Read more about the article We’re laying my Grandfather to rest this morning and this is what we’re doing with the kids
Autism Parenting Insight / Elliott / Emmett John / My thoughts

We’re laying my Grandfather to rest this morning and this is what we’re doing with the kids

It's going to be a rough day. My Grandfather's funeral is this morning and it's about an hour away. Calling hours will immediately be followed by the funeral. It's all in one day and I guess that's a thing now. Honestly, it's better this way because it makes it easier for everyone to be there for everything and that's important. After several discussions with Dr. Pattie, my parents, Lizze's parents and some of you, we decided to give the boys the opportunity to attend the funeral. This is only for Elliott and Emmett, as it's best for all, including Gavin, if he stays back. Both boys wanted to go and until last night, that was the plan. While I was out walking last night, Elliott decided that it would be…

9 Comments
January 8, 2019
Read more about the article A few things you should NEVER say to an #Autism parent
Autism Parenting Insight / My thoughts

A few things you should NEVER say to an #Autism parent

While this is meant to be somewhat humorous, it's also trying to make a point. Statements like these are not helpful. They can can be annoying and even downright offensive. I can't tell you how many times I've heard things like: You should use a sticker chart because all kids respond to sticker charts. You need to discipline your child and they won't act that way. Are you sure he's Autistic because he doesn't look Autistic. Don't worry, he'll outgrow it. He's just a picky eater, and he'll eat when he's hungry. I know all about Autism, I've seen Rain Man. I will say that a good number of the people who have said these things to me have been well intentioned. They mean well but at the same time,…

2 Comments
January 7, 2019
Read more about the article My Grandpa just passed away and I thought I’d share some memories
My thoughts

My Grandpa just passed away and I thought I’d share some memories

On January 4, 2019, my Grandfather passed away. I know many of you are aware that he'd been living with my parents for a while now. 2018 had been a pretty rough year for him. He's suffered multiple strokes and he lost much of his independence but he never lost his sense of humor. He was basically a mischievous child trapped in a 92 year olds body and we all loved him for it. My grandfather was a Marine, serving during World War II. He was incredibly proud of his service to our country and inspired some of his grandchildren to serve as well. Growing up, we lived about an hour or so apart but I spent a lot of time with my grandparents, especially during the summer. We were…

4 Comments
January 6, 2019
Read more about the article I’ve had better days
My thoughts

I’ve had better days

I've been thinking about how to describe the way I'm feeling and the only thing I can come up with is that I've had better days. I know that sounds pretty generic but its all I have at the moment. I'm not in a really good place and I'm struggling to sorta keep the ship righted. I'm completely exhausted both physically and emotionally. I didn't sleep last night and I can feel depression taking hold of me. There's too much happening all at once and I'm bogged down, no longer able to process things right now. All I want to do is shutdown for a little while but unfortunately, that's simply not an option. I have too many things that I have to figure out in the next couple of…

5 Comments
January 5, 2019
Read more about the article I’m so heartbroken tonight
My thoughts

I’m so heartbroken tonight

Lizze and the boys are in bed. I'm with my parents and siblings, sitting with my grandfather. This is fucking awful and it's so hard to bare witness to someone leaving this life. We sat the boys down and explained what was happening. They were able to visit with him but Emmett is taking it really hard. Elliott is internalizing everything at the moment but he will likely breakdown as soon as he let's his guard down. Gavin is completely obvious and unaffected. I took everyone home a couple hours ago and I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I'll probably eventually go home but it doesn't feel right to do that. When my grandmother passed away fifteen years ago, Lizze and I left the hospital and didn't make…

5 Comments
January 3, 2019
Read more about the article Praying the @clevelandclinic can help my wife
Cleveland Clinic / Lizze / Migraines / My thoughts / Neurological Center for Pain

Praying the @clevelandclinic can help my wife

Lizze and I made it to the Cleveland Clinic's Neurological Center for Pain. We actually made it 10 minutes early and considering traffic, that's a miracle. Lizze and I have set a goal to find at least some answers but also some relief from her constant, crippling pain. We need to get the medication situation straightened out immediately. Wish us luck but also know that she's in good hands with the Cleveland Clinic.. ☺

4 Comments
January 3, 2019