What a cray summer! It isn'tthat we did alot of stuff, but just lots of stuff happening to us haha. So Live moves on for us all! What a great thing to be alive!
SO the latest! My oldest son was relased from his service mission on this past Sunday, and so we instantly got him ready for college, and that was quite the expeience haha. 2 days of waiting in lines and filling out tons of forms! But we gathered the las of the information they needed and he is allregisteed! YAY He is going to SLCC and plans ot majr in Chemistry! We shall see how that goes lol.
Today was the first ay of school for my younger two sons and thy loved it! The nice part is their Special Education team did a great job putting together their schedues and my Senior ahs some fun classes and is so excited! He gets to take ceramics even! Lucky Guy! Wher was that class when I was in High School? He also gets to take two dedicated study skills classes so that the SPED team can work with him individually so he can understand the subjects and get his work tured in, yay again!
My youngest is in choir & band along with Alg. 2, Language Arts (my favorite, his least haha), biology, etc. They are both taking Seminary and love it. I am so grateful for a great SPED department that takes a look at each child individually and takes their stregths nto consideration. :) Well, there is more to say, but I find I am lacking in time. Kids are home and as my dear friend Carolyn has stated, the paperwork begins! Have a great day everyone!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Limitations
Well, it has been some time since I have blogged, and for that I apologize. I do not have a good reason so I won't take up space making one up. haha. I wanted to get peoples opinions on a specific topic. I will explain why I am putting the question out there in a bit.
I am asking people about limitations. What are peoples limitations? Does anyone reading this have a limitation? Who or what defines our limitations? Is your limitation real or imagined? Is it put upon you by others or do you put it on your self?
I believe we all have limitations, we are mortal after all. Some limitations can be limits on our education, or limitations on finances. Other times limitations are more fuzzy, limitations such as whether or not someone can do something. Or, whether someone believes in themselves or not. I understand that we all have to understand what our limitations are and if they are moveable. What do I mean by moveable? Well, let's say our limitation is eduction, we don't have the opportunity to obtain education through the College/University setting due to financial reasons. Well, can that be changed? In my opinion it can, we can always read books or listen to them to educate ourselves on various topics. Attend workshops on various subjects of interest, etc.. That is what I mean by moveable. We change our limitaion of education by educating ourselves, looking outside the box in otherwords.
What if your limitation is a disability? For example I will use me. I am blind and in January I had a flair up in my back that led to a diagnosis of permanent damage to my disks and vertrae. So this is limiting isn't it? OF course it is. But the quesiton is how and is it a moveable limitation? OK, I probably won't be climing Mt Everest! That is a definate "do not do". However there have been blind people who have scaled Everest and otehr mountains as well. So for them they removed that limitation. I recieved an education and obtained a bachelor's degree in December of last year. I did that despite my vision loss, so I moved the limitation so that I could obtain my educaiton.
Now, why do I bring all this up? Lately I have been trying to educate people on Asperger Syndrome, which is what my middle child has. There is to be a 3 day trek in short period of time and He wants to go. I have no problem with him going for he has done it before. He is pretty high functioning in the hiking and outdoors. Well, other people in my church are saying they are gravely concerned. They fear he may have a melt down or something devastating and noone could help.
Now, this is a limitation others are putting on my son. So, as you may see I am not really happy about it. I am working on this the best way I can and trying to educate others on his ABILITIES NOT HIS DISABILITEIS!!! Ok now that I have that off my chest, how do I remove this limitation? I think I will print out some information and give it to my leaders on Sunday and hope that they will listen to the one person who knows him the best. IF that doesn't work, then he doesnt' go. I know that the Lord loves my son very much and He knows him the best too. My son really wants to go and I am praying that things will settle with a positive step in understanidng and not limiting one's potential.
Please give me your thoughts. Have a Great day!
I am asking people about limitations. What are peoples limitations? Does anyone reading this have a limitation? Who or what defines our limitations? Is your limitation real or imagined? Is it put upon you by others or do you put it on your self?
I believe we all have limitations, we are mortal after all. Some limitations can be limits on our education, or limitations on finances. Other times limitations are more fuzzy, limitations such as whether or not someone can do something. Or, whether someone believes in themselves or not. I understand that we all have to understand what our limitations are and if they are moveable. What do I mean by moveable? Well, let's say our limitation is eduction, we don't have the opportunity to obtain education through the College/University setting due to financial reasons. Well, can that be changed? In my opinion it can, we can always read books or listen to them to educate ourselves on various topics. Attend workshops on various subjects of interest, etc.. That is what I mean by moveable. We change our limitaion of education by educating ourselves, looking outside the box in otherwords.
What if your limitation is a disability? For example I will use me. I am blind and in January I had a flair up in my back that led to a diagnosis of permanent damage to my disks and vertrae. So this is limiting isn't it? OF course it is. But the quesiton is how and is it a moveable limitation? OK, I probably won't be climing Mt Everest! That is a definate "do not do". However there have been blind people who have scaled Everest and otehr mountains as well. So for them they removed that limitation. I recieved an education and obtained a bachelor's degree in December of last year. I did that despite my vision loss, so I moved the limitation so that I could obtain my educaiton.
Now, why do I bring all this up? Lately I have been trying to educate people on Asperger Syndrome, which is what my middle child has. There is to be a 3 day trek in short period of time and He wants to go. I have no problem with him going for he has done it before. He is pretty high functioning in the hiking and outdoors. Well, other people in my church are saying they are gravely concerned. They fear he may have a melt down or something devastating and noone could help.
Now, this is a limitation others are putting on my son. So, as you may see I am not really happy about it. I am working on this the best way I can and trying to educate others on his ABILITIES NOT HIS DISABILITEIS!!! Ok now that I have that off my chest, how do I remove this limitation? I think I will print out some information and give it to my leaders on Sunday and hope that they will listen to the one person who knows him the best. IF that doesn't work, then he doesnt' go. I know that the Lord loves my son very much and He knows him the best too. My son really wants to go and I am praying that things will settle with a positive step in understanidng and not limiting one's potential.
Please give me your thoughts. Have a Great day!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Spring is Here!
Spring is Here! Well, there is snow on the ground and temps are only in the 40's today, it is still Spring! WOOHOO! I love spring, the flowers, the green trees, the grass growing! That goes with the allergies, runny eyes, stuffy noses lol. I wanted to update my blog since it has been a couple months since doing so.
Life is pretty good, I am feeling better and don't have to be in the wheelchair all the time, which is a blessing indeed. My oldest is undergoing some health challenges, but I am hopeful he will have a full recovery soon. He still tries to go to his mission on days he is up to to it which is a great blessing to us all. My middle child has gone through his Junior year with ups and downs like all teenage boys. We had his transition IEP and I'll write about that another time. My youngest has improved alot in his attendance at school and I am grateful for that! He auditioned for the high school's mens choir and hopefully we will find out soon if he made it or not! i am pleased that he would have the courage (even with his autism) to stand before an entire group and sing. So cool!
My two children who have Autism/Asperger's face many challenges as so do many others who don't have these disorders. Some of the things that seem to make things worse is when they are sick or tired. So I have to truly pick my battles and practice patient when this occurs.
