
keep us safe. And sadly many times while they may come home alive, there are
injuries, that we may or may not be able to see. For the man in the video, the
war he fought overseas caused him to have PTSD. For anyone that does not
believe it’s real, do me a favor, go get on a plane, go to any country where
the is war, and stay there for one hour. If you don’t come back all freaked out
let me know! Or as with my above advice, research and learn about PTSD. Okay
off that rant, the American Hero in this video, went to breakfast at a local
diner, and yes took his SERVICE dog with him. And was sadly thrown out. The
owner called the dog a fake service dog. I am sorry, can you tell me how you
know the dog is a fake service dog? Last I checked there were a variety of dog
breeds used as service dog, and while you may think of one breed as the usual
service dog, it’s not so. Variety of dogs, variety of needs for service dogs.
Get it? If not I again encourage you to do a little research on the matter. And
for the refusal to say sorry to him and his fake service dog…..I am sorry that
you will lose business over the ignorance that you apparently feel the need to
force on others and I am sorry you refuse to educate yourself on the issue.
When you are sitting there the day it hits you that you were wrong and now you
have lost more than just a customer, think back to the day you stood in front
of the camera and said those words. Yeah that will be your oh crap moment and
you will wish for a time machine. </div>
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Why bring up these videos, these issues? People, businesses,
everyone needs to understand that while there is physical disabilities, some
are invisible. You may not see anything wrong with my kids, you may only see
the kids running around the playground, hugging their mother or playing with
their friends, and then wonder why are they parked in the handicap spot? How
can that woman park in that spot! Well let me tell you, when is the last time
you attempted to try an carry someone who weights almost a hundred pounds and
is tall as you across the parking lot because something caused them to go into
sensory overload and they are having a meltdown. How about the child that does
not understand danger, doesn’t speak because he is non-verbal and darts out in
the parking lot traffic? I do I do! Not every disability can be seen. Next time
you think why are they taking that spot, why are they bringing that dog in
here, why doesn’t she/he/they do something to get that kid to stop throwing a
fit, if that were my kid they wouldn’t behave like that…..THINK….you don’t know
what the situation is, so how do you have the right to judge them…..</div>
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And the last story of the day…To the person/woman that was
intoxicated at Coconut Point Mall this week, and threw a young boy to the ground
in the parking lot and then felt it was okay to DRAG him across the parking lot
by his HAIR…..there is not reason that this should EVER happen. I hope and pray
that you are punished to fullest extent of the law and that never will you ever
be allowed to have that child back with you again. Being drunk while having
that child, NOPE! And to treat the child in that manner. Sweetie, shame shame
on you! The child was taken to the hospital for treatment and is in the custody
of Department of Children and Families. </div>
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Okay so I promise to blog more now that the kids are back in
school…….until next time! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-71828275641531529062013-07-30T09:53:00.003-04:002013-07-30T09:56:30.712-04:00Looking Back<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I was sitting today and thinking, how far the boys
have come from the beginning of our journey.... I look back to that first day
when Evan was 17 months old and I woke up to him having a seizure. I woke up to
the beginning of a nightmare that I didn't know how to handle. I thought about
his second seizure just twenty days later that went on for over ten minutes in
the ambulance. The paramedics were not sure if he lost oxygen. I thought about
how I couldn't get into the hospital room while they were working on my little
boy that was just laying there still. I didn't know if he would wake up or what
was causing my angel to have seizures. I waiting outside his room and then felt
relief when the nurse told me I could go in. He lay there like he was sleeping.
Tubes and wires were everywhere on him. I didn't know what the doctors were
about to tell me. He made no noises or moved around. There was just silence and
everything was completely still. I remember how I wanted to pick up my angel
and hold him. When the nurse looked at me and asked, "do you want to hold
him?" I of course jumped up and said, "YES please!". She came
over to the other side of bed and said, "let me help you" I thought,
I can pick him up on my own, then thought she meant with all the tubes. But no
what she meant was help pick him up. He had no muscle tone what so ever. It was
like picking up a rag doll. I had no words for what I was thinking of feeling
at that moment. The tears just poured down my face as I held my angel in my
arms. I kept saying, "it's okay, Mommy is here and she loves you. Please
wake up baby, please wake up." They would take my son to get multiple
tests and scans and no I wasn't allowed to go with him because I was pregnant
with our second son at the time. I would spend the next year and half watching
him regress and no matter what I did, I couldn't stop it. No more words. Only
screams and scratching, kicking and biting. The night terrors were a nightmare.
