2018 has been a mixed bag for my #Autism family but we’re grateful for every moment

As I'm writing this, there's only a few more hours left in 2018. As the new year has gotten closer, I've been reflecting on some of the things that have happened this year. It's been a mixed bag for sure but I'd like to think that 2018 was better than 2017, and in many ways it was. There have been moments of heartache and loss as we've said goodbye to loved ones who've passed on. A few hours ago, I got off the phone with my mother, who informed me that hospice has been called in for my grandfather. He's been living with my parents for awhile now and we've known this moment was coming but I'm not ready, not that anyone ever is. 😔 We've had several major health…

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I’m disappointed

I'm really disappointed because I was really hoping to go walking and end the year strong. Unfortunately, it's pouring down rain and it's only 40°F. It's a bit too cold to walk in this much rain. On the positive side, I've already far exceeded my goal of 200,000 steps for the month and that's ultimately where I need to be. I'm disappointed but I'm moving forward because there's nothing I can do about it. Rather than let it ruin my day, I'm going to let things happen as they will and not let it get me down. I've made serious progress this year and one day won't make a difference. ☺

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We haven’t had a fully working stove for almost a decade

This is intended to be a very quick update to something I shared late last week. Just to get everyone on the same page quickly, I'll remind you what was going on. It's been the better part of a decade since we've had a fully working stove. The oven, along with two of the four burners hadn't worked in about ten years. With everything else we had going and with money being tight, it was just something we never were able replace. We have been using a toaster over, air fryer, microwave, crock pot and more recently a pressure cooker to work around our problem. It wasn't perfect but it worked. Anyway, for Christmas this year, my parents surprised us with a brand new gas range. We were able to…

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Things don’t always go as planned but we make do as best we can

One of the big things I've learned over the years is that things are not always going to go as planned, especially with four Autistic people living under one roof. We often find ourselves living minute to minute because there's simply so many variables in play that there's literally no way to plan for anything. As a family, we've all had to learn to adapt and change when needed because sometimes that's necessary for survival. It's really important that we don't allow sudden change to throw us too far off course. Some of us deal with change and unpredictability better than others but we all help each other when needed and we continue to move forward as a family. For those who are unaware, people with Autism tend to not…

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The side effects of the holidays can be rough for #Autism families

It's been a long week and a really rough day so far. Kids with Autism can struggle with all the excitement, overstimulation, anxiety and emotions involved with the holidays. Mine are no exception. We've had fighting, meltdowns and other emotional outbursts all day today. I've decided that we need an intervention because the tension is only hurting everyone and frankly, I can't take it anymore. I think we're going to take advantage of the beautiful weather and visit Quail Hollow. Maybe we'll do a short hike and take some pictures. The boys need a physical outlet for their emotional overload and a constructive way to decompress. I'm hoping that we will be able to find some relief for the kids, for their sakes and ours.

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Today’s #Autism parenting journey in pictures

Today was a mixed bag of really awesome, really frustrating and a bit of whatever fell in between. Overall, we made some amazing memories today. We ended up having to go through some shit to make them but that's all part of the journey, right? Of course it is... I thought I would do things a little different today. Rather than write a 1,000 words, I will share a few pictures from key moments that took place today and briefly explain why they were pivotal moments. ☺ This took place immediately after our guy time this afternoon. We said goodbye to my Dad and brother before heading to Giant Eagle for some desperately nedded groceries. I normally don't take all three boys with me to grocery store because it ends…

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We’re having a guys day out today

We're doing something a little different today. We're having a guys day out today. The boys and I have guys nights on occasion but this is a bit different. Rather than simply being myself and the boys, it will be my Dad, brother and nephew as well. Were going to see Aquaman and grab some lunch together. I'm super excited.. ☺

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Such is life when parenting a child with fragile health

Most people will never know, let alone fully understand what it's like to have a child with fragile health. Please understand that if you are among the many who don't get it, count your blessing every single day because I wouldn't wish this on anyone. Living in constant fear for your child's life is truly awful. The stress is endless and the heartache is abundant. The guilt for not being able to take away your child's pain or fear is unbearable on a good day and I'll just say that the bad days are really bad. 😔 My oldest son has several life threatening health conditions and they require frequent doctors visits, hospital stays both planned and emergent, as well as special procedures every few days. Thankfully, he's not be…

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