Spring is here and the days of heavy snow, bitter temperatures and shivvering bodies are over. The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, teh grass is growing and trees are budding! Spring is alive and so am I I am so happy to feel the sun on my face, Not too hot, and not too cold! :) Have a great day!
Life is pretty good, I am feeling better and don't have to be in the wheelchair all the time, which is a blessing indeed. My oldest is undergoing some health challenges, but I am hopeful he will have a full recovery soon. He still tries to go to his mission on days he is up to to it which is a great blessing to us all. My middle child has gone through his Junior year with ups and downs like all teenage boys. We had his transition IEP and I'll write about that another time. My youngest has improved alot in his attendance at school and I am grateful for that! He auditioned for the high school's mens choir and hopefully we will find out soon if he made it or not! i am pleased that he would have the courage (even with his autism) to stand before an entire group and sing. So cool!
My two children who have Autism/Asperger's face many challenges as so do many others who don't have these disorders. Some of the things that seem to make things worse is when they are sick or tired. So I have to truly pick my battles and practice patient when this occurs.
Spring is here and the days of heavy snow, bitter temperatures and shivvering bodies are over. The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, teh grass is growing and trees are budding! Spring is alive and so am I I am so happy to feel the sun on my face, Not too hot, and not too cold! :) Have a great day!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Rollin around!
Well, it's been a while since I last posted anything and figured it was about time! :) I have been rollin around in my brand spankin "used/rented" wheelchair for a month now and have enjoyed the incresased freedom that allowed. It is interesting how difficult it is to even roll in and out of our driveway or down the sidewalk. Does anyone remember when they were young, finding any drive way that had a good grade to it and coasting their bike down or their skate board? The wind in our hair and no thoughts of crash and burn?? I know I did and I loved it. Well, know those hills aren't so much fun going up or down in a wheelchair haha. My kids have been awesome at pushing me around and going up our drive way is a "grunt and push experience for them. GOing down is a "hold on for dear life" experience for all of us. haha. Someitmes it is still fun but yeah too fast and the wheelchair tries to tip and well, that is not fun haha. Speaking of tipping wheelchairs.....
The other night my children and I went for a stroll around our apartments, I was in my chair and the dog was on my lap, (yes he really did go for a joy ride in my wheelchair!) and we decided we would go over to Arctic to get some ice cream for a treat. SO we went back to the apartment and normally my son puts the brakes on the chair so I do go backwords. Well he didn't and My oldest was standing holding onto the dogs leash about 5 feet away. all of a sudden I start going backwards and the two kids are yelling at eachother to get me and they both have excuses that they can't. So I screamed as the wheelchair starts tipping off the curb. Then just when I was bracing for a massive headache, the chair stopped as one wheel was on the dub and one was in the parking spot. I was at the oddest angle haha. But the Lord protected me and I was able to laugh about it after I got after the kids for their lack of safety concerns haha. I am grateful for the opportunity to laugh and not have a headache!
I went ot a specialist a ocuple weeks ago and they found that I had Sever degeneration disc disease and two vertabraes that are trying to fuse together. This has led to the imovility and pain that I have experienced. So, the problem is the doc perscribed me a wheelchair so I wouldn't have to fork out another $120. The doctor faxed over the perscription along with the clinic notes and the insurance refused to pay for one. Their reason? Now htis is funny, The clinic notes said I could walk 5 feet. That is it, they want the notes to say I am home bound and unable to take one step. They dont' get that 5 feet doesn't get you very far. haha. I was so mad I actually wanted to break something, but I restrained myself, and talked to a good friend instead haha. I am grateful I didn't give into my fit of temper haha. Today is a beautiful day and a friend of mine is fronting me the money to rent one so I don't have to go without. I have started physical therapy and I am anxious for me to be able to do it without pain. IT will take time though. 4 weeks of phyiscal therapy (in the pool) and stretches at home will hopefully help build up the muscles around the damaged areas so that I can start walking again. This problem won't go away but if I can get it under control by loosing ALOT of weight it will help. Then I can find a nice man and well... that might be stretching it haha. Their are alot of nice men in the world, they just happen to be married. :) OH well, I am happy anyway, things are looking up.
Just remember when you are putting in concrete to make it even and level and please shovel sidewalks so that I can get down the sidewalks!
Have a great day!
The other night my children and I went for a stroll around our apartments, I was in my chair and the dog was on my lap, (yes he really did go for a joy ride in my wheelchair!) and we decided we would go over to Arctic to get some ice cream for a treat. SO we went back to the apartment and normally my son puts the brakes on the chair so I do go backwords. Well he didn't and My oldest was standing holding onto the dogs leash about 5 feet away. all of a sudden I start going backwards and the two kids are yelling at eachother to get me and they both have excuses that they can't. So I screamed as the wheelchair starts tipping off the curb. Then just when I was bracing for a massive headache, the chair stopped as one wheel was on the dub and one was in the parking spot. I was at the oddest angle haha. But the Lord protected me and I was able to laugh about it after I got after the kids for their lack of safety concerns haha. I am grateful for the opportunity to laugh and not have a headache!
I went ot a specialist a ocuple weeks ago and they found that I had Sever degeneration disc disease and two vertabraes that are trying to fuse together. This has led to the imovility and pain that I have experienced. So, the problem is the doc perscribed me a wheelchair so I wouldn't have to fork out another $120. The doctor faxed over the perscription along with the clinic notes and the insurance refused to pay for one. Their reason? Now htis is funny, The clinic notes said I could walk 5 feet. That is it, they want the notes to say I am home bound and unable to take one step. They dont' get that 5 feet doesn't get you very far. haha. I was so mad I actually wanted to break something, but I restrained myself, and talked to a good friend instead haha. I am grateful I didn't give into my fit of temper haha. Today is a beautiful day and a friend of mine is fronting me the money to rent one so I don't have to go without. I have started physical therapy and I am anxious for me to be able to do it without pain. IT will take time though. 4 weeks of phyiscal therapy (in the pool) and stretches at home will hopefully help build up the muscles around the damaged areas so that I can start walking again. This problem won't go away but if I can get it under control by loosing ALOT of weight it will help. Then I can find a nice man and well... that might be stretching it haha. Their are alot of nice men in the world, they just happen to be married. :) OH well, I am happy anyway, things are looking up.
Just remember when you are putting in concrete to make it even and level and please shovel sidewalks so that I can get down the sidewalks!
Have a great day!
Friday, February 19, 2010
compassion
Most of us have felt compassion for others. Compassion is a natural gift we have recieved from our Heavenly Father. Although some people have less compassion than others, it is in all of us.
Well, I have felt compasssion for others throghout my life, whether it be a family member who is ill or someone I see on the news. Compassion comes from Love I believe. It also comes from personal experiences.