We couldn't have anyone come over to visit us, he would just scream and run and
hide underneath his bed. He wouldn't stop screaming until they left. We
couldn't go out in public; he would lose it in the stores. I felt helpless and
lost. I would also live in fear that my second son would also begin to display
these same symptoms. I feared another seizure would happen. Something I assure
you don't want to ever see your child go through. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Once we were finally referred to a specialist and
found out he had Autism. Our first thoughts.... What is Autism? We would soon go
home and research Autism. And cried our eyes out because none of the
information that we found seemed good. The ideas that we had for our child,
were now gone. We sort of felt like we were mourning the loss of our child. I
cried for several days. I asked why my child. He didn't deserve this. He is so
innocent. It's not fair! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then one morning, I looked at my son, and decided
that enough was enough. I wasn't helping him by sitting in the house and crying
my eyes out. I had to get up and get him help. What ever needed to be done, it
would happen. I would make sure that it would happen. The reality of how
expensive that help would be would hit home very quickly. And understand that
we couldn't afford that help that our son so desperately needed. We just didn't
know what to do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We soon began our Autism journey, for both of our
sons' it would turn out. IEP's, OT, Speech therapy, Neurologists,
Psychologists. So much of our lives became about getting the kids the help that
the needed. The hell that we lived in, and we felt that no one understood. I
can't tell you how many times we heard the "they don't look like they have
Autism." I still would love for someone to show me what Autism
"looks" like. Actually I know what it looks like. Both of my kids.
All the kids and adults with Autism, that's what it looks like. I heard, don't
use their Autism as an excuse for their behavior. Of course this would come
from those who knew nothing about Autism. I would soon stop talking to most if
not all of my former friends. They just didn't understand nor would they ever
understand. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This journey, we are all on it, and I have seen such improvement, achievements
by both of our boys. I am one very proud mother of the both of them. They are
my heroes. They are the reason I am becoming a teacher. I love them with all my
heart. I know that it's so scary when you first get the diagnosis. All I can
say is never give up hope! Never give up on your child. I have learned that
they will teach me so much more than I thought I could learn. </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-87931339351822448472013-07-15T10:26:00.000-04:002013-07-15T10:26:26.177-04:00Milestones and Summer Fun!I have not really had a chance to sit down and write a blog for awhile. We have been so busy having a blast this summer. So many firsts. And we are celebrating them all! I hope that all had a great Independence Day. It is my Mother's and Grandmother's Birthday! We celebrated them both with fireworks and great friends and family.<br />
I broke down and cried a couple of times as I miss my amazing mother each day. I can't believe she is gone still. But I take with me each day the amazing love and joy she showed me over the years. Because of her I am a loving mother that loves to be affectionate with my kids because that is how she raised me. She was my hero. She still is.<br />
On to the big news of the SUMMER! Most of you don't know, but while Evan was potty trained years ago, we have always struggled getting Christopher potty trained. Until NOW! Over recent weeks he seems to take his diaper off, bringing us a new diaper when he has poopy pants so we were thinking. If he knows when he is dirty and wants it off maybe he is getting ready to get potty trained. We decided that we would go ahead and try to potty train him for the one millionth time! We were honestly doubtful as all the other times that we had attempted it, we ended up in complete and gross failure! With hopes and wishes and lots of prayers we put underwear on him and even pulled out the training potty and took it to the bedroom just in case.<br />
The first day was met with only ONE accident all day. And of course it was a poopy. But we were excited that the rest of the time he was sitting on the little potty in his room and going. So the second day was not as good. We had more accidents and well we were worried that it again would end in failure. But we refused to give up so easily. So the third day went well, only one accident and he even wanted to sleep in his underwear. While I of course was worried about this idea, we decided to give him a chance and see what happened. If he had an accident in the middle of the night we would take care of the bedding and put a diaper on him.<br />
