A friend send this to me recently, thought you would enjoy it as well:
MOTHERS
Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, 'Because I love you best..'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth
is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...
The Images of Mother
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEAR S OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Our BIG Autism Day
Yesterday we met with one of the social workers at Ammon and Mary's Autism school. They called the meeting to go over a STRESS survey. We were concerned and wanted to make sure we did not miss the appointment. We had run ins with social workers in the past. But all was well and we were told that we were doing a good job in spite of having our 6 ASD pumpkins. Whew!
That was at 9am. At 11am there was a press conference at our state capitol building. Another mom of Autism that we know, got a Senate sponsor for a bill to get insurance companies to cover Autism treatments. I went to offer my support and was able to get the reporter who did our GMA followup story at the local ABC channel to talk with us (click on Autism story).
During that time Robin stayed at the children's school to help Ammon's teacher who was short staffed. She caught a ride home on their bus. The coordinating of getting Bobby over to church for a special youth meeting. Calling the school for Emma and Nephi to meet me out front instead of walking home. Getting a call from the bus assistant for Sarah to have the bus bring her back to the school (they were in front of the house) so I could get her Emma and Nephi into the car and rush to the bus stop where Mom, Ammon and Mary were waiting to be picked up. Pant! Pant!
Later in the evening I left at 6:15pm to go to a speaking event with Temple Grandin at the Salt Lake City Library, about 25 minutes drive. But, I got there early enough to get a good seat. Afterwards she signed books. I gave her a copy of the People magazine with our article and a DVD of our Discovery Health documentary. She said she had not heard of our family yet. Dang, I've got to do a better marketing job! LOL
At 10:05pm I got a call from my 26 yr old son (first marriage) to ask what I was doing to be on the news that day.
Most days aren't this busy, but it's getting to be more and more each month.
That was at 9am. At 11am there was a press conference at our state capitol building. Another mom of Autism that we know, got a Senate sponsor for a bill to get insurance companies to cover Autism treatments. I went to offer my support and was able to get the reporter who did our GMA followup story at the local ABC channel to talk with us (click on Autism story).
During that time Robin stayed at the children's school to help Ammon's teacher who was short staffed. She caught a ride home on their bus. The coordinating of getting Bobby over to church for a special youth meeting. Calling the school for Emma and Nephi to meet me out front instead of walking home. Getting a call from the bus assistant for Sarah to have the bus bring her back to the school (they were in front of the house) so I could get her Emma and Nephi into the car and rush to the bus stop where Mom, Ammon and Mary were waiting to be picked up. Pant! Pant!
Later in the evening I left at 6:15pm to go to a speaking event with Temple Grandin at the Salt Lake City Library, about 25 minutes drive. But, I got there early enough to get a good seat. Afterwards she signed books. I gave her a copy of the People magazine with our article and a DVD of our Discovery Health documentary. She said she had not heard of our family yet. Dang, I've got to do a better marketing job! LOL
At 10:05pm I got a call from my 26 yr old son (first marriage) to ask what I was doing to be on the news that day.
Most days aren't this busy, but it's getting to be more and more each month.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Autism Gospel, According to John
From a recent post at a group I belong to, it was asked about how neighbor kids and their parent relate to your Autistic child.
I said: it is very difficult to find parents and children that are accepting of an ASD child. We have discovered who our real friends and family are since getting our dx on the children in Oct 2006. We have everyone we know falling into one of 3 groups. Accept us, hate us or ignore us. The largest for our experience is, ignore us. Then hate us, and the smallest is accept us. Unfortunately a lot of family and friends are NOT in the accept us group.
But, like I said, you really find out about people when Autism comes into your life. It hurts for awhile, but we have made new friends and 'family' to replace the old. Find local groups to be a part of, learn from and develop friendships in groups like these and work on developing a thicker skin.
I feel that we, and all Autistic parents, were chosen by God to care for these special spirits he has entrusted us with. And where much is given, much is expected. We have children of light that must not be hidden, but should be placed on a hill for all to witness and enjoy. If ignorant and uncaring people cannot see that they are indeed special, and not in the typical 'special' label way, then that is their failing.
I really believe that the rise in Autism is part of the preparation for Christ's return. If someone cannot be accepting of a child or adult with a disability, then they can have no part in his kingdom. He must separate the wheat from the chaff, the good from the bad. We and our families are his servants doing some sifting.
Now, I'm not saying that I'm some saint or that I'm perfect. But, I do feel that we have been given a task and there may be some suffering, like the early Christians, for us to bear. If we stand strong, do not wilt and move forward with conviction we will be able to increase the acceptance and tolerance of people with Autism. "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
I'll get down from the pulpit now; I hope that I have not offended anyone. I just feel very strongly about our roles as parents of Autistic children.
Dad
I said: it is very difficult to find parents and children that are accepting of an ASD child. We have discovered who our real friends and family are since getting our dx on the children in Oct 2006. We have everyone we know falling into one of 3 groups. Accept us, hate us or ignore us. The largest for our experience is, ignore us. Then hate us, and the smallest is accept us. Unfortunately a lot of family and friends are NOT in the accept us group.