Lately, I have undergone a trial with my back. I have had moments whre I can notmove at all. Not even a muscle for pain was so intense. I have had difficulty in bathing, toileting, walking, bendign, stretching, reaching, etc... I have tried to remain positive during this ordeal for I feel that negativity just breeds negativity and people really don't want to hear about it. Well, I found out yesterday what was going on with my back. It may require surgery, but I'm going to do everything I can to not have to have surgery. Anyway, I was feeling down all day yesterday. Then I relized someting as I listened to our neighbors getting on the paratransit bus this morning. I have a group home close to us. The indivicuals that live there have multiple disabilities. They recieve full time care. They use wheelchairs just to be able to move around at all. Someone has to feed them, bathe them, etc...
I realized that I understood them more than ever before. My condition will eventually improve I am hopeful. The wonderful neighbors will not unless the Lord heals them.
Some say, I have gonen through so much all ready now this how can I stand it? Well the answer is I don't always, but I do try to find out how I can learn from things I go through.
I am so thrilled that the Lord is so giving and kind and that he gives us opportunities to learn and love and therefor improve our compassion for others.
People have ehlped me with getting my wheelchair, dropping us off places, etc... how kidn people are. Thank you Lord! :) Have a good time!
Well, I have felt compasssion for others throghout my life, whether it be a family member who is ill or someone I see on the news. Compassion comes from Love I believe. It also comes from personal experiences.
Lately, I have undergone a trial with my back. I have had moments whre I can notmove at all. Not even a muscle for pain was so intense. I have had difficulty in bathing, toileting, walking, bendign, stretching, reaching, etc... I have tried to remain positive during this ordeal for I feel that negativity just breeds negativity and people really don't want to hear about it. Well, I found out yesterday what was going on with my back. It may require surgery, but I'm going to do everything I can to not have to have surgery. Anyway, I was feeling down all day yesterday. Then I relized someting as I listened to our neighbors getting on the paratransit bus this morning. I have a group home close to us. The indivicuals that live there have multiple disabilities. They recieve full time care. They use wheelchairs just to be able to move around at all. Someone has to feed them, bathe them, etc...
I realized that I understood them more than ever before. My condition will eventually improve I am hopeful. The wonderful neighbors will not unless the Lord heals them.
Some say, I have gonen through so much all ready now this how can I stand it? Well the answer is I don't always, but I do try to find out how I can learn from things I go through.
I am so thrilled that the Lord is so giving and kind and that he gives us opportunities to learn and love and therefor improve our compassion for others.
People have ehlped me with getting my wheelchair, dropping us off places, etc... how kidn people are. Thank you Lord! :) Have a good time!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Life is what we make of it!
Have you ever wondered why me? Why is this happeneing to me? What did I do to deserve this? Well, I have an answer! It's called life. I know, I know I am over simplifying it but it really does boil down to just life! We all have challenges, trials, adversity in our lives. Some of us seem to have more than others. But that is just it. I have come to the realization that life presents it's challenges and we each have a specific set of challenges that is meant to help us grow somehow.
I am constantly in awe of someone's courage as they face a major life change, or when adversity strikes and they have a smile on their face. this happened here in Salt Lake just this past weekend. 2 beautiful little girls ages 4 and 1 1/2 died due to pesticide that was sprayed to close to their house. The parents came out and said they forgive the person who did it wrong and felt bad for them. They are still in deep mourning obviously, but that they would reach out to someone during their own tim eof grief is a testiment to me that life is what we make of it.
Some people know of the trial that has beset me this past 10 days or so, but not everyone. IT has been difficult to be in chronic pain day after day, night after night, but I am still happy. I am so blessed and the Lord has poured out his blessings upon me. Yes, I still have difficulties with kids sometimes, but overall the kids have been very compassionate and sorta helpful haha. Can't get them to take out the garbage or do the dishes but hey, they have helped me move around without complainign too much haha.
Life is a gift from the Lord, and it is my responsibility ro make the most of it. I can sit and wallow in self pity, which does happen once in a blue moon or two, or we can put a smile on our face and do the best we can. Like the hymn goes: When upon lifes billows you are tempest tost, and you are discouraged thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."
I know life is hard, and right now I know that very well, but yesterday while at teh hospital, my youngest son, Charles, wanted to get somethign to eat for us at teh cafeteria, so he wheeled me in and I had exaclty 6.75. It was enough to get to hamburgers, no fries or drinks but I was happy we could get anything at all. As we ordered the man asked if we wanted fries with our burgers and we said no thanks, short on cash today. He smiled and said he knew what that was like. Then he gave us our burgers and said, I gave you fries but just pay for the burgers. So we went to teh cash register and the lady rang us up for one combo meal. She said that someone had boughten one combo meal for me. So I had enough to get Charles combo. It was a simple gesture that meant alot ot me. Charles was so good about helping me. He wheeled me around at frightening speeds, and loved to stop just in time to avoid a major disaster, haha but he made sure I had everything I needed. He was awesome. I am so proud. So here I am in teh midst of pain and agony, and the Lord still pours out his blessings on me. Can you see it? If I was only wallowing in self doubt and pity all the itme, then I couldn't see the good that is around me.
I still have my moments, but I am so grateful for a kind and loving Lord. :)
Life is good. I have decided to look at it that way!
"
I am constantly in awe of someone's courage as they face a major life change, or when adversity strikes and they have a smile on their face. this happened here in Salt Lake just this past weekend. 2 beautiful little girls ages 4 and 1 1/2 died due to pesticide that was sprayed to close to their house. The parents came out and said they forgive the person who did it wrong and felt bad for them. They are still in deep mourning obviously, but that they would reach out to someone during their own tim eof grief is a testiment to me that life is what we make of it.
Some people know of the trial that has beset me this past 10 days or so, but not everyone. IT has been difficult to be in chronic pain day after day, night after night, but I am still happy. I am so blessed and the Lord has poured out his blessings upon me. Yes, I still have difficulties with kids sometimes, but overall the kids have been very compassionate and sorta helpful haha. Can't get them to take out the garbage or do the dishes but hey, they have helped me move around without complainign too much haha.
Life is a gift from the Lord, and it is my responsibility ro make the most of it. I can sit and wallow in self pity, which does happen once in a blue moon or two, or we can put a smile on our face and do the best we can. Like the hymn goes: When upon lifes billows you are tempest tost, and you are discouraged thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."
I know life is hard, and right now I know that very well, but yesterday while at teh hospital, my youngest son, Charles, wanted to get somethign to eat for us at teh cafeteria, so he wheeled me in and I had exaclty 6.75. It was enough to get to hamburgers, no fries or drinks but I was happy we could get anything at all. As we ordered the man asked if we wanted fries with our burgers and we said no thanks, short on cash today. He smiled and said he knew what that was like. Then he gave us our burgers and said, I gave you fries but just pay for the burgers. So we went to teh cash register and the lady rang us up for one combo meal. She said that someone had boughten one combo meal for me. So I had enough to get Charles combo. It was a simple gesture that meant alot ot me. Charles was so good about helping me. He wheeled me around at frightening speeds, and loved to stop just in time to avoid a major disaster, haha but he made sure I had everything I needed. He was awesome. I am so proud. So here I am in teh midst of pain and agony, and the Lord still pours out his blessings on me. Can you see it? If I was only wallowing in self doubt and pity all the itme, then I couldn't see the good that is around me.