When we woke up the next morning, there were no accidents! Dry underwear! Already a great sign if you ask me! So the fourth day, he was with Grandma, but he did great still, except when he knew he needed to poop and gave her a diaper. Thankfully she called me to tell me he peed in the potty and told me she put the diaper on. I knew his game. If he knew he needed to go, he can go in the potty! So she pulled it off before he could go in the diaper. The rest of the day went well.<br />
Day four again he woke up with dry pants! So this is the big day! He went and got his little potty out of the room, and we followed to see where he was taking it, he marched right into the bathroom, placed it on the floor, pulled down his underwear, and then sat on the big boy potty and peed and POOPED in the potty! Yes that is right. He independently went to bathroom all on his own. He now goes potty on his own, in the bathroom! We have not had a diaper in five days! None! We are so thankful for this wonderful event in our little guys life! He will turn six in less than a month and we honestly feared that he may never get potty trained.<br />
So have you guessed what the Mommy lesson is here? That's right! Never give up hope! Always believe in your kids. They inspire and amaze me each and every day. I love them with all my heart!<br />
<br />
Oh and how could I almost forget about my Evan! So proud of him major achievement this summer! He spent each day out in the pool. Trying to learn to swim. Seriously this kid went from not be able to get in water above his waste to learning how to swim at water level and under water! I can't even do that! He now swims much better than me! I am so proud of him! He faced his fear of the water, and while he had challenges and became frustrated in learning how to swim, he continued to try and practice! I always tell him never give up! I love that he didn't give up!<br />
<br />
So there you go, we have had such milestones met and accomplishments made this summer! I couldn't be more proud of my two angel babies! I laid in bed last night, and thought how blessed I am that they are in my life. I thanked God for blessing me with these two amazing angel babies. I thanked him for giving me the heart to love them. The patience to take care of them. I also thanked him because when he blessed me with them, they changed me as a person. I have learned so many amazing things from them.<br />
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Until next time!!!!!!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-50502229956500460712013-06-30T13:07:00.000-04:002013-06-30T13:07:06.872-04:00Lessons Learned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCIA2qvnuGVFI3cb2aTIW6RnSJbfTz4xGI0-HfCY0vekFs9T2mluAz1g1GMW800oy7syqcsyKMOUxzyUYwe-3g6E0O4Pt9bvywE_rOahCXVn8pStYE2tc9wz4uD9VJVywG5dYuil7qjk2/s640/038_38.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCIA2qvnuGVFI3cb2aTIW6RnSJbfTz4xGI0-HfCY0vekFs9T2mluAz1g1GMW800oy7syqcsyKMOUxzyUYwe-3g6E0O4Pt9bvywE_rOahCXVn8pStYE2tc9wz4uD9VJVywG5dYuil7qjk2/s320/038_38.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Over the last six years, on this road of Autism, we have learned many lessons. And to be fair, we learn new lessons each and every day. I do not claim to be the know all of Autism, I don't claim to be the perfect mother at all. I make mistakes each day. I can forget something or put the wrong food on the plate because it's been a long day and I seriously just made it longer.<br />
Last night another important lesson. Have you ever been so busy during the day that the moment you finally sit down you remember that you needed to do something and when you remember finally it's too late to do anything about it? That was me at 8PM last night. I sat down to relax after cleaning the house, pool time with the kids, running some errands (well almost all of them), more pool time, dinner time, clean up the house again, get the kids bathed and rest for a few minutes before bedtime for the kids and I remembered I FORGOT to pick up Chris' medicine from the pharmacy. You know the medication he needs to take to go to sleep...yeah that medication is still at the pharmacy. So here is me, jumping up to call to make sure it's ready. What! They are closed! Oh that's right the prescription is at WalMart Pharmacy and they close at 7 pm on Saturdays. Of course!<br />
I prepared myself for a very long night! Mind you he woke up at 6:30 in the morning. He finally crashed and I do mean crashed around three this morning. And of course woke up at 7 this morning. That's right, four hours of sleep. I guess I should be appreciative of those four hours, I could have no sleep, but a part of my body is screaming at me saying you need to sleep! Oh and don't forget to go get his medication today!<br />
