Getting Bigger

Twin Day

Today was twin day at Bradley's school. So instead of just the boy's being twin's today Julie and I were twins as well. Bradley loved all the attention with getting his picture taken and Noah did pretty well too.


Noah, Sian, and Bradley. This is Noah's one on one aide who helps Bradley too.

****************Bradley and Noah two peas in a pod*****************

Bradley and Noah with their teacher Tanya. We are so blessed and fortunate to have had such wonderful teachers these past few years. It makes such a huge difference in our kids lives when they actually like going to school and love the teacher and her aides.

One Month Today

Today it has been exactly 4 weeks since we started Bradley on a medication called "Risperidone". Jason and I have seen such a huge difference in our son. This drug is not a "Cure" for Autism but it has deffinately helped Bradley to think much more clearly and to function in daily life. Bradley use to hardley sleep at night and now he is sleeping anywhere from 9 to 12 hours at night. Sometimes I think he sleeps to much but maybe he is just catching up on all the sleep that he has lost throughout the years. It has been so nice and quiet at night this past month. His stemming has also decreased in almost half. He is more aware and is even trying to talk more. He tries to mimick words instead of just saying "Pa" for everying. He still has melt downs and bangs his head, but that to has decreased. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the medication is working really well and we are really enjoying our time with our son.

Ever Wonder How Were Chosen?

Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?

Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth, son, patron saint, Matthew, Forrest, Marjorie, daughter, patron saint, Cecilia."

"Rudledge, Carrie, twins, patron saint, give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."

Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."

The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."

"Exactly," says God. "Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she patience?" asks the angel.

"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it."

"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make him live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."

"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."

God smiles. "No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."

The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'Spoken Word.' She will never consider a 'Step' ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it!

"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice...and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."

"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, pen poised midair.

God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."

~Erma Bombeck, May, 1980

Autism Awareness Day

Yesterday was World Autism Awareness Day, but to me everyday is Autism Awareness Day. Having a child with Autism can be very challenging and hard on our family somtimes. But what some people might think is a problem or a burden can be one of life's most precious gifts. My son Bradley is one of the most sweetest and lovable boys you will ever meet. He has the face of an angel and his smile can even light up the darkest room. I can't imagine my life any other way but caring for my two beautiful children, one who just happens to have Autism.
Through this journey I have met some wonderful people that I would have never met had my son not had Autism. Don't get me wrong I wish that he didn't have this disability but he does, and instead of dwelling on what could have been I'm embracing what is. I have the most wonderful family and friends who are in our lives daily and I can't thank them enough for their love and support.
Having a relationship with a person who has a disability can be life changing. It sure has changed my life and I am a better person because of it. I love my son and all his friends with Autism and look forward to meeting more new friends in the years to come. Please keep Bradley in your prayers and share Autism Awareness EveryDay...

Kittens

I didn't even know my cat Sassy was pregnant until Saturday night. Tuesday night at 11:45 Sassy woke the entire house up with her horrific screaming. I knew immediately that she was about to have her kittens. She was laying at the top of mine and Britney's head in Britneys bed. That is where she wanted to have her kittens but I immediatley moved her quickly to the bathroom where I stayed with her to watch all 5 of her kittens be born. What a wonderful experience it was to watch. I'm so in love with all the kitten's and it will be very hard to give them up. But I'm keeping at least one of them.