I still have my moments, but I am so grateful for a kind and loving Lord. :)
Life is good. I have decided to look at it that way!
"
Friday, February 5, 2010
Story Time!
Story Time Ladies and Gentlemen. I have been given permission to tell this story in it's entirety. THis goes with how people adapt to any situation.
It starts when a boy named Doyle and a girl named Jo met and fell in love back in the 40's. They married and built their dream home on the banks of a canal that leads to Lake Oswego, Oregon. They bought themselves a nice little boat and started a beautiful life! Soon 3 boys came into the picture and they grew up boating, fishing, water skiing, tubing, and loving life on the lake. As the kids grew up and left home Jo wanted to invest in a nice jacuzzi tub. Doyle loving his wife installed one and soon realized that he was not allowed to enjoy it. It was Jo's! He let her enjoy it and secretly wished he could enjoy it! Well several years ago, Jo developed some drastic health problems and within a couple months Doyle's beloved JO passed on to meet the Lord. Doyld kept on living and decided he would enjoy life to it's fullest, traveles all over the world, and when his health has gotten to a point where he requires a scooter, he got the best! he has traveled to Egypt, Argentina, Europe, Lithuania, etc...
One of the things he enjoys is sitting in the jacuzzi tub that so long was denied him. Well has his health deteriorated and his mobility was extremely limited, he found he could get into the tub but could not get out. So he had to have his former daughter in law or grandson come and get him out of the tub. He is a very independant man and this relying on others was not to his liking. So he went ot his oldest son Larry, and said, "hey, let's create a wenching system" The first thingthat went through Larry's mind was seeing his naked father haning by a wench in mid air. Funny, but not comforting thought. So Larry put it off, for the safety of his father. Well Doyle was not going to put up with delays. So he got in his car and drove to Lowe's. Well, he didn't want to get out of the car by the time he got there. SO, he saw someoen drive upa nd he called out his window, "hey, can you help me?" He handed a man money and said, go buy me a wenching system. To the guys credit he was honest and kept coming out to Doyle to ask him various questions and eventually bought him a wenching system and even got him a discount! So know Larry had to put it in. So he did, and sure enough Doyle just wraps a strap around him, the wench helps him get to his knees and then up to the hside of the tup just enough to get him out on his own!! He is happy and Larry is thrilled that his dad is not hanging in the air naked!
We in teh world of disabiliteis calls that adaptive equipment. Doyle calls it a a means to an end. He wanted to live more independantly and so he is!
True story!
It starts when a boy named Doyle and a girl named Jo met and fell in love back in the 40's. They married and built their dream home on the banks of a canal that leads to Lake Oswego, Oregon. They bought themselves a nice little boat and started a beautiful life! Soon 3 boys came into the picture and they grew up boating, fishing, water skiing, tubing, and loving life on the lake. As the kids grew up and left home Jo wanted to invest in a nice jacuzzi tub. Doyle loving his wife installed one and soon realized that he was not allowed to enjoy it. It was Jo's! He let her enjoy it and secretly wished he could enjoy it! Well several years ago, Jo developed some drastic health problems and within a couple months Doyle's beloved JO passed on to meet the Lord. Doyld kept on living and decided he would enjoy life to it's fullest, traveles all over the world, and when his health has gotten to a point where he requires a scooter, he got the best! he has traveled to Egypt, Argentina, Europe, Lithuania, etc...
One of the things he enjoys is sitting in the jacuzzi tub that so long was denied him. Well has his health deteriorated and his mobility was extremely limited, he found he could get into the tub but could not get out. So he had to have his former daughter in law or grandson come and get him out of the tub. He is a very independant man and this relying on others was not to his liking. So he went ot his oldest son Larry, and said, "hey, let's create a wenching system" The first thingthat went through Larry's mind was seeing his naked father haning by a wench in mid air. Funny, but not comforting thought. So Larry put it off, for the safety of his father. Well Doyle was not going to put up with delays. So he got in his car and drove to Lowe's. Well, he didn't want to get out of the car by the time he got there. SO, he saw someoen drive upa nd he called out his window, "hey, can you help me?" He handed a man money and said, go buy me a wenching system. To the guys credit he was honest and kept coming out to Doyle to ask him various questions and eventually bought him a wenching system and even got him a discount! So know Larry had to put it in. So he did, and sure enough Doyle just wraps a strap around him, the wench helps him get to his knees and then up to the hside of the tup just enough to get him out on his own!! He is happy and Larry is thrilled that his dad is not hanging in the air naked!
We in teh world of disabiliteis calls that adaptive equipment. Doyle calls it a a means to an end. He wanted to live more independantly and so he is!
True story!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Lords tender mercies!
Wow, am I blessed! After the fry throwing incident, I recieved a phone call from someone in my church asking if their was anything they could do to help. I explained some of the difficulties of getting up and down to get something to eat or even taking the dog out lol. They offered to bring in meals for me for lunch today and tomorrow and dinner for the family for today, friday, and saturday. WOOHOO. That is so wonderful. I know one day I will do something for someone else, that is the way it works.
The Lord is mindful of every single thing in our lives. He even knows what we refuse to admit at times. I am totally reliant on His capable arm. Today, my back is doing better, it still hurts if I try to do much, like say take a shower, (that was a painful experience haha) but I did it! The Lord gave me just enough sticktuitivness that I needed to clean myself and get dressed, just as I finished getting dressed, my back seized up on me, luckily I was very close to a chair. Wonderful isn't it?
My children are behaving rather well today, another tender mercy!
The Lord often works through other people so it is important to help and assist one another. Self reliance is good too, but don't forget to let others give you a hand form time to time, they get blessings and you get the assistance you needed, but were too proud to accept! Remember the Lord's words "Faith, Hope, and Chairty" :) And remember, next time there is fries and burgers in the forecast wear rain gear! lol
The Lord is mindful of every single thing in our lives. He even knows what we refuse to admit at times. I am totally reliant on His capable arm. Today, my back is doing better, it still hurts if I try to do much, like say take a shower, (that was a painful experience haha) but I did it! The Lord gave me just enough sticktuitivness that I needed to clean myself and get dressed, just as I finished getting dressed, my back seized up on me, luckily I was very close to a chair. Wonderful isn't it?
My children are behaving rather well today, another tender mercy!
The Lord often works through other people so it is important to help and assist one another. Self reliance is good too, but don't forget to let others give you a hand form time to time, they get blessings and you get the assistance you needed, but were too proud to accept! Remember the Lord's words "Faith, Hope, and Chairty" :) And remember, next time there is fries and burgers in the forecast wear rain gear! lol
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Asperger in bad moods
Well, I founded this blog to help not only educate people about the normalacy of life for people who have disabilities, but for a support for those who live with one.