Lessons learned. So many things that we have learned along the way. For instance, don't forget their favorite toys when we go somewhere. And please never let it be forgotten at the school on a Friday. Always have OREO's in the house so no meltdowns happen. Pray that there are no loud or weird noises that is going to upset Chris. Keep the phone away from Evan as he just learned to call 911 and feels the need to call them to bring him Halo Masterchief costume. Make sure we have strawberry syrup for their milk. Make sure that all the locks, you know the locks that make this house more secure than a prison, make sure that they are all locked up. They are there for a reason. Make sure that iPads, iPhones and any other electrical device is in a military grade case or it WILL get broken and it WILL cost you a lot of money to replace. Money that most of us don't have to waste on a replacement.<br />
Whatever lessons you have learned along your Ausome journey it's important to remember the fun and amazing parts. I love the smiles and laughs that my kids give me each day. The wonder that they share with me. The lessons that they teach me all the time. I am blessed to have these two angels in my life. I am blessed by the amazing people that have come into our lives since we began this journey. I am blessed and thankful for everything that I have and appreciate that with each day I see my boys grown and progress. I am thankful.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-33314257944307311302013-06-26T12:53:00.001-04:002013-06-26T12:53:03.017-04:00Fighting Each OtherI don't know if this is a rant or a plea. Yesterday on one of my favorite support pages on Facebook, Autism Parents Support and Discussion Group, there were multiple posts about pages of hate against those with Autism and other disabilities. The posts were asking for help. I saw when someone said something that others didn't agree with they became just as bad as those who create these horrible pages. It really broke my heart into a million pieces. Cries from others to stop and telling them that we need to stop fighting each other, sadly fell onto deaf ears I felt. Some chose to leave the page because it was becoming so horrible.<br />
I want to make something very clear, to all parents, advocates, family and friends of those with Autism or any other special need, if we for any reason behave in such a way that we call names to others who may not agree with us, WE ARE BECOMING EXACTLY WHAT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE STANDING UP AGAINST! There is no debate it is what it is.<br />
I was so worn out yesterday, and just by asking them to stop we became victims of their own hatred. I still haven't decided if I will stay on the page but I do know that it was a great place before yesterday. The reality is, that there are those out there that find it funny to make fun of others. They take joy in hurting others. And yes sadly our angels the ones we treasure so much fall victim to their hate and cruelty all too often. As parents and loved ones we would love to stop all of that hate and make them see how much pain they are causing. Hoping that some light bulb will come on and they will never do it again. The reality is, it's just not going to happen. We can protest and demand that Facebook take down their page. And it may come down. But mark my words they will make another one.<br />
I never saw one of the pages that they referred to. Many of us had not. I am not saying since I didn't see it that we shouldn't say something. What I am saying is, we all have different opinions about how to deal with a situation. But what I witnessed yesterday was like a witch hunt. It was as if one person would attack and others would follow. What makes this so sad is it makes us look like jerks that cannot be taken seriously. I personally want to be taken seriously. I want to have my voice heard with the law makers about the kind of hate and terrorizing that is done by the people behind those pages. I don't want to fight with the same person that is supposed to be by my side to help fight against it.<br />
As parents of children with Autism, we have been told, pick your battles. I am challenging each of you pick your battles. Don't battle each other. Don't belittle others that do not agree with you and what you are doing. Accept that their have their own opinion and thoughts on the matter.<br />
On this same page I saw a picture of a young boy who was in the hospital because his caregiver at a facility abused him. I could see the bruises the shape of their fingers, it broke my heart for him and for his family. I sat and cried for them for a long time. And then I thought back to yesterday. This is what we should be standing up against. This right here is where our voices need to be heard in a huge collaboration! STOP THIS! My hope is that this is where we all use our voices. Against those that hurt the ones we love, not against each other.<br />
<br />
