Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Trying to expand my following....
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Friday, November 15, 2013
P.A.N.D.A.S---Yet another acronym to add to the GROWING list in the game of "What's ailing Sean?'
So it's been QUITE awhile since my last post--and oh so much has happened. Sean did amazingly well this year until the end of September/Early October. There was a slight change in his behavior so I began to call the doctor about possible medication issues. His OCD/Anxiety went through the roof; increased noncompliance and meltdown like behaviors. At this time, there was a stomach bug circulating the school, but Sean NEVER had the symptoms at that time.
Fast forward 2 weeks to the 15th of October--Chronic complaining of stomach pains, rapid weight loss (15 lbs in 7 days), aches and pains, but no fevers. We head to the doctor where x-rays pinpoint MAJOR constipation (another chronic issue with Sean despite Mira-lax and probiotics.) The 16th his behavior became very erratic and he made some statements that were concerning, so against my BETTER judgement to allow him to be assessed at a residential facility. They made some medication changes. Almost immediately I noted negative changes. Zombie like, increasing lethargy, VIOLENT mood swings, extra extra sensitive, sensory issues/regression, academic regression, tics, full blown pupils, etc.
I blew a gasket. Refused any further residential treatment after that, (though the school insisted and then made a report to DHS for medical neglect). I made phone call after phone call. Spent most of my work week at the school soothing a very distraught, exhausted, freaked out little boy. November 12th we had another appointment with the psychiatrist. However, this time our reception was unlike any we'd had before. EVERYONE greeted him by name; EVERYONE said "oh this is Sean;" it became VERY evident that the facility knew we were coming in and that he had one perturbed momma with him.
The very first thing the psychiatrist said to me was, "Ms. Ford, I want you to know I THOROUGHLY reviewed his chart yesterday." Then began to ask questions that verified to me, he had indeed, read the chart. The first thing we did was review his most recent behaviors and med changes and quickly agreed to DC the newest drug as it seemed to exacerbate EVERYTHING. We then discussed the physiological things I was noticing, as well as the medical type changes. It was decided then to schedule him for an EEG to rule out Absence Seizures (we'd discussed this before.)
But the newest thing was the introduction of the term P.A.N.D.A.S to me. (www.pandasnetwork.org)
When I began reading the information on the website mentioned above (where the graphic is from), I felt like I was reading a check-list for the life and times of Sean, aka the Bugman. It was such a rush of adrenaline. Of course, the testing is really expensive and not likely going to be covered by Sean's insurance, so we are relying on letters and pleas to change their minds.
In the meantime, I have made the decision to begin homeschooling Sean. We will continue therapy at the school and visit with his peers but he will be attending an online school beginning in January. I am not sure how we will manage financially (so if anyone in my area knows of part-time or evening/night work, let me know), but I do know deep in my heart this is what he is going to need to keep him successful. It will remove the stressors for his OCD/Anxiety and his constant exposure to the germs present.
Keep us in your prayers. All our love.....
Fast forward 2 weeks to the 15th of October--Chronic complaining of stomach pains, rapid weight loss (15 lbs in 7 days), aches and pains, but no fevers. We head to the doctor where x-rays pinpoint MAJOR constipation (another chronic issue with Sean despite Mira-lax and probiotics.) The 16th his behavior became very erratic and he made some statements that were concerning, so against my BETTER judgement to allow him to be assessed at a residential facility. They made some medication changes. Almost immediately I noted negative changes. Zombie like, increasing lethargy, VIOLENT mood swings, extra extra sensitive, sensory issues/regression, academic regression, tics, full blown pupils, etc.
I blew a gasket. Refused any further residential treatment after that, (though the school insisted and then made a report to DHS for medical neglect). I made phone call after phone call. Spent most of my work week at the school soothing a very distraught, exhausted, freaked out little boy. November 12th we had another appointment with the psychiatrist. However, this time our reception was unlike any we'd had before. EVERYONE greeted him by name; EVERYONE said "oh this is Sean;" it became VERY evident that the facility knew we were coming in and that he had one perturbed momma with him.
