From Palm Trees To Tree Stands: June 2009

Saturday, June 27, 2009

When summer break is not really a break.

We've been so busy with the unexpected since the weekend after finals, I hardly see this as being a break. But I have hope, and we are now being mindful of our schedule to see that we can start enjoying our summer from here on out. We are still dealing with the grief of unexpected deaths. We are still dealing with broken bones, and we still have to deal with unexpected car repairs. But there will be a light at the other side.

Noah started his day camp. This camp is designed for kids with varying disabilities who may not be able to attend a traditional style camp. The staff is trained to handle the varying degrees of functioning that these kids have, and Noah enjoys going. He even has friends that go as well. He is also able to collect social security as a supplemental income based on his diagnosis which a huge help in ensuring he gets the things he needs, like camp. Next on our list is a compression vest for the start of school.

We've been at VBS for the past two weeks, but we are hoping to have a nightly routine starting this next week. Monday is soccer run night at the dairy barn, Tuesday is car load night at the drive in (if the movie is family appropriate), Wednesday is "wipeout" and "I survived a Japanese Gameshow" on ABC, Thursday is LOST (We've got the first 3 seasons on DVD), and Friday is open for bonfires, the winery, whatever. We've even laid out a schedule to help Noah with the transition of all the chaos. Friends can come over Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 10-2, while Noah is at camp. He hasn't been able to handle a houseful yet. Sounds harsh, but sometimes you just gotta say no.

I look forward to posting later on how well this is working, and maybe even some pictures of our summer fun that is about to begin.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

overwhelmed

How does one find the words when they don't know what to say? I felt like I wasn't even speaking last night, but I was, I heard the words, but I don't know where they were coming from.

Our Kaila got off from her shift to hear that the guy she recently broke up with had died in a car accident a few hours earlier. During their 8 month courtship he sat with us at church, hunkered down at our house during the ice storms, and joined us at our table for meals. Yet, I could not find the words myself to speak to her. Perhaps God felt it best that he took over for those moments. I don't even remember what the words were, but I know that He guided me. And for that I am thankful.

Time will march on, and our wounds will become scars that we carry with us. They remind us of how we've been touched by people. We remember the good and the bad. No doubt there will be new wounds as we travel in this journey. My hope and prayer is that when those moments come, God will yet again give me the discernment to step aside, and let him do all the talking.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Why?

Sometimes I don't understand why, why do people do things that they do? Do they know the impact of their actions?

Last night Aaron checked his facebook and the status of a family friend stated that his parents had both died at home the night before. I had heard many a story about this couple, and the time Aaron had spent with them. We came to find out today that they were murdered in their own home. Until the truth comes to light, we can speculate as to the details, but the end result is the same. Those two wonderful people who touched so many in their community and beyond are now gone. And the ripples of this tragic event are far spread.

I wish I had a word to say to my husband, his parents who are in pain, and the community which has lost two fabulous people. Yet, right now, all I can say is, Why?

Friday, June 12, 2009

Hope

I don't really understand Scientology. I know that my dad had read an L. Ron Hubbard book, and it motivated him to strive for more in his life. But beyond that my understanding of it's teachings is from the media. I know, I know... The media spins things and gets it all wrong. But really how much of the news with regards to scientology is positive? I was sad for John Travolta and his wife, Kelly Preston when their son Jett died. It was reported that he suffered from seizures, and many said he displayed symptoms of autism. John and Kelly would deny that he had autism. This goes in line with what the media reports of the scientology belief about autism. Scientology believes that it is not a true disorder, and that you can cure the symptoms through diet and detox methods. While I don't know what those methods are, I can only imagine it is not the GFCF diet.

I realize that this story is old news. However, it is recently surfaced that John admitted that Jett did in fact have autism. While it can seem like a huge, "duh." This has a lot of potential for parents like myself who want to see better awareness out there. To deny autism only perpetuates the stigma of the disorder. These kids have nothing to be ashamed of. Nor do the parents of these kids. I am not ashamed of my son, and I would never deny that we deal daily with the effects of an autism spectrum disorder. I can only hope that as time goes on, and Jett's parents heal from this tragedy, they will be a voice of awareness so that our nation can become more aware of the disorder, and see these kids as people, and not a problem.

It is tragic to loss a child. That pain I can not even begin to imagine. But I know the pain of realizing that your child's future is going to be far different than you envisioned during your pregnancy and watching them sleep as an infant. I also know the unbelievable joy and pride of watching them achieve things that you were told they would not. The people in our communities need to see the potential of these kids. There is so much more to these kids than a label, they are capable of amazing things.