So there you go, still not sure if it's a rant or a plea, but there you go. Until next time, I am going to snuggle watch a movie with my two precious gifts while we listen to the rain outside.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-6851114035290842422013-06-20T23:24:00.000-04:002013-06-20T23:24:07.339-04:00Being ThankfulI failed to mention that I am going to school to become a special education teacher. The last few days I have had the wonderful opportunity to complete my observation hours at an amazing school for children with exceptionalities. Here is what I learned, first I am certain now more than ever that this is the right choice. The next thing I learned is that the staff at this school love their jobs and have amazing dedication. The facility was way more than I could have imagined. And the kids, oh my gosh the kids! I don't think I met one student that didn't melt my heart! Wonderful and amazing kids. They all taught me so much the last few days. It made me happy and sad as the day came to a close because the kids gave me hugs and asked me to please come back......it made it all more touching as after bath time tonight Chris showed me my iPad and he wanted a new Thomas the Train game, I told him he had to say "choo choo" first. He showed me, he SAID IT!!!! This is one Mommy that pressed that purchase button in a second and smiled as I did so<br />
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I am so proud of all the accomplishments that both of my boys have made. I am thankful for the many blessings we have been given. How can we not be. I want to tell each of you that when it is those times that are challenging and you feel so defeated, please remember its one day at a time. One step at a time. One breath at a time. Have faith that it will get easier. I live a life that most may see as too much but it's my life and no matter what, I am thankful for both my boys, and proud of all that they do! I wouldn't be who I am if it were not for them. I think I am a better person than I was because of them, so to my two favorite guys on the planet, THANK YOU AND MOMMY LOVES YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-60268575496411819742013-06-17T21:14:00.001-04:002013-06-17T21:14:58.406-04:00Gotta Love It! There are good days, and there are bad days...and then there are days that are just okay. I haven't figured out what today is. Chris has become stir crazy in this house, but I know that if I let him out the door, he will make a b-line straight for the pool! Why is this a bad thing? Because as always with my little accident prone child, the one that fears NOTHING! He was outside yesterday and managed to find something that since that time I have NOT been able to find to literally slice a huge chunk out of the bottom of his foot! He started screaming and I ran to him, saw him bleeding, scooped him up and raced inside. Cleaned up his foot, put some medicine on it (yeah that went well!) and then bandaged up his foot. I decided for extra safety put a sock on his foot. Why is this a problem? Because on top of his Autism he has a lot of sensory issues. So socks NOPE....so bandages...NOT HAPPENING! So running all over this place inside and out with a wound on the bottom of his foot makes for a sure visit to the doctor. No matter how much I clean it, medicate it, and bandage it...it's not working....So guess who gets to see his most favorite Pediatrician tomorrow? Yep you guessed it Chris! All because he doesn't want a bandage on his foot! And is he cranky! I know he hurts, and I wish I could make it all go away. But gosh bless him, he just doesn't understand that he cannot take the bandage off. It bothers him so he wants it off. So back to the original question, why would it be so bad that he got into the pool? Can you imagine how it would feel to have the chlorine hit that wound? I can already see him screaming....<br />
<br />
On to even more fun! Evan and his daddy seem to be at odds today. Everything gets Evan mad at him today! I am seriously tired of playing mediator between those two. Can we just call it a night and be done with this day! I have been to the doctor for myself, found out that the furniture I ordered won't be in for another WEEK! And dealt with two kids with Autism, a husband that I swear has Autism, and the heat! I love my family, and appreciate them more than anyone could ever imagine. But right now, I would love to have them all sleeping soundly. Quietly in their beds so I can do my homework, get ready for my classroom observations tomorrow and maybe just maybe find some time to watch the latest episode of the Client List. Is that really too much to ask?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-16495639345743989262013-06-15T21:13:00.001-04:002013-06-15T21:13:59.452-04:00I Love Firsts!!!!
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<span style="font-family: Chalkboard; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> I love firsts with my kids. I enjoy each and every
one of them. I think that I treasure them more because of their Autism. Today
was one of those days that my kids show the world that autism didn't win and
that they can and will live a happy life. We were invited a friends' sons'
tenth birthday party at a local "fun zone". Loud music, flashing
lights and lot and lots of people...you know everything that makes for a a
major meltdown! We decided to at least try because Evan was so very excited
about going....we got there and music blaring! Thankfully Evan was excited!