But, like I said, you really find out about people when Autism comes into your life. It hurts for awhile, but we have made new friends and 'family' to replace the old. Find local groups to be a part of, learn from and develop friendships in groups like these and work on developing a thicker skin.
I feel that we, and all Autistic parents, were chosen by God to care for these special spirits he has entrusted us with. And where much is given, much is expected. We have children of light that must not be hidden, but should be placed on a hill for all to witness and enjoy. If ignorant and uncaring people cannot see that they are indeed special, and not in the typical 'special' label way, then that is their failing.
I really believe that the rise in Autism is part of the preparation for Christ's return. If someone cannot be accepting of a child or adult with a disability, then they can have no part in his kingdom. He must separate the wheat from the chaff, the good from the bad. We and our families are his servants doing some sifting.
Now, I'm not saying that I'm some saint or that I'm perfect. But, I do feel that we have been given a task and there may be some suffering, like the early Christians, for us to bear. If we stand strong, do not wilt and move forward with conviction we will be able to increase the acceptance and tolerance of people with Autism. "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
I'll get down from the pulpit now; I hope that I have not offended anyone. I just feel very strongly about our roles as parents of Autistic children.
Dad
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Parents of Autism Helping Each Other
Hey parents, how's finances? Does one or both parents stay home to help with your Autistic child? Do you run a home business?
Well this blog's for you: http://autmart.blogspot.com/
I just put it together a few minutes ago. Had a brain storm this morning, water EVERYWHERE! Ha! Any way check it out and get involved
Now even though I got this idea, I can't do it all by myself. I need partners to help contribute and help out. Either email me: autism_bites@yahoo.com or twitter me: http://twitter.com/johnkirton
Dad
Well this blog's for you: http://autmart.blogspot.com/
I just put it together a few minutes ago. Had a brain storm this morning, water EVERYWHERE! Ha! Any way check it out and get involved
Now even though I got this idea, I can't do it all by myself. I need partners to help contribute and help out. Either email me: autism_bites@yahoo.com or twitter me: http://twitter.com/johnkirton
Dad
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Resolutions, Promises and a few Fibs
Well 2008 was certainly a banner year as far as media attention for the Kirton's of Utah. We know of only an additional documentary on the Discovery Health channel this January, as we've been told.
I have recently set up an account on Twitter (http://twitter.com/johnkirton), we've had our YouTube channel since April 2007, Facebook and MySpace as well. And we're joining many other various groups and social websites to get more of our presence out there.
My goal is to stay on top of all these outlets and make more of an impact on Autism awareness and acceptance. If I get into a few verbal tussles with ignorant or mean people along the way - so be it. I'll try to be as nice as possible, however when someone comes along with some 'out there' comments... well this Daddy will not roll over and play dead.
Dads are the protectors and providers. I take that role seriously and I hope to have other parents of Autistic children, especially the Dads, help in that cause. Lurking on websites/blogs and standing back in the shadows may be fine for NT parents. If we are to have support, services and other needed things for our children we need to be out front.
Your state and national reps should know who you are. This past year I've met with our city Mayor, the Governor and one of our Senators. I plan to do more. To have the time and finances to do all this, my new website: www.BillionsToGive.com will need to be successful, I feel it will be. I hope some readers here will be a part of those efforts, but that will be your choice.
But, however we choose to further the cause of Autism awareness, sitting back and watching someone else do it all--is not an option. In my opinion.
So what are the resolutions, promises and a few fibs? I resolve to do a better job on this blog and promise to do so. If I don't hit those goals? Well, that where the few fibs come in. :)
Dad
I have recently set up an account on Twitter (http://twitter.com/johnkirton), we've had our YouTube channel since April 2007, Facebook and MySpace as well. And we're joining many other various groups and social websites to get more of our presence out there.
My goal is to stay on top of all these outlets and make more of an impact on Autism awareness and acceptance. If I get into a few verbal tussles with ignorant or mean people along the way - so be it. I'll try to be as nice as possible, however when someone comes along with some 'out there' comments... well this Daddy will not roll over and play dead.
Dads are the protectors and providers. I take that role seriously and I hope to have other parents of Autistic children, especially the Dads, help in that cause. Lurking on websites/blogs and standing back in the shadows may be fine for NT parents. If we are to have support, services and other needed things for our children we need to be out front.
Your state and national reps should know who you are. This past year I've met with our city Mayor, the Governor and one of our Senators. I plan to do more. To have the time and finances to do all this, my new website: www.BillionsToGive.com will need to be successful, I feel it will be. I hope some readers here will be a part of those efforts, but that will be your choice.
But, however we choose to further the cause of Autism awareness, sitting back and watching someone else do it all--is not an option. In my opinion.
So what are the resolutions, promises and a few fibs? I resolve to do a better job on this blog and promise to do so. If I don't hit those goals? Well, that where the few fibs come in. :)
Dad
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