The very first thing the psychiatrist said to me was, "Ms. Ford, I want you to know I THOROUGHLY reviewed his chart yesterday." Then began to ask questions that verified to me, he had indeed, read the chart. The first thing we did was review his most recent behaviors and med changes and quickly agreed to DC the newest drug as it seemed to exacerbate EVERYTHING. We then discussed the physiological things I was noticing, as well as the medical type changes. It was decided then to schedule him for an EEG to rule out Absence Seizures (we'd discussed this before.)
But the newest thing was the introduction of the term P.A.N.D.A.S to me. (www.pandasnetwork.org)
When I began reading the information on the website mentioned above (where the graphic is from), I felt like I was reading a check-list for the life and times of Sean, aka the Bugman. It was such a rush of adrenaline. Of course, the testing is really expensive and not likely going to be covered by Sean's insurance, so we are relying on letters and pleas to change their minds. In the meantime, I have made the decision to begin homeschooling Sean. We will continue therapy at the school and visit with his peers but he will be attending an online school beginning in January. I am not sure how we will manage financially (so if anyone in my area knows of part-time or evening/night work, let me know), but I do know deep in my heart this is what he is going to need to keep him successful. It will remove the stressors for his OCD/Anxiety and his constant exposure to the germs present.
Keep us in your prayers. All our love.....
Friday, September 13, 2013
SPARKLES!!!!!!
So I am so afraid I will jinx the AMAZING year that Sean is having, BUT I have to tell you about meeting with his regular ed teacher this morning.
Just a little background: One of Sean's biggest complaints, pre and post meltdown, is that NOBODY LISTENS. Well, we do listen, but he his expressions of frustrations are not usually perceived as such. I think this is complicated by the fact that when he is in his mellow state he is one of the most verbal, linguistically advanced kids his age. His vocabulary is astounding. HOWEVER, when he is upset or getting close to a breakdown, his statements don't necessarily make sense or clearly express the issue to the "regular" world. He appears oppositional or noncompliant, as they usually are triggered by a task he perceives will be met with failure and his anxiety skyrockets!! Often, if I am getting frustrated with him and my voice indicates that (I am only human), his typical response is a very ROBOTIC, "DOES NOT COMPUTE: PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE." It usually is all it takes for me to take a step back and re-phrase, but I am his mom and I've learned his quirks.
Anyways, so the regular ed teacher, Mrs. Garner, is a truly special woman. At open house, her first words were "I don't believe in labels and all kids are successful when you figure out what they need." This morning was my first visit with her since school started August 19th (I usually meet with the special ed teacher because reading/behavior are my concerns.) She said he is excelling in her class; that he is working hard. She proudly showed me sentence/illustrations that he had done in class. She says, they may not be perfect but he is EXPRESSING written thought that is complex and wonderfully illustrated. She also said that he is VERBALIZING his needs when he is getting to a point he needs a break (the special ed room has a quiet room where he can regroup himself away from everyone.) But the best part is this: She said she is figuring out Sean's special language. For instance, if he says he cannot see or he is thirsty, that is a clear indication that he is in need of some down time. And after he gets it, HE GOES BACK TO WORK. No 2 hour screaming meltdowns; no desk throwing; no kicking; no running and hiding. All because she has taken the time to LISTEN to what's NOT being said. I just about cried this morning.
Blessed!!!!!