Stemming alot but he was happy to be there! He allowed the attendant to put the
wristband on. Good. We bought he tokens for the games and off he and the other
kids went to play games and have a blast! I of course rushed behind him just to
make sure he was okay. And he was! He was running and laughing and having a
blast with the other kids. Lazer Tag was fun! I thought oh no those noises are
going to drive him crazy! Nope! He did great! Had a great time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard; font-size: 16pt;">We then went over to have pizza and soda. I began
getting worried because I knew that the cake would be next. Evan hates that
song. I went up to him at the table and quietly whispered, "They are about
to sing the Happy Birthday song, you want to step away?" his reply so
simple and firm "no I want to sing." I stepped off to the side near
enough that if he needed me I would be there. He happily sang the song with the
other kids. I happily watched as my little boy was doing something that he once
would have a meltdown at the sound of that song. I know there were tears in my
eyes, and yes I know that some of the other parents noticed and didn't
understand. But it was okay because, I did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Chalkboard; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> After the cake came presents, he was so excited
when his friend opened the gift from him. They both cheered when he opened it!
I cheered too! So it was for a different reason, they didn't know that! After
cake and presents, the boys decided they all needed to ROLLER SKATE! What!
Okay, this Momma just went into freak out mode. I pretended to be very calm
about the whole thing, went with him to get his skates and helped him put his
skates on. Oh my wobbly little guy! He was not used to have those skates on. We
went around the rink, he kept saying "Mom, don't leave me!" I won't
and didn't! After one lap, he was done! Sorry no pics, this Momma was too busy
being there for him to take a pic! And off to play some more games and have
more fun with the other kids. The last and final bit of fun was bumper cars.
Dear Lord help me! Amazingly he did great!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Chalkboard; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> Overall it was a great day! No meltdowns. And even
more important he had a great time with other kids and the other kids had a
great time with him! I am so very proud of him and all the firsts that he had
today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Chalkboard; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> And I am thankful for each and every one of those
moments that I was blessed enough to share with him today. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-34908672622432054802013-06-14T09:26:00.000-04:002013-06-14T09:26:52.395-04:00Our Children are Gifts!This morning I woke to read another wonderful Blog, <a href="http://adiaryofamom.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Diary of A Mom</a>, which by the way if you get a chance to read it, do so. A new post was on her Facebook page and it caught my eye. Why you ask? Because it was different than her normal introduction. It started out "Murder is Murder". As you can see why I would feel the need to read more. As I read it was about a woman that had murdered her own son, how a person was asking to be understanding about what she had done. I had not heard really about this case, while I have posted on my Facebook several recent incidents of horrible acts upon children with special needs, I felt I should know more about this case. So off to Google I went. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2340710/Alex-Spourdalakis-Autistic-boy-14-killed-mother-godmother-removed-hospital.html" target="_blank">Alex-Spourdalakis</a>, is a mother who killed her 14 year old son, stabbing him until he died. He could have lived, he should have lived. I always wonder why people ask that mercy be showed to people who have done such horrible things to someone that has special needs. Tell me, when did she show her very own son mercy? He suffered through every single stab wound. It didn't help him. It only helped her because she would no longer need to care for him. That was not mercy, I can only imagine the treatment he suffered prior to his death.<br />
Just yesterday on my Facebook I posted a very sad story about a five year old girl with Autism in New Mexico, watch the video and decide what you think about the conditions and what they mother says. I will say, I am pretty sure law enforcement know the difference between pudding and poop!<br />
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It always breaks my heart when children are hurt and abused. Here locally another child was abused as well as an adult again by a mother. <a href="http://www.nbc-2.com/story/22449652/dcf-autistic-children-safe-after-alleged-abuse#.UbsVKuuyfZl" target="_blank">DCF: Autistic victims safe after alleged abuse</a>. While there are sadly a thousand stories like this all over the world right now, I wish that there was none. It breaks my heart. Let's be very clear here, I understand that taking care of a child who has special needs is challenging, I have two boys that have Autism, so I get how challenging life is. I get that there are days that you wish that you had a "NORMAL" life, although I am really not sure what that is.<br />
