Dreams

I wanted to tell you about the dream I had about Dad last night.

 

We were at the funeral home.  I had gone to an upstairs closet or bathroom that lead to another room that went higher and then to a sun filled place.  Kim was there with me and Dad walked in, he was so young and he looked so wonderful, probably around 35 or 40ish.  The funeral director came to the door.   Dad stood there for a minute and smiled and then went into the room and walked toward the other room that went a little higher and then into the sunlight he went.  I turned to Kim and said, “Didn’t he look so great and young?”  Kim said, “No, Deb I could only see him as an older man.”  I turned to the funeral director and he nodded.  I went down stairs to where the coffin was and Mom was standing alone in front of it.  And at the last minute all of Mom’s siblings came in walking in a straight line, arm in arm, all dressed in black and surrounded her in a circle. (kind of a representation of her family gathering around her).

 

All in all it was a good dream.  I miss him.

Hey Media, what does this mean…exactly?

It seems we’ve been upgrading computers and machines and downgrading our humanity and individuality for so long it is hard to spot until the finger is pointed at us.

Could any of us take the scrutiny that so many take in the media these days? 

From a mother disciplining her child in what she thought was private; to whether a FEMALE candidate should have her young family with her; to a mother so divided between so many duties, wife, mother, housekeeper, executive that she would forget her own newborn, these are ordinary people thrust into the limelight.  Being judged as if there was no humanity and that they should have never made a mistake or done that, shame on them.

Have you compared them with the Hollywood elite that all the media root for to do better, Brittany, Paris, Lindsey?  Seems they can make repeated mistakes, vowing to do something better with their lives and…well, you know the rest…they are rubber and we are glue.

Feel left out as an ordinary person?  What if it happened to you?  Which category would you fall into? 

It makes one wonder if “us worker bees” are being set up to work as computers with nary a mistake to be made and those that are deemed by the media as “queen bees” get passes for being “human.” 

Makes a difference as to how the media depits it all, doesn’t it?  Bias in the media?  Oh come on…they are all fair and balanced.

So which island will you land on?   THE ISLAND

Thanks Mom and Dad!

http://www.dailypress.com/news/opinion/dp-ed_suntopletter_0511may11,0,7289775.story

 

 

THANKS and by the way…

First, thanks to all of you who’ve been keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.  I really feel them in my heart and soul.  THANK YOU for them.  I really do sit in thoughtful prayer for you as well.  I’m a big giver so when I receive I tend to give back even more.  Your continued thoughts and prayers of support are very appreciated.  As we know more of the details I’ll share them.  Right now we are in a holding pattern but circling the airport.  ha!

I have several things that are pressing, several things that must come out, I’m compelled.

I’ve done a dozen or so posts on autism.  I think highly of so many bloggers who are autistic or parents of autistic children.  I respect them, their view of things, their frustration of things, their joy of things, their need to help others understand, agree, being able to learn and grow.  Just knowing how nice it is to reach out to each other when needed is a wonderful thing. 

In this age of “bi-polar-isms” I refuse to define my precious, sweet son by autism, nor will I.  He is smart, loving, handsome like his dad (of course), very tall, a reader, into astrology, a thinker, a dreamer, he hums happy tunes, still likes to skip (me too…like Phoebe from friends), likes routine (like his dad), sounds just like his brother (vice-versa) when he talks, has an amazing memory, adores his third grade teacher, can easily entertain himself, becomes deeply involved with things he enjoys, can’t concentrate on things he doesn’t and more, more, more.

So what am I getting at???  I’ve been holding my son’s story close (odd because I share so easily) but I’m nervous it will define him.  Or WORSE, that HE thinks that is how I define HIM.

God has been pushing gently at me from many directions and I had my AHA moment this morning, NO FEAR.  I now know I’m to post it, I’m compelled to post it.  In faith I will post it and pray that it reaches those that it is supposed to reach and help.  In faith I will post it believing that my son will KNOW that autism is only a small sliver of who he is, something to help him in his life’s journey and that I love him more than words.  Amen.  Thank you God for love, mercy, all things seen and unseen.

