Sunday, February 26, 2012

Lent begins...

With the start of Lent it is often a time people stop and think of things they can give up and do without.  Things they don't need, should quit or are too dependent on.  I gave up soda last year and haven't had any since.  I am not sure this year I have something to give up, I have so many things I wish to change and to work on in my life and myself.  I fall short so often of the person I should be and I know I can be.  I would love to be more patient, more thoughtful and more forgiving.  I would love to curb my temper and frustration...be more present each day in my life and enjoy everything as it comes and as it is.  I hope this Lent season I can find things to change in my life and give up some habits and parts of me that I am not very proud of having....
That is the part of church I hope my children learn and appreciate...to realize we all can be better than we are.  We are works in progress.  As long as we keep trying and hoping to improve, then we are doing okay.
I did copy one of my favorite songs from church from youtube to share...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr-fzOSRERs

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Last week was a rough one...

We had our first official re-direct at school last week.  Re-direct means that your teacher is having a problem with you and you either refuse to cooperate or are unable to for some reason.  Zach has made it 2.5 years without one...until Tuesday.  I went to pick him up at 2:40 to take him to therapy...he is always up at the front office and this time wasn't.  The receptionist is always super nice to me and wasn't very friendly...hmmm. Then I spotted his special ed inclusion teacher and saw the top of his head...they were in the office area...not a good sign.  I walked over knowing full well something wasn't right, but had gotten no calls all day, so I had no idea what it was....
He apparently had an awful day.  Everything and everyone made him cry. He was upset about everything and anything and it started early, never really improved.  He had an issue at Recess with some other kids and that seemed to really set him over the edge.  Then he ended up refusing to calm down and go out of the class with his inclusion teacher. He was being disruptive to his class at this point.  So they called the re-direct.  Instead of the usual person, the vice principle came.  Zach apparently handled it well and had a good talk with him.  However what was said, broke my heart...
When I picked him up I got the recap and was told what he said.  "I want to have an operation to remove Autism from my brain."  He said he wouldn't have to do therapy if it was gone, he would be able to control his temper and feelings better...he seemed so sure he would be better if he didn't have it.  I took a deep breath and told him what I thought....the truth and I mean this.  "Well Zach, if I had an operation that could get rid of your Autism tomorrow I wouldn't let you do it.  You are perfect the way you are and you are how you are because of Autism. You have worked harder than most kids your age learning to do things that are hard for you and easy to some. You have accomplished so much more than people thought you would. You continue to excel and amaze me. You are so smart, kind and full of love.  You are perfect just how you are, how God made you, how I love you. "  I honestly believe this and know in my heart that he will one day too...but it isn't easy to see your child suffer and feel hurt.
But, it reminds me of why I do what I do and why I parent the way I do. Life isn't easy for most kids...teasing, bullying...kids can be mean.  I want him to be tough enough to know that he is loved and wonderful to us and to a lot of people that know him. Life won't always be kind to him, especially other kids. I want him to have a thicker skin and self worth. He has done so much and will continue to do more. He is amazing.
Thankfully, the rest of the week was much better.  He accepted why we do therapy daily and why he has limits on things...and why he can't have a quiet class without friends talking to him (a big complaint last week)...well he might not understand, but he is trying to accept....
I swear the easier this road gets, the harder it gets at the same time...

35 was good...

I did have a great birthday this year and was spoiled rotten by me sweet family....generous, thoughtful gifts sent and given to me...I felt very loved and am so thankful for all I have in life.  Here I am on my date night heading out to dinner and the next day (my birthday) blowing out the candles on my ice cream cake.  :)  
May this year be filled with goals accomplished, good health, good choices, new friends, happiness in our new assignment and lots of great opportunities for all of us.  Looking forward not back and be willing to change things...I think it will be a good year.