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If you feel overwhelmed, take a time out for yourself. Hurting or killing your child will serve no purpose. It will not help you or your child. So back to the beginning of this post, where someone was asking for mercy for someone that has harmed or murdered any child. I am sorry, no I cannot show sympathy. I love my children. And in closing yes, Children are gifts. We should treat them as such. Okay so there is my rant for the day. Until next time. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-19402508483039421122013-06-05T10:31:00.000-04:002013-06-05T10:31:01.221-04:00Mommy Time! A lot of times as parents of kids with Autism, we seem to put our own needs and care on the back burner. We say, once the kids are taken care of we will go to our own doctor or take a day for ourselves. Normally that day never comes. With Autism it seems there is always something that comes up. <br />
Why do I say this? Well, I am of course guilty of saying I will go to the doctor, or take that Mommy Day. And then something comes up. Either my youngest is sick or something else comes up. So my doctors appointments get rescheduled and rescheduled until I just decide I just can't go and cancel them. This past weekend, I was taken to the hospital with severe pain and bleeding. I learned some very heartbreaking news. I am not sure that the outcome would be any different had I gone into the doctor last year like I was supposed to. Or gone every six months like my little sister said to. But here I am. Listen up all you Moms AND Dads take care of yourselves! Take care because we have these amazing angels to take care of! I am lucky, and I will have surgery and be okay. But sometimes, some are not as lucky. So go to your doctor, get a check up. If you are feeling off, take care of yourselves.<br />
Even if you just need a day off, take one. For all those family members and friends of families with a child or children with Autism, offer to help out even if it's for a few hours. Those few hours really can make a huge difference. We all need a break, so offer up some time. I promise it will mean the world to that Mom and Dad that you did that. <br />
I love to read. Any chance I get to read, I will take advantage of it. With my iPad in hand I snuggle up on the couch and read. That is my get away. The great getaway. With that said, I just finished reading a book. A great book that I loved! "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Halfling-Souls-Series-ebook/dp/B00B2PP91M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370441989&sr=8-1&keywords=soul+finding" target="_blank">Soul Finding</a>" by C.L. Crowe. If you get a chance check it out. Great book. Great person! Great MOM.......<br />
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<span id="goog_220521956"> Take the time, read a book, go for a run, have lunch with a friend, watch a movie. Do whatever it is that you want to do, just take that time out for yourself. I know it's hard. As a mom of two boys with Autism, Lord knows that I know it's hard. You still NEED to do it. </span><span id="goog_220521957"></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8715169826494278790.post-5056685643788699342013-05-27T23:12:00.000-04:002013-05-27T23:12:09.812-04:00Good Days and Bad Days....<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> The last few days have proven to be challenging and enjoyable at the same time. Saturday, we went to the local pool supplies store here in town to get a new ladder for the pool and some supplies. Our oldest son, who is verbal but still has some behaviors with his Autism, came with us and he was so excited about going and getting the stuff for the pool. He spoke with the young man in the store, they talked about Iron Man and he was so nice to Evan. He helped him even find some swimming goggles that were Iron Man. Evan was so excited about getting his goggles that he almost walked out of the store with them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I said, "Evan, remember you have to pay for them first." Evan then said, "Oh I forgot Mom, Okay." He then walked up to the counter and placed them there for the cashier to scan. I heard her say under her breath, "yes you still have to follow the rules!" in the most condesending way she could. I chose to be the better person and let it go. He kept trying to talk to her about all the cool stuff in the store. He was so excited. I was so happythat he wanted to engage with someone that he didn't know andthen it happened. He said "Hey girl, I see the shark over there!" he wanted to talk so much and her response was very unsettleing."You may refer to me as MAAM!" I honestly took everything I could to not slap her right in the face. I just said "you know what, I don't want to buy these goggles anymore. I expalined to her that he has Autism and all he is trying to talk to her. I then said to her that she didnt have to make all those rude comments and be so nasty to him. Her response was quick "I didn't know! You should have said something!" I told her that she shouldn't treat any child like she did. It's terrible. I quickly took my son and left the store. My husband met us outside and was wondering why we didn't have the goggles. I said "you know what take Evan to the car I am going to complain to the manager."