 

The Age of Autism

 

Nicole Beurkens the Director of Horizons Developmental Remediation Center in Michigan asked me to mention that during the month of April for every new person who signs up for a free newsletter at www.horizonsautism.com  her clinic will make a donation to a scholarship fund for parents who require financial assistance to access treatment. 

I do this as an informational service and to be helpful, not as a recommendation.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND any individual treatment, place, etc.  I do have links to a variety of autism websites for informational purposes. 

I think each child and family are unique and could benefit from any number of people, places and programs. 

I recommend:

     education, read as much as you can as quickly as you can about similar situations.

     early intervention if possible but it is NEVER too late!

     deep breathing, for you, your child, your family, it helps!

     at least a consultation with a neurodevelopmentalist.

     one way all the way isn’t necessarily THE way, try lots of things to see what works for YOU!

     read, reach out to others, use their experience to help yourself and your family (use ME)! 

This is by far my favorite definition of autism because I find it the truth.

Always

Unique

Totally

Interesting

Sometimes

Mysterious 

 Above all, love is love is love.  Everyone has difficulties in life we can rejoice about them and how we are different or lament about it.  I ALWAYS choose to rejoice because I’m never bored, there is always something to do or learn.  Thank God!  I get to choose happiness!

Whew!

Some weeks are just more hectic than others…and I’m thankful for it.

Last week included replacing a hot water heater. Thanks to Hungry Hubby it was done in less than four days and cost $400 less than any estimate.  Thanking God it happened AFTER Easter dinner (literally right after dishes were done) AND that we live in a time when we have hot water coming straight to a faucet near you!

I’m finally taking a moment to review our Easter weekend in pictures.  Colored Easter eggs, chocolate covered Easter eggs and dinner with my first souffle.

      

         

 

Giving thanks every day!    

Celebrations in order!

Not just because it is St. Paddy’s Day…but by the by, Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you!

 More importantly several things have happened of late that deem a celebration! 

Big Boy (who is autistic) has had several leaps forward in a row!

He has learned to cope with the fire alarm sound (the latest one was his 3rd without problems).  Yippee!

Last week he turned to READ MY FACE after something  I said to see if I was joking or serious.  HUGE!

He got a joke that involved a play on words!!!!! 

Lastly, he and Young Son landed a Mario and Luigi stuffed toy (with help from Hungry Hubby) in one of their favorite games, Skeeball.

GOD, thank you…. I am so truly blessed! 

Why am I tired, sleepy, depressed, not feeling well?

Forgive me, I’ve been holding this piece for longer than I should have and I know it.   I’ve been gently nudged here and there and I’ve been lax.  I PRAY this reaches the person/people it is meant for because I am well over a two months in posting it. 

First I’m going to tell you I am NOT >>>>NOT>>>>NOT a doctor or nurse. 

I AM telling from my own experience and it is so others can recognize and ASK their doctor to check for this possibility for them.

I’m not going into a lot of boring details but I do want others to be aware of things I was not.  It took me several years of prescription drugs NOT working and one simple test to find out what was REALLY wrong with me.  I don’t understand how my doctors (several) could not have given me a simple test rather than shuffling me through ALL the depression drugs.   I do believe they were trying to help me, I do believe that they get so much pushed at them and in their desire to help they look to drugs maybe a little too often. 

Maybe because I had SYMPTOMS of depression.  So if you seem to have symptoms of depression please ALSO CHECK FOR ANEMIA OR LOW IRON!  

HERE ARE THE SYMPTOMS 

Many symptoms are the same as depression.   

Other reading:

What is Anemia?

About Anemia and low iron

Consumer Reports (November 2007)  Requip is for restless legs.  But did you know that low iron can cause this????  caffeine???  alcohol????  tobacco???  cold remedies??? even pregnancy??

photo by omghawt

The Truth about Women in Despair

I’ve come across another blog via Angie’s blog  named WomanHonorThyself.  Today, she made excellent observations about how downtrodden and depressed so many women are these days.   

