Autism has its' routine back!

Hi there,

It's been three weeks since I last reported.  JB has been at school and to my surprise, school has been quite a triumph.  He has been happy to go every single day, which is so different from last year.  I wish you couldd all see him run to his morning van.....he gets on the van, buckles himself in, and says good morning to all the kids.  Last year, there were times I could barely get him out the door.  But I think I prepared him differently this year.....this year, it wasn't you have to go to school.  It is that you "GET" to go to school.  And there is nothing better than getting to go to school!

My daughter is having a very different experience this year.  She has always been the one to be super excited to go to school.  I worry about her....she is having a lot of friend issues.  And, I worry that it is way too much stress for a 10 year old who already has enough stress.  You see, Autism is something she deals with daily.  It's not just me or her dad.  Everything revolves around what we HAVE to do for JB.....therapy 4 times a week, sometimes not going places just because we, as in mom and dad, don't want to deal..... Let me tell you, we are getting better.  I know I am becoming less afraid and more willing to take on the idea that behaviors happen.  But, I think my daughter has become so overly sensitive that anything becomes drama.....she thinks it is the end of the world and she has started to tell me that life is already hard enough because of JB.  That, my friends, is hard to take in.  Soooooo, what do you do????

I reach out.  I ask others for help.  In fact, my daughter has a mentor.....a daughter of one of my girlfriends, who has taken my daughter under her wing.  All I had to do was call and off they went for a girl date....I think having someone beyond mom to talk to is good.  But it still leaves me in a quandry because I am trying so hard to be attentive to her.....really, to everyone.  And it seems sometimes like I am failing.  Like it's never enough!  Ever felt that way yourself?  It's not fun....and I often realize how much I leave my own #selfie out of the picture....it's okay, because that is what we moms do!  I think!

So.......what's my point?  Well, it's amazing how tables turn.  The kid with Autism is having lots of positives at school.  He is doing things that are momentous steps, like running for student government!!!!  Helloooooooo?????  Go JB go!  It has blown me away and my thoughts for the future are in a positive place.  But then, my daughter's woes have broken my heart and filled me with so much worry that my cup truly overflows.....I am spending lots of time making sure she is ok.  Letting her know that she is amazing because she is....she so is!

I think there is always something......there is always something going on.  It's difficult to juggle, but we juggle the best we can.  Ya kinda have to as a parent I think!  Your energy is for them....your heart is for them.  You want to teach your child to maneuver through life so they can live their best life!  I just hope I am supportive enough....

TTFN
Martha