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> As he walked Evan to the truck, I was determined to make a complaint about this woman that obviously needed to learn about Autism. I saw the young man at the register, and asked him if the manager was in, he knew what it was about and said yes and it's the woman that I was talking to earlier. She is also the owner. Oh great! I decided to just to contact corporate offices and complain to them. She said wait a minute I will talk to you. She walked me outside. She said " You should have told me that he had problems. Listen my granddaughter has problems too. I feel sorry for her everyday. I asked her if she was serious in what she was saying. I explained to her that I didnt t feel sorry for my son and why should I have to tell her that he has Autism. Her response was what I would consider unrelenting by saying "how sad that you would wish this on your child!" I then said to her with some assertiveness I might add with some satisfaction. "HOLD ON...I would never wish this on my child or any child! But I prefer to be proud of my son and all that he has accomplished in spite of his Autism! If you chose to be ashamed of your granddaughter but I will never be ashamed of my son!" She said that she was not ashamed and that she just feels the constant daily heartbreak for me as she is sure that you do for your son!" I told her that I don't feel constant heartbreak for my son. I told her that her attitude is discusting as I walked away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> We went home, it broke my heart each time Evan asked about his Iron Man goggles. We got inside the house, I sat down and cried for a good hour. I didn't cry because I was ashamed, I am so proud that my son talked to them, and interacted without any discomfort at all. I was just so angry. Angry that she thinks it's okay to treat a child like that. Angry that she doesn't acknowledge the disability that her granddaughter has, only to say "problems". I have two sons that are amazing, smart, beautiful, funny, loving and have Autism. I am angry that people treat them like that. It just breaks my heart!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Then today, we decided that we were going to take the boys to Build A Bear Workshop, Evan wanted the Patrick Star from Spongebob. Chris, he just loves to go. As we drove there, they both seemed so excited about going! Evan knew where we were going, Chris just was looking all over out the windows. We discussed, how the kids would react once we got there. We were concerned about Chris. His sensory processing disorder on top of Autism, makes it challenging to take him out. But we were determined to expose him to public places more and more. So off we go to get the bears and starfish.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> When we arrived in the parking lot, lots of cars were around. Chris looked around and began his little low whine. We knew he was getting nervous. Ed took Evan and walked ahead. I took Chris out of the car and we walked slowly towards the store. All the time telling him "it's okay baby it's okay!" And I heard him say "itsokay, itsokay". I held his hand and we walked inside Build A Bear. He whined, and we wander around the store. Evan has already found what he is looking for and excitedly speaking to the staff member Christina who is talking to him about what he wants with his Patrick Star. Chris, as expected didn't like the sound of the big machine in the back of the store so he returned to the front found the bench and sat quietly, patiently waiting for his brother to finish so we could leave. I could hear Evan talking to Christina about Spongebob and having a blast "stuffing" his Patrick. He was so proud of it. I hated missing that moment but luckily Daddy knew enough to record it for me! They all came up front and I paid for Patrick Star and Ed and Evan left the store. Chris continued to sit on the bench waiting for me to leave with him. Christina (amazing staff) said, "would you like to get this little guy one?" Me "Oh no, he doesn't like the sound of the big machine" Christina " he is more than welcome to take one of the displays. We don't mind!" So sweet of her, but he just wanted to leave. Next time, we will get him one. I promise!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> So lets review. Chris went into the store. Already a good thing. He walked all around the store. Good. He didn't scream or throw himself on the floor. Great! He sat on a bench and patiently waited for us to leave. Awesome! Progress! That is right! I count this as a major WIN for all of us!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> So proud of both of my little guys over the last few days. Well everyday but the last few days has been amazing and upsetting as I am sure you can understand by now. I love my boys! They are my life. I really love watching them progress and do all of these amazing things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Evan and Chris ONE....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Autism ZERO......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One very proud and happy Mommy! Until next time!!!!!!!!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06156980609666528459noreply@blogger.com0