Today is one of those day. My middle son, Jimmy has Asperger's Syndrome and one of the components of AS is teh inability to comprehend someone else's point of view. This morning Jimmy was doing pretty good and he went to school on time and seemingly happy. Meanwhile I have done something to my back and amin alot of pain, so much so that it is impossible to move at moments. When Jimmy came home he wanted to watch t.v. and I told him, "Please take the dog out, then you can watch t.v." Well, Jimmy thought that was just too much to ask for. So, he threw himself on the coach and said "fine, I'm just going to lay here then!" So I let him, after about 20 minutes, he decided he really wanted to watch t.v. so he took the dog out. He seemed happy at that point and watched Discovery channel's "mythbusters" (very cool show btw)
Since I have been unable to move, I asked a friend to get us some food at alocal place and he and Charles did so. When Charles was giving Jimmy his food, Jimmy started insulting Charles for he was just standing there holding Jimmy's drink and didn't know where to put it, since Jimmy wanted to eat in the living room. FInally Charles gave up trying to be nice and just put the drink down. I told Jimmy that Charles was being nice and there was no need for insults or anger. Well that did it, he got mad at me and threw his fries at me and then ripped his burger in two and threw it all over the living room and stormed up stairs yelling and insulting me. I told him he was not having dinner tonight and that he needed to show more respect to me. That did not go over well at all, but I felt I had to say something. At moments like this I knew better than to chase after him. When people with AS have meltdown's there is no reasoning with them at all. They are right and that is it. He will go to great lengths to show his displeasure at being told he is wrong.
I was about in tears, but held back for there was no use in crying over thrown fries. I couldn't pick them up, I couldn't bend over. I have spent the day in utter agony adn the last thing I wanted was to be insulted, yelled at and have food thrown at me. Last time he had a melt down he threw several of my audio books off the shelf and threw them down the stiars breaking the cases and causing damage to them. I have had consequences for him and this is a new facat to his temper. He threw things when he was 5 and then stopped until just recently and I'm telling you I don't know what to do about it, besides doing what i normally do. Take privildges away and telling him that his behavior is unacceptable.
I realize that many parents have problems with thei teenagers with hormones and aggression, but adding AS on to that is like adding kerosene to a bond fire. There are going to be major sparks!
Anyway, the dog had feast on fries, and burger debris, and my youngest vacuumed up the rest and cleaned the sauce mess off the coach thankfully. but holy cow. I wish his father was around so I could ship him over there for a day or two. Anyway, I feel I need a break but in this pain I can't go anywhere so, I'll just pray that the Lord will guide me through this trial! He always does! :) Have a good day everyone!
Today is one of those day. My middle son, Jimmy has Asperger's Syndrome and one of the components of AS is teh inability to comprehend someone else's point of view. This morning Jimmy was doing pretty good and he went to school on time and seemingly happy. Meanwhile I have done something to my back and amin alot of pain, so much so that it is impossible to move at moments. When Jimmy came home he wanted to watch t.v. and I told him, "Please take the dog out, then you can watch t.v." Well, Jimmy thought that was just too much to ask for. So, he threw himself on the coach and said "fine, I'm just going to lay here then!" So I let him, after about 20 minutes, he decided he really wanted to watch t.v. so he took the dog out. He seemed happy at that point and watched Discovery channel's "mythbusters" (very cool show btw)
Since I have been unable to move, I asked a friend to get us some food at alocal place and he and Charles did so. When Charles was giving Jimmy his food, Jimmy started insulting Charles for he was just standing there holding Jimmy's drink and didn't know where to put it, since Jimmy wanted to eat in the living room. FInally Charles gave up trying to be nice and just put the drink down. I told Jimmy that Charles was being nice and there was no need for insults or anger. Well that did it, he got mad at me and threw his fries at me and then ripped his burger in two and threw it all over the living room and stormed up stairs yelling and insulting me. I told him he was not having dinner tonight and that he needed to show more respect to me. That did not go over well at all, but I felt I had to say something. At moments like this I knew better than to chase after him. When people with AS have meltdown's there is no reasoning with them at all. They are right and that is it. He will go to great lengths to show his displeasure at being told he is wrong.
I was about in tears, but held back for there was no use in crying over thrown fries. I couldn't pick them up, I couldn't bend over. I have spent the day in utter agony adn the last thing I wanted was to be insulted, yelled at and have food thrown at me. Last time he had a melt down he threw several of my audio books off the shelf and threw them down the stiars breaking the cases and causing damage to them. I have had consequences for him and this is a new facat to his temper. He threw things when he was 5 and then stopped until just recently and I'm telling you I don't know what to do about it, besides doing what i normally do. Take privildges away and telling him that his behavior is unacceptable.
I realize that many parents have problems with thei teenagers with hormones and aggression, but adding AS on to that is like adding kerosene to a bond fire. There are going to be major sparks!
Anyway, the dog had feast on fries, and burger debris, and my youngest vacuumed up the rest and cleaned the sauce mess off the coach thankfully. but holy cow. I wish his father was around so I could ship him over there for a day or two. Anyway, I feel I need a break but in this pain I can't go anywhere so, I'll just pray that the Lord will guide me through this trial! He always does! :) Have a good day everyone!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Getting around can be a hassle!
So when was the last time you had a craving for ice cream and jumped in your car and went to the store to grab a half gallon? Or even better drive through Arctic Circle and grab a cone or shake or something? It is great to be able to just go where you want when your available to do so isn't it? Do we really appreciate the independence that driving affords us? Or are some people able to ride their bike around town or walk? It is great exercise to be able to do those things. I am happy that people are able to live their lives independently. Well, individuals who don't have vision or are unable to drive don't have that luxury. Don't get me wrong, I do nto begrudge those who can, I think it is great. We manage pretty well actually. We live close to a store and we walk there normally, once in a while someon ein the church will run me over to do some shopping. We live close to an Arctic Circle so we can simply walk there, even in blizzards (yes, we have done this), and we are close to the bus and take it many places. The problem arises when you are on a time crunch or the bus does not go where you need to go or it is a new place so you are not familiar enough with the surroundings to navigate safely.
Let's give a better example than ice cream. Though not sure what is better than ice cream, but we'll try. haha.
Christmas shopping. SO I arranged to take the local paratransit to the local outdoor mall Jordan's Landing here in West Jordan, Utah. It dropped me off at Wal-mart and one of my sons went with me and we walked around the giant outdoor mall. i Ttakes up about a mile in length and about as much in width. It is an open air mall. So, we did our thing and we had to watch the time to make sure to make it all teh way back to walmart for my half hour window of time when the bus was supposed to pick me and my son up. It worked out, though it was very cold and having to walk up and down the mall outside is hand numbing in winter. But what other choice did I have? I wanted to be able to buy presents for the son I was with but, yeah he was with me. So I had to arrange to come back with someone else, who decided it was their job to tell me that I was spending to much money. Now this person is not my spuse, or parent, just a lady who was wililng to take me to get what I wanted at the store. Let me tell you, noone likes to be told by people who have nothing to do with your finances that you are spending to much, or that you shouldn't buy this or that. It is very aggrivating. Although I don't ever say anything due to their generosity in taking me where I need to go. I was grateful and got my Christmas shopping done, yeah!
OK doctors visits. OH boy, don't we all love to go to the doctors? I don't mind so much, except the extreme effort it takes to get there. There has been many times when my children or I or all have been so sick that it is all I can do to call the doc and make an appointment much less call an entire list of people just to fine one person willing to drive us there, and pick us up. Before I go further I will say that some people are very willing to help, the problem arises when people are not available. This is noone's fault and I am nevery mad at the people if they have other plans. That is just the nature of life. We have had to cancel or postpone mroe than one appointment for lack of transportation.
