March 14, 2006
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So much....
First day was cool at APU. I didn't actually make it to my workplace, just a daylong orientation at Human Resources (which was quite helpful). A little overwhelming with the 3-hour explanation of the medical benefits and all...but so very helpful. I start my actual job training today.
So, I was already on brain-intake-information overload, then I find out about all the shenanigans my poor wife has gone through (good job dear) about our car--which let me just say, is utterly ridiculous. My brain shuts down. I restart with a caramel frappuccino...on the way to drop off the kids and head over to a meeting for parents with Autism in Manhattan Beach.
Yeah, after we dropped off the kids at Christy's parents, it was only an additional 45 minutes away. Why did we drive that far? I'm not sure at the outset why we chose it, but there was a speaker there from the Lovaas institute, the creators/inventors of the ABA method for Autism. It was incredible. It was so overwhelming (again) for us to hear about it, and then to connect with other parents who had gone through the same thing. Absolutely overwhelming. (Brain is struggling to function on low fuel, but somehow continues on). We asked a question during the meeting, and the other parents just laughed and were like "We need to talk" and we were literally swarmed with support and love from these total strangers who had been through the hoops we are now going to be jumping through to make sure our precious boy gets the treatment he needs to make it. We exchanged email addresses, talked at length with folks, and got incredible knowledge and guidance. It was totally worth it, and a ton more....
Which leads me to this conclusion: we need community. I don't mean just Christy and I, but we as humans. But let's shrink it back down--I need community. I thrive on it. I love it. I need people there to share their life experiences with me, to laugh with me, to encourage me. The times we have experienced that while we've been here are the times that we've been lifted up and propelled to keep on going in this tough time in our lives. Thanks to our friends that have provided that aspect of our lives. It's a definite must for us...I don't know how people make it though without it...
Comments (7)
Good thoughts about community. So true.
I have 2 episodes left. Don't ask me how I did that.
Worst. Episode. Ever!
Don't argue with the hacksaw rating!
That's awesome about the autistic group, though. What a help and a blessing that is going to be!
So nice to hear you guys are getting the support and information you need! What a busy week for you guys! Oh...your wife ROCKS!! Way to go Christy!!!
It is so true that with a disorder that affects your family's life and you're trying to learn about it, support helps TONS from others who are just like you, especially when they are further into it and can give helpful advice. There is a huge difference between those who are sympathetic and those who can identify with you. When I was diagnosed with the disease I have that makes me unable to have children, I found that the medical community could only offer limited information and help with it, but connecting with others who had it was what pulled me through one of the toughest times in my life-- and I obtained my best friend in the entire world through that! Keep connecting-it will make 1,000% difference in helping your son and yourselves. Good for you.
Good to hear that work is going well. I know about that HR stuff and all of the time that it takes (cause that is what I do). Time consuming, overwhelming but so totally necessary. Got to take care of the paperwork. Christy's story of the car, frustrating, angering, and a tad funny the way she told it. I am so proud of her for standing up to these monsters. They are so taking advantage. Not fair. Keep the faith. Okay, I need to say this, when you guys are coming down again, you have to let us know...Steff was so bumbed that she did not get to see "her" boys when you were here a week or so ago. We will make every effort to get them together even for just a little bit. She does not want them to forget her. I am going to e-mail Christy tonight with some song ideas that we have come up with for this talent thing so get with her and let us know your thoughts. Hang in there. Gods plan in Gods time. You helped me learn that.
Parents: We make it by the grace of God, by his righteous right hand. Thank you Lord for allowing us parents that have children with special needs to be able to sustain eveything and still find so much love and joy through it all. More and more I see the light that shines in my sons eyes and Thank God he made him just the way he is. He's not a mistake - his a beautiful miracle and precious in my eyes and the eyes of his maker : ) What a blessing.
Pigs evil!!! Cookies good!!!
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