Sunday, January 20, 2013

More Mommy Appreciation

It's been a while since my wife, Jonathan's mom, went on a business trip or girl's weekend.  This weekend she is, and she's running a half-marathon in sunny Phoenix, Arizona while Jon Jon and I are curled up in our warm house while the temps hover around 10 degrees with plans to dip below zero in the next few days. 

This is also one of those times when I realize just how much Jen does for Jonathan, and how much she does around here.  And we both appreciate her more than we can usually say. 

It also says a lot that of all the books Jonathan has, the ones he wants read to him at night the most are the social stories about our family, and specifically about times like this to help him understand that Mommy isn't going to be home every day--that life includes business trips and other events that throw routine out the window.  And since most kids on the spectrum want structure and are anal retentive about that structure and routine, it's doubly difficult to guide them through the adjustments. Those books are comforting to him and I'm glad Jen takes the time to put them together.

She also quarterbacks a rigorous morning and nighttime routine that requires a several-page manual, right down to the scripted conversation we're supposed to have on the way to school. 

I will say it's nice to have some one on one time with Jonathan, and I think the older he gets, the more he appreciates that time together. 

So today is a day of appreciation for Mommy, as she is running that half-marathon right now.  We are sending vibes of love and good luck, and we also are looking forward to appreciating her in person tomorrow night. 

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Happy 2013!!

My husband writes a newsletter for his business every month.  The latest one included a cute story about Jonathan with a thoughtful message attached.  I wanted to share.    He says...

"Happy New Year everyone, and welcome to 2013.  Sometimes we learn things from our kids, and sometimes they do things that inadvertently send us subliminal or not-so-subliminal messages.  Recently our five-year-old son, who has autism, has become obsessed with digital clocks, and in particular with trying to literally turn back time.  The clock may change from 9:31 to 9:32, and he will say “thirty-one!” and change it back to 9:31.  This sometimes will go on for a while, off and on, and as a result I may walk into our bedroom, and the clock may tell me it’s 10:15 even though it’s really 11:20. 
We all joke about wanting to turn back time, and on how time flies, blah blah blah.  But we also accept that we cannot stop time from whizzing by.  What our son taught me is that while that may be true, it doesn’t mean we can’t try, or throw a Hail Mary every once in a while.  Breaking the rules or trying to bend them or somehow trying to alter what we typically accept as set in stone is usually futile, but may someday be exhilarating if we keep at it. 
Where am I going with this?  My son’s message to me, though probably not intentional, is that anything is possible—you just have to try.  There is nothing wrong with asking, “What if?”  (and nothing wrong with having an extremely active imagination, either).  That’s also how some of the greatest music has been created. "
 
 
Happy New Year all!!!  Looking forward to a year of growth, celebration and being present in the moment.