Just a little background: One of Sean's biggest complaints, pre and post meltdown, is that NOBODY LISTENS. Well, we do listen, but he his expressions of frustrations are not usually perceived as such. I think this is complicated by the fact that when he is in his mellow state he is one of the most verbal, linguistically advanced kids his age. His vocabulary is astounding. HOWEVER, when he is upset or getting close to a breakdown, his statements don't necessarily make sense or clearly express the issue to the "regular" world. He appears oppositional or noncompliant, as they usually are triggered by a task he perceives will be met with failure and his anxiety skyrockets!! Often, if I am getting frustrated with him and my voice indicates that (I am only human), his typical response is a very ROBOTIC, "DOES NOT COMPUTE: PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE." It usually is all it takes for me to take a step back and re-phrase, but I am his mom and I've learned his quirks.
Anyways, so the regular ed teacher, Mrs. Garner, is a truly special woman. At open house, her first words were "I don't believe in labels and all kids are successful when you figure out what they need." This morning was my first visit with her since school started August 19th (I usually meet with the special ed teacher because reading/behavior are my concerns.) She said he is excelling in her class; that he is working hard. She proudly showed me sentence/illustrations that he had done in class. She says, they may not be perfect but he is EXPRESSING written thought that is complex and wonderfully illustrated. She also said that he is VERBALIZING his needs when he is getting to a point he needs a break (the special ed room has a quiet room where he can regroup himself away from everyone.) But the best part is this: She said she is figuring out Sean's special language. For instance, if he says he cannot see or he is thirsty, that is a clear indication that he is in need of some down time. And after he gets it, HE GOES BACK TO WORK. No 2 hour screaming meltdowns; no desk throwing; no kicking; no running and hiding. All because she has taken the time to LISTEN to what's NOT being said. I just about cried this morning.
Blessed!!!!!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Maybe a light at the end of the tunnel....(or at least a crack in it)
At the end of the school year last year, we had regressed so much that Sean spent approximately 1/6th of the semester suspended due to uncontrollable behaviors. He was defiant; physically aggressive; and really obnoxious to be around. I felt like all the steps forward we'd been making were for naught and was so overwhelmed by his regression. The school was pushing for residential/psychiatric placement and I was arguing it was something more than than but couldn't prove it.
I long have thought there was a presence in his life that was pulling out behaviors but I had no proof and, lets face it, my sweet boy had built quite the name for himself.
But this year, I am being stopped by teachers and kids alike to hear PRAISE reports on Sean. The presence that was there last year is gone; and the smiles I missed are back. Not that we are without the occasional meltdown, but he is able to regroup and return to task with minimal effort. Instead of requiring his hand held and constant at "arm's length" monitoring, he is now going from area to area unsupervised and doing it the correct way (quiet, walking, purposeful). I am astounded by his changes. I am joyful at the answered prayers. I am amazed at what he's managed to learn already in just 2 weeks of school. And just this week he discovered he can and wants to make his own HEALTHY lunch.
But I must admit that I am scared. I am that mother that hovers; that shields him from the world and the world from him. This growth is very hard for me because it is forcing me out of the web of comfort and concealment that I had created for us out of necessity and making me put faith in my son's budding independence/maturity. How do parent's do it? How do you know that you child is going to be okay or to make the right decisions? How do you know he's not going to have a bad day and the next you receive an "anonymous pissed of mother letter?" YOU DON'T and that is terrifying to me. I hate the unknown; I hate surprises. I want to be able to glow in his successes but somewhere in the back of mind is always that fear, that doubt.
I am working hard to cut the apron strings to my sweet baby boy. It is hard; it is joyous; and it is life changing. I am seeing a glimpse of the future I always felt was there, but never was quite close to achieving. My baby boy is going to be independent; he is going to be a successful, creative mind that gives to society an irreplaceable contribution--HIMSELF.
I long have thought there was a presence in his life that was pulling out behaviors but I had no proof and, lets face it, my sweet boy had built quite the name for himself.
But this year, I am being stopped by teachers and kids alike to hear PRAISE reports on Sean. The presence that was there last year is gone; and the smiles I missed are back. Not that we are without the occasional meltdown, but he is able to regroup and return to task with minimal effort. Instead of requiring his hand held and constant at "arm's length" monitoring, he is now going from area to area unsupervised and doing it the correct way (quiet, walking, purposeful). I am astounded by his changes. I am joyful at the answered prayers. I am amazed at what he's managed to learn already in just 2 weeks of school. And just this week he discovered he can and wants to make his own HEALTHY lunch.