Or, when I call somone after calling a list of people, no exageration on list either 8 or 9 people is not uncommon, and the person say's to me."Have you tried anyone else?" "if you can't find someone let me know and I'll take you" Are you serious? I tell them I have tried many people and they ask for names. It is probably just a pet peeve I have but I do not appreciate when someone says that to me. hah, there are wonderful caring giving people in the world that are willing to give of their time to help us out.
It is amazing that people are willing to put themselves out there for anyone much less drive them places, but there are people like that. It truly has helped us many, many times. We try our best to be as independant as possible, it just is difficult when you can not see what you are doing and have to do what is needed for your family without some kind of help.
I love my children and my home, and I love to be able to just go out and do things with them or by myself. This however is a huge challenge in our lives and I accept it and normally stay pretty positive abou tit, I never get upset at people for saying they can't help us. (ok except when they ask that horrid question haha) I give gas money as I can and/or we exchange services so that they are not out too much. I do love when I can take a cab (when I have the money) to the movie theatre, watch a movie with the kids have ice cream and Stone Cold Ice cream and take a cab home. It feels great, noone snooping in my business, and noone who has to hurrry so they can get home to their own families. I can take however much time I need to ro can. That is the beauty of indpendent living. I appreciate all those who heve helped us and I pray that the Lord will bless them for ther kindness.
I would love to drive some day, but it won't happen unless the Lord helas my eyes. It is His will that guides me.
My youngest son, Charles is turning 15 this spring and I am not sure about his ability to drive. HE has high functioning autism, but his eyes are fine. We shall see! We also will see about finding someone who will teach him to drive. Interesting dilema. :) Oh well, it will come soon enough. Life is good and thanks for reading!
Let's give a better example than ice cream. Though not sure what is better than ice cream, but we'll try. haha.
Christmas shopping. SO I arranged to take the local paratransit to the local outdoor mall Jordan's Landing here in West Jordan, Utah. It dropped me off at Wal-mart and one of my sons went with me and we walked around the giant outdoor mall. i Ttakes up about a mile in length and about as much in width. It is an open air mall. So, we did our thing and we had to watch the time to make sure to make it all teh way back to walmart for my half hour window of time when the bus was supposed to pick me and my son up. It worked out, though it was very cold and having to walk up and down the mall outside is hand numbing in winter. But what other choice did I have? I wanted to be able to buy presents for the son I was with but, yeah he was with me. So I had to arrange to come back with someone else, who decided it was their job to tell me that I was spending to much money. Now this person is not my spuse, or parent, just a lady who was wililng to take me to get what I wanted at the store. Let me tell you, noone likes to be told by people who have nothing to do with your finances that you are spending to much, or that you shouldn't buy this or that. It is very aggrivating. Although I don't ever say anything due to their generosity in taking me where I need to go. I was grateful and got my Christmas shopping done, yeah!
OK doctors visits. OH boy, don't we all love to go to the doctors? I don't mind so much, except the extreme effort it takes to get there. There has been many times when my children or I or all have been so sick that it is all I can do to call the doc and make an appointment much less call an entire list of people just to fine one person willing to drive us there, and pick us up. Before I go further I will say that some people are very willing to help, the problem arises when people are not available. This is noone's fault and I am nevery mad at the people if they have other plans. That is just the nature of life. We have had to cancel or postpone mroe than one appointment for lack of transportation.
Or, when I call somone after calling a list of people, no exageration on list either 8 or 9 people is not uncommon, and the person say's to me."Have you tried anyone else?" "if you can't find someone let me know and I'll take you" Are you serious? I tell them I have tried many people and they ask for names. It is probably just a pet peeve I have but I do not appreciate when someone says that to me. hah, there are wonderful caring giving people in the world that are willing to give of their time to help us out.
It is amazing that people are willing to put themselves out there for anyone much less drive them places, but there are people like that. It truly has helped us many, many times. We try our best to be as independant as possible, it just is difficult when you can not see what you are doing and have to do what is needed for your family without some kind of help.
I love my children and my home, and I love to be able to just go out and do things with them or by myself. This however is a huge challenge in our lives and I accept it and normally stay pretty positive abou tit, I never get upset at people for saying they can't help us. (ok except when they ask that horrid question haha) I give gas money as I can and/or we exchange services so that they are not out too much. I do love when I can take a cab (when I have the money) to the movie theatre, watch a movie with the kids have ice cream and Stone Cold Ice cream and take a cab home. It feels great, noone snooping in my business, and noone who has to hurrry so they can get home to their own families. I can take however much time I need to ro can. That is the beauty of indpendent living. I appreciate all those who heve helped us and I pray that the Lord will bless them for ther kindness.
I would love to drive some day, but it won't happen unless the Lord helas my eyes. It is His will that guides me.
My youngest son, Charles is turning 15 this spring and I am not sure about his ability to drive. HE has high functioning autism, but his eyes are fine. We shall see! We also will see about finding someone who will teach him to drive. Interesting dilema. :) Oh well, it will come soon enough. Life is good and thanks for reading!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Blindness
There are days in anyone's life that one just has to hang on and pray they live through the day. Well I have had my share of those days for sure. Saturday was one of those days. Some of the day was great such as going to the temple. However even at the temple, it was hard going by myself. TO understand this one must think of going to someplace they are not familiar with and you are wearing blinders on and you are expected to find your way around without any problem. I do have some vision but it is very narrow so I felt I would do fine at the temple. However, I have lost more vision than I have even admitted to myself, so it was very difficult for me to get to wear I was going. Then when I did someone asked me to give me my cane so I didn't trip someone. UGH, they helped me but it was just a feeling of helplessness that comes from having to depend on others. I decided to swalllow my pride and just enjoy the experience ad I did very uch.
Later that day I realized that my kids had done something that is not real good. and instead of saying they were sorry, they turned it aorund to somehow blame me. HOLY COW, I then went to ameeting and came home to a child who was being as grumpy as possible. I decided to just go to bed and hope for better.
Sunday was nice until the afternoon with more aggrivating attitudes, it got to a point that I had to take a walk or loose my temper. So I grabbed my cane, jacket, purse and left for a walk, well it was dark. I have no night vision at all. I started walking and realized very quickly that I had no where to go and it was not very safe for me to be out by myself in the dark. It was so frustrating that I couldn't even get myself down the street more than 100 yards. This is reality. But at times it is very frustrating. I felt I had nowhere and noone to turn to. But I was wrong The Savior is there for me and I do have a few friends that mean more to mean the gold.
