Posts Tagged ‘Special Needs Parenting’
My Husband, Thank You for your Sacrifice
I am thankful for my husband Steve. We’ve had an amazing journey thus far. November 27th will be our families Autism anniversary. The day one of our twin boys, Maverick, was diagnosed. At the time of Maverick’s diagnosis, we were living in central Washington. A peaceful, rural area, filled with apple orchards and wineries. A beautiful place to raise a family, just maybe not our family. Acquiring services in an underserved area is difficult. Maverick was receiving early intervention services through a local organization. It consisted of two speech therapy…
Read MoreA Mom’s Letter to Autism
DEAR AUTISM, I have had this letter in my heart addressed to you for some time now. I’m ready to tell you how I really feel. Almost three years ago to the day, you hit this family like a run-away train veering off track. We were simply trying to understand how to be parents, trying to figure out how to balance life, money, work and a relationship as husband/wife. We were slowly getting the hang of what being a family was all about. Then you came knocking at OUR door….…
Read MoreTo the Person Who Judged Me
To the person who judged me, How could you say it’s my fault my child has Autism? How could you go so low. When I am already at my lowest. You have no idea the struggles we have went through. You have no idea all the hurdles we’ve had to jump. All the sleepless nights. All the meltdowns. All the frustration. Being so emotional because your child doesn’t speak, and you have no idea what is wrong. All the doctors and therapy appointments. Feeling so isolated. Wanting to cry 24/7.…
Read MoreThinking About Forever
A few nights ago we attempted to take Cooper trick-or-treating. We prepared. We planned. We encouraged and motivated. We set realistic expectations. We tried. We failed. And Jamie and I found ourselves sitting on our porch thinking about forever. Thinking about the next fifty years of autism. We aren’t new to this. We’ve been doing it for seven years. We live realistic hope better than anyone I know. And yet, we were there again. Looking at forever. Saying the worries out loud that only a parent of a severely disabled…
Read MoreEverything I Learned in Life I Learned in Kindergarten
This past week my son Brayden was child of the week. I had an opportunity to go into his classroom and talk with the class about Autism. We talked about Brayden and how he loves to swim, jump on trampolines, play in the sand, and swing just like they do. We talked about ways that we all cope if we are frightened, scared, or sad, and what that may look like for Brayden. The kids had an opportunity to try on his ear phones, weighted vest, blanket, and body sock.…
Read MoreWhat Being Your Mama is Like
You know the thrill of going down a roller coaster? You’re incredibly terrified, gripping the sides, white knuckles and all. You can’t even seem to breathe. You’re dizzy, and everything is a blur. It’s so loud you can’t hear a thing. You just know you’re about to be sick. Your hair is in your face and your stomach is in your throat. “What am I going to do?” you ask. You feel completely out of control, like wherever this things takes me, that’s where I’m going. You just have to believe…
Read MoreSome Days I Dwell…
My kid is awesome. He is seven. He also has nonverbal autism. And even though he may never do the things typical kids do or even meet typical milestones…we are okay. He is amazing in his own way. I will give him his best life. And as his mother, I refuse to let myself dwell on the hard parts. The sadness. The things he will never do. It’s not healthy. It’s not who I am. And honestly, it’s just too sad. So, I use my energy to focus on the…
Read MoreA Mile, A Marathon and A Tour Guide
Every once in a while, somewhere out in public, Noah will scream or screech with delight in a place he loves. He can’t help it! He has autism and he’s non verbal. It’s how he tells me he’s happy. However, sometimes it’s at a place like the grocery store or Lowe’s where it echoes across the whole store. That’s when I get a few different kinds of looks. Sometimes I get the look of pity which is unnecessary but at least has good intentions or I’ll get the ‘I get…
Read MoreA Day in the Life of Brayden
As the days tick down and school is about to begin I can feel the anxiety starting to climb at our house. When I was growing up I remember back to school as a glorious time. I remember going on a shopping trip to Mall of America or the local mall. We would spend the day laughing, wandering, and occasionally picking up a new pair of jeans or a needed pair of tennis shoes. It was never about the stuff. It was about spending quality time with your mom. Now…
Read MoreCall Out: I’m Thankful For You This November
This November, I will honor the therapists, teachers, doctors, friends, children, spouses, therapy centers, and family members that make a difference in your family’s life. This could range from the friend who sat with your child while you showered (for the first time in weeks!) to the doctor who finally listened to you. Or, the grandparent that took your other child to the park so they could get a break from their sibling’s disability to the therapist who puts in hour after hour teaching, modeling and praising your child. It…
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