But I must admit that I am scared. I am that mother that hovers; that shields him from the world and the world from him. This growth is very hard for me because it is forcing me out of the web of comfort and concealment that I had created for us out of necessity and making me put faith in my son's budding independence/maturity. How do parent's do it? How do you know that you child is going to be okay or to make the right decisions? How do you know he's not going to have a bad day and the next you receive an "anonymous pissed of mother letter?" YOU DON'T and that is terrifying to me. I hate the unknown; I hate surprises. I want to be able to glow in his successes but somewhere in the back of mind is always that fear, that doubt.
I am working hard to cut the apron strings to my sweet baby boy. It is hard; it is joyous; and it is life changing. I am seeing a glimpse of the future I always felt was there, but never was quite close to achieving. My baby boy is going to be independent; he is going to be a successful, creative mind that gives to society an irreplaceable contribution--HIMSELF.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Learning and growing....
So school is upon us again---one 8th grader, one 1st grader, and one mom that is having an epiphany....
As I prepared Sean for 1st grade all summer long---I gradually came to the realization that my little boy is maturing, growing up. It both saddened and excited me. This summer he learned to put on his own shoes, run the microwave, and is trying to master the art of buttons and zippers. At age 7, he is already wiser than most, beautiful and loving, and a bit on the affectionate side. But perhaps the biggest change (and the one we've worked his entire life to understand) is Sean has become AWARE of his behavior and its consequences. Before it was always someone else's fault, someone was bugging him or not listening, etc. This summer he says the kids don't really like me anymore---and when I asked why he thought that he replied, "Because I touch them to much and have fits." I asked if he thought he was ready to work on those issues and he agreed, but said "he'd probably mess up a bunch." THIS IS HUGE, PEOPLE!!!! HUGE, MONUMENTAL, INDESCRIBABLE.
So i quickly contact the therapist at school and tell her I think he's finally ready to REALLY tackle social skills/self control this year and we quickly re-write some goals for the year. I also talk to both of his new teachers and let them know of his growth this summer. His resource teacher (new to him this year) is a tough cookie--and I LOVE it. She sets high expectations of her kiddos (disabilities do NOT limit achievement.) So fast forward to yesterday, his 1st day of school. I was a bit nervous for him--knew he'd probably try to push the envelope a bit but hoped he'd recover. He had a great day!! He had a couple of minor incidences---he felt he wasn't being listened to until the teacher pointed out he had yet to make a request, only a disturbance. He mulled over this a bit, the looked at her directly and requested a drink. She obliged and his response was, "oh i guess you do listen to me." This too is big. But the greatest sparkle of all---the moment I am most proud of--he was in his "regular ed" classroom and went to the teacher and said (are you ready for this,) "I feel like I am going to have a meltdown and I need to go back to my other class." NO BEHAVIOR__NO PHONE CALL__NO FIT____HE USED HIS WORDS!!!!!!!!!! AND HE USED THEM CORRECTLY!!!!
I couldn't be prouder of him and then once home, he was honest that he was a little non-compliant but that he had a great day over all. We have come LEAPS AND BOUNDS in the last 5 years with this child. From a young man that was non-verbal, violent, and aggressive to a young man who had fits over the kids talking--to this!!! The world is a scary place for him--the noises, the smells but his biggest cause of anxiety has always been feeling "inferior or dumb" when his brain wasn't showing the world what HE KNEW himself capable of. I have long said that he teaches me things daily...