A little about Retinitis Pigmentosa. RP is a digenerative(sp?) eye disease. So basically, the rods and cones in the retina are not firing correctly and pigmetn collects on the retina and where the pigment is I do not see. I have tunnerl vision which is less than 7 degrees in both eyes. Think about that, Majority of people in the US have close to 180 degrees. Dramatic huh? Well, anyway, I normally don't let it bother me but at times it does. I will eventually be totally blind. So I appreciate the vision, however limited that I do have. :) Anyway, jsut a glimpse into some of the frustration that happen. If anyone has any ideas on some good relaxation and stress relievers that don't require sight, let me know! :)
Later that day I realized that my kids had done something that is not real good. and instead of saying they were sorry, they turned it aorund to somehow blame me. HOLY COW, I then went to ameeting and came home to a child who was being as grumpy as possible. I decided to just go to bed and hope for better.
Sunday was nice until the afternoon with more aggrivating attitudes, it got to a point that I had to take a walk or loose my temper. So I grabbed my cane, jacket, purse and left for a walk, well it was dark. I have no night vision at all. I started walking and realized very quickly that I had no where to go and it was not very safe for me to be out by myself in the dark. It was so frustrating that I couldn't even get myself down the street more than 100 yards. This is reality. But at times it is very frustrating. I felt I had nowhere and noone to turn to. But I was wrong The Savior is there for me and I do have a few friends that mean more to mean the gold.
A little about Retinitis Pigmentosa. RP is a digenerative(sp?) eye disease. So basically, the rods and cones in the retina are not firing correctly and pigmetn collects on the retina and where the pigment is I do not see. I have tunnerl vision which is less than 7 degrees in both eyes. Think about that, Majority of people in the US have close to 180 degrees. Dramatic huh? Well, anyway, I normally don't let it bother me but at times it does. I will eventually be totally blind. So I appreciate the vision, however limited that I do have. :) Anyway, jsut a glimpse into some of the frustration that happen. If anyone has any ideas on some good relaxation and stress relievers that don't require sight, let me know! :)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Order of the Arrow accomplishment
I am one proud mama. My youngest son, Charles, came home Saturday from a Boy Scout winter camp with a big smile and a red arrow head. He told me that he was elected to be a member of "order of the arrow". He qualifed because he has obtained his first class rank and has had 15 capmouts. He is only 14, and is thrilled. This despite some rough goes.
He is a very friendly loving young man who is always wiling to help another person. He marches to the beat of a different drummer and that has created alot of prejudice amungst his peers and his leaders in the past. He was diagnosed with Autism pddnow about 2 1/2 years ago. We knew something was a bit different with him but he seemed failry "average" compared to the problems we had with Jimmy. We tried to get him assistance but to no avail until we moved from Oregon to Utah. Within 9 months of us moving here he was diagnosed. His 6th grade teacher immediatly recognized some red flags. When he eventually was diagnosed with Autism (pddnos) the treatmetn did not improve right away. Instead of blaming bad parenting for his odd behavior, they blamed him and tried to limit his contribution to the troop. He did not do alot with scouts for a while because of that. One of the things that sticks out in my mind is one Wednesday evening, the scouts had made plans to go visit the police station. I had arranged with the scout master to pick up Charles and take him along. I spoke with him 15 minutes before it was time to verify he had planned on taking him. Charles went out on our orch and waited for him, he never came to get him. He was not a happy camper, I called my oldest son who happened to be with the Bishop and so I told him what had happened and he had his councilor come pick up Jason and rushed him over to the station, unfortunatly, the tour was almost over, so he missed out. The saddest part is that he wants more than anything to become a detective. The gentlemethan rushed him over felt awful for him and so took him to have some ice cream. That was nice, but it wasn't as cool as touring a police station. Come to find out they had not wanted Charles to come because they didn't understand autism. They were afraid of it. It is not contagious you can not catch it by being near someone who has the disorder and you can't get it from touching them either. Despite this, after about a year, he got back into scouts with a new troop who has been a bit better with him. Thankfully, he has perceveired and though many people aren't sure how to act around him, they quickly find out he is quirky but he is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, etc... and is a boy who wants to participate just like everyone else does. So I am very pleased that he has stuck to it and has accomplished being elected by his peers to join the Order of the Arrow. !!
He is a very friendly loving young man who is always wiling to help another person. He marches to the beat of a different drummer and that has created alot of prejudice amungst his peers and his leaders in the past. He was diagnosed with Autism pddnow about 2 1/2 years ago. We knew something was a bit different with him but he seemed failry "average" compared to the problems we had with Jimmy. We tried to get him assistance but to no avail until we moved from Oregon to Utah. Within 9 months of us moving here he was diagnosed. His 6th grade teacher immediatly recognized some red flags. When he eventually was diagnosed with Autism (pddnos) the treatmetn did not improve right away. Instead of blaming bad parenting for his odd behavior, they blamed him and tried to limit his contribution to the troop. He did not do alot with scouts for a while because of that. One of the things that sticks out in my mind is one Wednesday evening, the scouts had made plans to go visit the police station. I had arranged with the scout master to pick up Charles and take him along. I spoke with him 15 minutes before it was time to verify he had planned on taking him. Charles went out on our orch and waited for him, he never came to get him. He was not a happy camper, I called my oldest son who happened to be with the Bishop and so I told him what had happened and he had his councilor come pick up Jason and rushed him over to the station, unfortunatly, the tour was almost over, so he missed out. The saddest part is that he wants more than anything to become a detective. The gentlemethan rushed him over felt awful for him and so took him to have some ice cream. That was nice, but it wasn't as cool as touring a police station. Come to find out they had not wanted Charles to come because they didn't understand autism. They were afraid of it. It is not contagious you can not catch it by being near someone who has the disorder and you can't get it from touching them either. Despite this, after about a year, he got back into scouts with a new troop who has been a bit better with him. Thankfully, he has perceveired and though many people aren't sure how to act around him, they quickly find out he is quirky but he is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, etc... and is a boy who wants to participate just like everyone else does. So I am very pleased that he has stuck to it and has accomplished being elected by his peers to join the Order of the Arrow. !!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Sence of Humor
I have to say that my middle son, has an incredible sence of witt. He is always making me laugh. There is a story that I can tell without embarrassing him TOO much, of last September.
My oldest son, Phil, had his 19th birthday party at our house where several lady friends attended as well as several male friends. We all started pplaying the game Apples2Apples and the teenage guys were practically throwing themselves at the cute girls. Somehow, Jimmy managed to sit next to two of the girls and one of the topics on the game we were playing was "adorable" So owe all picked a card out of our decks that owuld fit adorable, Well, Jimmy, put in a "make your own card" and so when the girl asked him what his card would say for adorable he looked at her and without batting an eye said, you. haha Needless to say, he won the round.
TO appreciate this story one must understand that children who have Asperger's Syndrome typically have difficulty teling or understanding jokes, they have poor social skills and are not sure what to say to people. So when he says something out of the blue like that it shows the true witt he has inside himself. He at times, will say things randomly that are so hilarious that we are dying of laughter and he is just sitting there asking "what's so funny?" I try to explain to him what it was that made us laugh about what he said, but he doesn't get it normally. As he has gotten older he is starting to recognize timing of comments and so his sense of humor is improving as well.
Asperger's is part of the Autism Spectrum. It is closely related to High functioning Autism. He has high intellect, it is the comprehension of things, and the social aspects that are so obvious with him.
I love his sense of humor and am pleased that it is improving. Now, let's work on the "policemans' mentality" more on that another itme.