As it fizzled in my brain I thought and commented:

It is hard to admit that we women don’t honor ourselves.  But is it easy to see when the evidence is pointed out so clearly.

I remember a commercial that defined/predicted the onslaught of depression in women:

“I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never let you forget you’re a man.  Cause I’m a woman!”

This is expected of us.  Latch-key kids weren’t included in that song…who the heck is raising the kids? 

Our society has been hypnotised by commercial personas that led/lead us to believe/desire what is dangled out in front of us as the “carrot” of life.  The essense of life is to have what the commercials tell us to have because it makes everyone so happy to have it. 

We can turn just about anything from one perspective to another making it sound so terrible or so great.  But the truth is the truth. 

NO ONE… NO ONE… NO ONE has it ALL.  There are some who would argue that statement.  But deep down we all know the TRUTH. 

Invasion of the Hubby Snatchers!!!!

That is right…invasion of the Hubby Snatchers…coming to a blog near you!

I couldn’t help but snap a few pictures to document the fact that I went to sleep with one large hubby and woke up to two smaller versions this morning.

  

HOW do they do that and WHEN do they do that?  My hubby explains it as a push and shove proposition that takes place late at night after a spell has been cast over me. 

It is quite magical and fun!  I plan to cherish these moments as they go so very quickly.

And while I’m reminded through pictures,  I’m also building ammo for the terrible teens!  😉

Autism Stories – Paths

A special series about autism.

Sunday:  Brothers with autism.

Monday:  Patrick

What’s behind the increase?

What you should know about autism.

Types of autism.

The Girls in MY Circle

THE GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE

When I was little,
I used to believe in the concept  of one best friend,
and then I started to become a woman. 
I  found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
You will be shown the best, in many friends.

One friend is needed when you’re going through things with your partner.
Another friend when you’re going through things with your parents.
Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

One friend  will say, “Let’s cry together,”
another, “Let’s fight together,”  
another, “Let’s walk away together.” One friend will meet your spiritual need,
another your shoe fetish,
another your love for movies,
another will be with you in your season of confusion,
another will be your clarifier,
another the wind beneath your wings. But whatever their assignment in your life,
on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day,
or to hold you back from making a complete  fool of yourself …
those are your best friends.

It may all be  wrapped up in one woman,
but for many, it’s wrapped up in several…  
one from junior high school,
one from the college years,
a couple from old jobs,
on some days your mother,
on some  days your sister,
on others, your aunt, cousin or a neighbor,
and some days a blog buddy.

Author Unknown

Thanks so ALL the GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE!

Online Shopping DEALS!

AVOID THE SEA OF HUMANITY!

SHOP ONLINE AND FIND SOME BARGAINS!

Can I just say EBAY??!!!  Wow if I had some extra bucks I’d be pulling in some deals right now.  Some EBAYERS are offering free shipping…check it out!  

Here are some other links to consider when shopping for bargains online this year:

 http://www.fatwallet.com/  Online coupons, deals, cash back and comparison shopping!  YES, I want a fat wallet after Christmas!!!

 http://www.rebateshare.com/  Rebates, deals, offers, you can’t afford NOT to check out this website! 

http://www.ebates.com You must join to find out the offers but the kicker to join is a $10 card to one of the following:  Best Buy, Target, Sephora, Office Depot or iTunes OR you can opt for $5 CASH! 

Hope these are helpful to you.  I LOVE BARGAINS!!! 

As Wilma used to say to Betty, “CHARGE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” 

Well, as a former banker I have to say DON’T charge it.  DO start a Christmas account that pays out in October for NEXT year. 

I’m done now.  😉

Supporting the troops!

Why not take a minute and send an uplifting message to the troops?  Some troops are here keeping us safe.  Others are abroad doing the same but away from family and loved ones.  Send a thought, prayer or a word or two their way today.

Combating Autism Act of 2006, The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

After a good healthy step away from my last post and thinking it all through (here is another article) I think the inclusion of people who believe that vaccines have something to do with autism on the committee would be helpful.  Actually, I would be suspicious of a committee that DID NOT include people with this view.  