Recently I ran into my own nemesis of fear. A long, deep seated fear of failure and rejection that keeps me hidden away in the dark, protected. I decided to take a chance; a leap of faith but my fear of failure/rejection kept me from enjoying myself fully. A sweet someone special reminded me that life sucks and I can hide behind that the rest of my life or I can do something about it. I will try--not only for myself and relationships I wish to have, but for my boys. How can I continue to hide in my own fears and encourage them to grow?
Friday, July 26, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Social Media can be AMAZING at times.....
Most of the time I find social media to be a drama filled nuisance, but occasionally you luck into a good story or link that changes your perspective. I'm not sure if any of you are familiar with The Adventures of Super Jax on Facebook or his mother's blog at http://theadventuresofsuperjax.wordpress.com/, but I've been following his story for a couple of months now. Sweet Jax was born with a rare birth defect called OEIS Complex. His entire (almost) 6 months of life has been spent inside the walls of a hospital. His mother's words are beautiful and raw; uplifting and inspiring. And the amazing smile that Jax sport's most of the time doesn't hurt either.
Tuesday I log on to Facebook to do a little scrolling on my page to see if anything catches my eye. I found a new post by Jax's mom, Tierney, that just broke my heart as a mom. Jax's dad has taken a new job in Pennsylvania (Jax is in a Children's hospital in NY) and the family really wanted to stay together. Combine that with the fact that one of the procedures that Jax needs is done at UPMC in Pittsburgh, and the want becomes a need. Tierney poured out her heart on how they were looking to find a way to do a hospital transfer for Jax, and were being turned away at every door, or expected to pay a fee they can't possibly afford. Her wall was flooded with responses. It only took me a moment to realize that I have a friend who is the Chief at an EMS station outside of Pittsburgh. On a whim, I copied the link to her post and sent it to him in a text, asking if he knew of anyone that could help. In a matter of moments, Paul Falavolito, Chief at White Oak EMS, responded with a resounding, "Yes, I can do it." I quickly emailed Jax's mother with Paul's contact info and requested hers to relay to him. And that is where the magic started.....
By Wednesday morning, I receive a text from Paul saying the trip is a go and they even snagged a corporate sponsor through Cornerstone Adminisystems (THANK YOU!!!) They've even been able to get some publicity for Super Jax, that will help the family in the long run. It is with great JOY that I am able say Jax will be in Pennsylvania at UPMC sometime Thursday, July 25th (just in time for his 1/2 birthday on the 28th).
So, you see sometimes, just sometimes, there are great things on social media. I sit amazed at the response and quick turn around of a not so simple request. My heart is smiling and jumping for joy at the opportunities that await this young man and his sweet family. May God bless you all!! HUGE THANKS TO: Paul Falavolito, White Oak EMS, Cornerstone Adminisystems, and UPMC.
(All my prayer warriors be praying for safe travels tonight and tomorrow morning as the transport of Jax takes place.)
Tuesday I log on to Facebook to do a little scrolling on my page to see if anything catches my eye. I found a new post by Jax's mom, Tierney, that just broke my heart as a mom. Jax's dad has taken a new job in Pennsylvania (Jax is in a Children's hospital in NY) and the family really wanted to stay together. Combine that with the fact that one of the procedures that Jax needs is done at UPMC in Pittsburgh, and the want becomes a need. Tierney poured out her heart on how they were looking to find a way to do a hospital transfer for Jax, and were being turned away at every door, or expected to pay a fee they can't possibly afford. Her wall was flooded with responses. It only took me a moment to realize that I have a friend who is the Chief at an EMS station outside of Pittsburgh. On a whim, I copied the link to her post and sent it to him in a text, asking if he knew of anyone that could help. In a matter of moments, Paul Falavolito, Chief at White Oak EMS, responded with a resounding, "Yes, I can do it." I quickly emailed Jax's mother with Paul's contact info and requested hers to relay to him. And that is where the magic started.....
