This summer has been very quiet for our family. We've stayed around town trying to save all of our money to pay for John's surgery. His eyes are taking a little longer to heal than I thought. There is still redness which increases and decreases depending on his activity. He can read much better now.
We made the decision to trade in our Toyota because it was starting to have troubles. After hours of talking, praying, and calculating we decided on buying a Jetta like my mom's new one. We are really enjoying better reliability and it's a cheaper car than the Toyota was. Yay for saving money!
I've really enjoyed spending time with the children. They do about an hour of chores every morning, then we do summer worksheets and reading. It's not easy, but they are trying so hard.
Ella began gymnastics this summer too! She and John are also working hard at piano lessons. For John, it's great music therapy.
John is progressing developmentally. Brand new symptoms plague our family regularly. It's quite tiring at times but we look forward to blessed days ahead. Our next step is to get in with the psychologist (for routine re-evaluation) and the neurologist (for scanning) soon.
For now John is determined to grow his hair like a
mad scientist. His latest ideas are focused on space exploration. He also asks me to record his inventions into a notebook and plans on selling his ideas. When we were at the park to watch fireworks John kept running around and around our blanket. I realized a compulsion was setting in and said to my mom "we have ourselves a Forrest Gump". Heartache and pain etched into my soul. But the next day our Relief Society President gave the following quote from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin:
"Because Heavenly Father is merciful, a principle of compensation prevails. I have seen this in my own life. My grandson Joseph has autism. It has been heartbreaking for his mother and father to come to grips with the implications of this affliction.
They knew that Joseph would probably never be like other children. They understood what that would mean not only for Joseph but for the family as well. But what a joy he has been to us. Autistic children often have a difficult time showing emotion, but every time I’m with him, Joseph gives me a big hug. While there have been challenges, he has filled our lives with joy.
Any reservations that his family may have had in raising Joseph, any sacrifices they have made have been compensated tenfold. Because of this choice spirit, his mother and father have learned much about children with disabilities. They have witnessed firsthand the generosity and compassion of family, neighbors, and friends. They have rejoiced together as Joseph has progressed. They have marveled at his goodness."
I'm very grateful for supportive family members and friends who reach out to us. We feel so blessed by their kindness and help. Neurobiological problems are not like physical problems. They are hidden and hard to understand. The most wonderful help has been that of communication and understanding. It's easy for Adam and I to go into hiding because John requires rigid routines.
I woke up this morning and John had already cleaned the family room, the kitchen, his bedroom, Ella's bedroom, got dressed, brushed his teeth, and put breakfast out on the kitchen table for us (dishes too). He likes things structured. This is a normal thing for us. But if his routine is disturbed, it is not a pretty picture.
We love continued information from you all about autism and family dynamics. Information that helps us includes up-to-date research, breakthrough methods, and modalities.
I guess that's about all my brain can relinquish for now. It's been a relaxing summer. We look forward to
1. The bus getting a paint job
2. Family photos with our
photographer friend, Lori
3. Cool nights on our weekend trip to the Flagstaff High Altitude Bus Kamout
Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Come What May, and Love It,” Liahona, Nov 2008, 26–28