My oldest son, Phil, had his 19th birthday party at our house where several lady friends attended as well as several male friends. We all started pplaying the game Apples2Apples and the teenage guys were practically throwing themselves at the cute girls. Somehow, Jimmy managed to sit next to two of the girls and one of the topics on the game we were playing was "adorable" So owe all picked a card out of our decks that owuld fit adorable, Well, Jimmy, put in a "make your own card" and so when the girl asked him what his card would say for adorable he looked at her and without batting an eye said, you. haha Needless to say, he won the round.
TO appreciate this story one must understand that children who have Asperger's Syndrome typically have difficulty teling or understanding jokes, they have poor social skills and are not sure what to say to people. So when he says something out of the blue like that it shows the true witt he has inside himself. He at times, will say things randomly that are so hilarious that we are dying of laughter and he is just sitting there asking "what's so funny?" I try to explain to him what it was that made us laugh about what he said, but he doesn't get it normally. As he has gotten older he is starting to recognize timing of comments and so his sense of humor is improving as well.
Asperger's is part of the Autism Spectrum. It is closely related to High functioning Autism. He has high intellect, it is the comprehension of things, and the social aspects that are so obvious with him.
I love his sense of humor and am pleased that it is improving. Now, let's work on the "policemans' mentality" more on that another itme.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
A little about my family
OK, time to introduce my family and discribe our disabilities:
I have Retinitis Pigmentosa, which is an inherited, degenerative eye disease. So, I do have some vision, but am loosing a little all the time until one day unless the Lord stop's it, I will be totally blind. I have been a single mother for 4 1/2 years and have graduated from college with my Associates Degree in 2006 and with my Bachelor of Science this past December. I have been a stay at home for majority of my kids life but for the past 3 years have been a Substitute teacher at a local High School. I graduated in Music and Special Education. I have worked as an advocate for parents who have children with disabiliteis as well as a peer support consultant. I do know some things about disability law, though truly to know everything is impossible it seems.
My oldest son, is legally blind with the same disorder I have. He also was diagnosed with ADD (AttentionDeficit Disorder) He graduated from High School a year and a half ago and attended college for a year before starting a service mission for his church this month. It will last 2 years. He worked for Arctic Circle for the past 4 years and just recently quit for his mission. He has had alot of experiences that I will share regarding working in the fast food industry with a vision loss and the trials of dating.
My middle son, Jimmy, has several disorders. He has Aspergers Syndrome, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Dyspraxia of Speech, Retinitis Pigmentosa (eye disease), and ADD. Jimmy is a junio at the local High School and spends the rest of his time either playing video games, chatting about video games, or once in a while reading a book. The combination of his disabilities has led to a very fun time for me. I'll explain more another time. :)
My youngest son has Autism PDDNOS that is Autism Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified) He is a freshman at a local middle school and is eagerly awaiting entry into high school. He loves to read manga's, watch Japanese Aname. He also likes to play video games and reads once in a while.
As you can tell so far, my kids are all going through general education and we have had alot of trials with the schools. However, things have improved for there special education needs as I become more educated with the laws. We have a busy life though it is definatly different than others as far as we are more home bodies than other's but we still lead a full rich life full of ups and downs like everyone else. Every person ever born has a unique set of genes and chromosones. But, every person has the exact same basic need, breathing, food, shelter, and love. Every life is important and every person is a child of God.
I will say that my family and I are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and that we love the Lord, Jesus Christ with all our hearts, mind, and strength. I will not hide my beliefs and I respect everyone's right to believe as his or her choice. I would request that this blog be used for understanding people with disabilities and not as a forum for bashing anyone's beliefs.
I'll write more soon,
Brownierose
I have Retinitis Pigmentosa, which is an inherited, degenerative eye disease. So, I do have some vision, but am loosing a little all the time until one day unless the Lord stop's it, I will be totally blind. I have been a single mother for 4 1/2 years and have graduated from college with my Associates Degree in 2006 and with my Bachelor of Science this past December. I have been a stay at home for majority of my kids life but for the past 3 years have been a Substitute teacher at a local High School. I graduated in Music and Special Education. I have worked as an advocate for parents who have children with disabiliteis as well as a peer support consultant. I do know some things about disability law, though truly to know everything is impossible it seems.
My oldest son, is legally blind with the same disorder I have. He also was diagnosed with ADD (AttentionDeficit Disorder) He graduated from High School a year and a half ago and attended college for a year before starting a service mission for his church this month. It will last 2 years. He worked for Arctic Circle for the past 4 years and just recently quit for his mission. He has had alot of experiences that I will share regarding working in the fast food industry with a vision loss and the trials of dating.
My middle son, Jimmy, has several disorders. He has Aspergers Syndrome, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Dyspraxia of Speech, Retinitis Pigmentosa (eye disease), and ADD. Jimmy is a junio at the local High School and spends the rest of his time either playing video games, chatting about video games, or once in a while reading a book. The combination of his disabilities has led to a very fun time for me. I'll explain more another time. :)
My youngest son has Autism PDDNOS that is Autism Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified) He is a freshman at a local middle school and is eagerly awaiting entry into high school. He loves to read manga's, watch Japanese Aname. He also likes to play video games and reads once in a while.
As you can tell so far, my kids are all going through general education and we have had alot of trials with the schools. However, things have improved for there special education needs as I become more educated with the laws. We have a busy life though it is definatly different than others as far as we are more home bodies than other's but we still lead a full rich life full of ups and downs like everyone else. Every person ever born has a unique set of genes and chromosones. But, every person has the exact same basic need, breathing, food, shelter, and love. Every life is important and every person is a child of God.
I will say that my family and I are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and that we love the Lord, Jesus Christ with all our hearts, mind, and strength. I will not hide my beliefs and I respect everyone's right to believe as his or her choice. I would request that this blog be used for understanding people with disabilities and not as a forum for bashing anyone's beliefs.
I'll write more soon,
Brownierose
My first blog
Hello Everyone, this is my first blog. I'll start by explaining what this blog is about. It is about my life as a single blind mom who has 3 boys. Why is that something to write about? Well, the three boys of which I speak all have some kind of disability. So, as a single mom who has a disability and has children with their disabilities I wanted a forum where people can read what it is like to live life with a disability.
There are many disabilities in the world and is the only group where anyone can join it at any timeand is the largest growing group in the world. It is also largely misunderstood.
My goal is to share with the world, the ups and downs of real life of a family who has disabilities. I would invite people to share their experiences as well, both positive and not so positive. However, I will not divulge the identity of my children for their privacy is important to me. I look forward to this and to see where it may lead! Feel free to comment! Keep it clean though please!
Sincerely,
brownierose
There are many disabilities in the world and is the only group where anyone can join it at any timeand is the largest growing group in the world. It is also largely misunderstood.
My goal is to share with the world, the ups and downs of real life of a family who has disabilities. I would invite people to share their experiences as well, both positive and not so positive. However, I will not divulge the identity of my children for their privacy is important to me. I look forward to this and to see where it may lead! Feel free to comment! Keep it clean though please!
Sincerely,
brownierose
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