By Wednesday morning, I receive a text from Paul saying the trip is a go and they even snagged a corporate sponsor through Cornerstone Adminisystems (THANK YOU!!!) They've even been able to get some publicity for Super Jax, that will help the family in the long run. It is with great JOY that I am able say Jax will be in Pennsylvania at UPMC sometime Thursday, July 25th (just in time for his 1/2 birthday on the 28th).
So, you see sometimes, just sometimes, there are great things on social media. I sit amazed at the response and quick turn around of a not so simple request. My heart is smiling and jumping for joy at the opportunities that await this young man and his sweet family. May God bless you all!! HUGE THANKS TO: Paul Falavolito, White Oak EMS, Cornerstone Adminisystems, and UPMC.
(All my prayer warriors be praying for safe travels tonight and tomorrow morning as the transport of Jax takes place.)
Monday, July 8, 2013
2013 has been a confusing year....
In so many ways Sean is your typical 7 year old All-American boy. He's rough and tumble; a magnet for dirt; creative, imaginative; loves science, BUGS, and Legos. Yet, there is always something--some little thing that sets him apart, makes life a little bit tougher for him. He wants so desperately to have playmates and to be liked by other kids, yet he cannot seem to make those connections. My heart breaks at the loneliness he feels; the way he goes overboard trying to impress ANY kid that gives him an iota of attention. How I wish the other kids could "get" Sean; his love for nature; his generous spirit and loving heart; his insight into the world.
From infancy Sean was always a much more difficult child than his laid back brother. He threw his first full tantrum at 5 months of age--and I knew I was in trouble (haha). His medical history is complex and atypical (long history of excessive immunological responses); behavioral issues; sensory issues; developmental delays,etc. There is a long running issue between the psychiatrist that treats him and the school as to whether hes is Autistic or not (school has issues with diagnosis because his verbal ability is quite strong.)
However, it is academically that worries me the most. Despite 3 years of preschool (with wonderfully attentive, patient staff) and 2 years of Kindergarten, Sean is still struggling to recognize the letters of the alphabet--in fact it took until March of his first year of kindergarten to even be able to sing the alphabet song. His lack of ability to keep up with his peers has dramatically affected his self-esteem and already tough behaviors to the point that he was tested to rule out psychosis. The problem is he IS very smart; extremely strong visual skills; very multisensory learner--but it isn't showing up on assessments and work. Starting in February of this year, his behavior took a major nosedive---he started eloping again; being physically aggressive; major meltdowns over anything related to reading; etc. Normally when its so sudden there is an underlying medical issue and since he has a high pain tolerance; lack of fever and typical symptoms; it is often a guessing game as to what is wrong. His only steady complaint is a stomach pain that feels like "boiling lava." Blood tests revealed nothing so the psychiatrist decided to up his dosages. That didn't make any changes either.
Fast forward to June: his behaviors became more defiant/oppositional; he was lethargic all the time; lack of appetite; and then his kidney's started acting up. Took him to the pediatrician to discover not only are the kidneys out of whack, but his blood pressure is very high. Turns out that seemed to be another excessive response to some unknown virus and his body attacked the kidneys in response. Now his kidneys are back to normal but he is complaining of "heart pain," pain in his stomach (STILL); and pain that radiates down his right arm. His energy levels are down; his joints ache all the time; he sweats profusely; and he's just not my Sean.
So I sit back and think: this year is so confusing---so many unanswered questions; normal tests; atypical behaviors; and a little boy that just wants to be normal. If anyone has a suggestion, I'd love to hear it. Anything at all.....
From infancy Sean was always a much more difficult child than his laid back brother. He threw his first full tantrum at 5 months of age--and I knew I was in trouble (haha). His medical history is complex and atypical (long history of excessive immunological responses); behavioral issues; sensory issues; developmental delays,etc. There is a long running issue between the psychiatrist that treats him and the school as to whether hes is Autistic or not (school has issues with diagnosis because his verbal ability is quite strong.)