Here’s what else I think in no particular order: 

I don’t think anything should be over looked or underestimated, whether genetic or environmental. 

I think it is (thankfully) about time to have this type of study completed.

I think it would benefit the committee to investigate more than just this particular group of children.  However I’m thankful it is nationwide and relatively comprehensive from what I’ve read.

I’m more than thrilled that there seems to be a diversity of individuals within the committee including an adult autistic person (autistic adults are a wonderful resource). 

I think there is a genetic disposition whether it is a combined set of specific genes or a recessive gene that has been magnified from an environmental source.

I think there is some type (not Celiac Disease) of nutritional or digestive problem that is symptomatic of those who are on the autistic spectrum OR an indicator of those who have a recessive gene OR the vaccines may play a roll in exacerbating digestive problems of those with this gene.

I think autism is a web which may take us decades to unravel completely, if ever.

What do you think? 

Autism…think about it.

           

If autism is a subject that interests you; if you follow the autism news; if you know someone or love someone on the autism spectrum; you may want to read this. 

The link:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/the-autismvaccine-debate_b_74853.html

Let’s come together to accept, treat and solve the autism puzzle!

This segment from Larry King Live about autism is a SHINING example of how we can come together to help each other and those we love.  What echos in my mind over and over again is that autism can be as unique as the individual. 

Even in our case Big Boy has some classic autism such as flapping and fixating but exhibits concern for others, looks at you and initiates conversation (albeit limited). 

I feel extremely blessed because I didn’t stop at the first pediatrition that said, “Let’s wait, we don’t want to give him a label.” Labels, smables we all have our life battles to fight. 

I believe with all my being that early intervention is truly the key to opening the door of communication for a child who is autistic.  The door may be talking; but if not then sign language, keyboarding, music, singing, blinking, tapping, humming, drawing, rocking, flapping…a smile. 

They seek connection just like we all do.  I don’t always have the right words to say or how exactly to say them or even express every emotion I have in a given time.  Possibly that is more common for my son and those like him;  seeking the way, trying to find a way to communcate from a different place in the world than the rest of us.  He/they have my heart!

CNN link: 

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2007/10/30/lkl.autism.report.long.cnn?iref=videosearch

When you suspect autism…

BE INFORMED!

BE SKEPTICAL!

FIND HELP!  – I suggest finding a certified neurodevelopmental pediatrician.

LOOK FOR INSPIRATION!

PUSH FOR ANSWERS AND ADVOCATE!

MOST OF ALL….ACCEPT AND LOVE FREELY!

The laundry list of things that MIGHT cause AUTISM

The list is generalized.  They are in no particular order.  These are things I’ve read, heard or thought about over the course of seven years.  Some may make you laugh and others you will ponder; Google the words with the word autism to see what you find.

Please feel free to add your own in the comments!

Vaccines – combinations or one or too early in development.

Genetics – mutation, specific combination, defect, mutations from atom bomb detonations.

Virus – measles, unknown brain virus.

Bacteria – unknown bacteria that invades systems either during pregnancy or after birth.

Evolution – a growing number of voices banning together to who believe this is an evolutionary change in our human biology.

Poisoning – Chemical compounds from Teflon or Scotch guard, prenatal vitamins (overdose of a specific vitamin), genetically altered foods and/or artificial sweeteners, chemicals used on crops to control pests, previous use of marijuana, drug abuse. 

Modern Technology – Microwave, electromagnetic, radio waves or electricity or harnessing these energies and concentrating them from tower to tower/home to home, delivery system of water through pipes, plastic compounds, epoxies used in food cans or carpets, building supplies, acrylic dust.

Others – Jaundice prone babies.

Whatever it takes…

    Thanks to all those who have served, are serving and will serve and to those who paid the ultimate price.

The link below takes you to a beautiful song and slideshow.

THIS BLOG OBSERVES VETERANS DAY!    

Shared by RW.