However, it is academically that worries me the most. Despite 3 years of preschool (with wonderfully attentive, patient staff) and 2 years of Kindergarten, Sean is still struggling to recognize the letters of the alphabet--in fact it took until March of his first year of kindergarten to even be able to sing the alphabet song. His lack of ability to keep up with his peers has dramatically affected his self-esteem and already tough behaviors to the point that he was tested to rule out psychosis. The problem is he IS very smart; extremely strong visual skills; very multisensory learner--but it isn't showing up on assessments and work. Starting in February of this year, his behavior took a major nosedive---he started eloping again; being physically aggressive; major meltdowns over anything related to reading; etc. Normally when its so sudden there is an underlying medical issue and since he has a high pain tolerance; lack of fever and typical symptoms; it is often a guessing game as to what is wrong. His only steady complaint is a stomach pain that feels like "boiling lava." Blood tests revealed nothing so the psychiatrist decided to up his dosages. That didn't make any changes either.
Fast forward to June: his behaviors became more defiant/oppositional; he was lethargic all the time; lack of appetite; and then his kidney's started acting up. Took him to the pediatrician to discover not only are the kidneys out of whack, but his blood pressure is very high. Turns out that seemed to be another excessive response to some unknown virus and his body attacked the kidneys in response. Now his kidneys are back to normal but he is complaining of "heart pain," pain in his stomach (STILL); and pain that radiates down his right arm. His energy levels are down; his joints ache all the time; he sweats profusely; and he's just not my Sean.
So I sit back and think: this year is so confusing---so many unanswered questions; normal tests; atypical behaviors; and a little boy that just wants to be normal. If anyone has a suggestion, I'd love to hear it. Anything at all.....
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
In the beginning......
So where to begin....I am a small town girl from Texas that relocated to Arkansas because it fit my "tree-hugger" personality a little bit better. Life has definitely sent me some curve balls but it has made me who I am today and has empowered me to be all that I can be.
I have 2 boys--the oldest a teenager in the throes of cocky insecurity and figuring out who he wants to be, and a 7 year old full of all the quirks and wonder that a combination of autism and all-boy can provide to you. They daily challenge me, strengthen me, and empower me--through them I am learning who I am supposed to be.
I was a teacher in the past but left because there are more politics in a school than there are in D.C. It isn't fun to teach anymore, so I work in a Psychology office for a DDS facility (what a lifeline this job has been!!) I've had access to things I wouldn't have had otherwise and a group of people that care what happens to my family.
My passions in life, besides my kids, include Autism Awareness (getting the important daily facts out there to the public), Search and Rescue (what I'd love to do full-time), combining the two, and learning---no matter what it is--when you quit learning, you quit living.
The first few blogs will probably just be some background info with a few anecdotes from the day. I'll try to throw in some interesting studies in genetics; SAR cases from around the world; outdoor toys for survival; etc. It's a work in progress as I determine where this needs to go....
Hope you enjoy the daily living.....
I have 2 boys--the oldest a teenager in the throes of cocky insecurity and figuring out who he wants to be, and a 7 year old full of all the quirks and wonder that a combination of autism and all-boy can provide to you. They daily challenge me, strengthen me, and empower me--through them I am learning who I am supposed to be.
I was a teacher in the past but left because there are more politics in a school than there are in D.C. It isn't fun to teach anymore, so I work in a Psychology office for a DDS facility (what a lifeline this job has been!!) I've had access to things I wouldn't have had otherwise and a group of people that care what happens to my family.
My passions in life, besides my kids, include Autism Awareness (getting the important daily facts out there to the public), Search and Rescue (what I'd love to do full-time), combining the two, and learning---no matter what it is--when you quit learning, you quit living.
The first few blogs will probably just be some background info with a few anecdotes from the day. I'll try to throw in some interesting studies in genetics; SAR cases from around the world; outdoor toys for survival; etc. It's a work in progress as I determine where this needs to go....
Hope you enjoy the daily living.....
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