We've been getting this question a lot recently in emails. And it is a question that we've been getting from day one. My wife is the glue that holds us together and works hard to make our family feel more 'normal'.
We both grew up not knowing what a special needs family was. The last few years have been a crash course, near literally. We are not perfect or have any unusual talents that help us make it though each day. We just plug along and do the best we can.
Some days it is overwhelming and maybe we escape with too many DVD rentals or midnight snacks, but you do what you have to do to maintain your sanity.
No one asks for challenges like these precious angels bring to a family. However, we figured that God must really want to straighten us out to have given us six children with Autism. I feel they are here mainly for us to learn from them, instead of the other way around.
We used to complain a lot more (i.e. not enough money, need a home of our own, etc) but we are getting better. Hey! It looks like the children are doing a good job with us after all.
They are the special ones. Me? I'm just the Dad.
Showing posts with label Blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blessings. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Autism Rate Now 1 in 100, Still Autism x 6 for Us
1 in 100? It's scary, it's terrible, it's the end of the world!! Naaaah, if you have children with Autism you just learn to deal with it.
However, friends don't come over any more, family avoid you, you're in foreclosure or going bankrupt. If you are so bold as to step out into the outside world you get the "look" or stares usually followed by unsolicited parenting advise.
You may not be able to hold down a regular job. You need a lot of time off. You had the hope that there was a government program, an agency or charitable organization that could help with SOMETHING.
Then 'how life really is' sets in.
After awhile you come to realize its all up to you. You stop feeling sorry for yourself. You stop caring about the mean people, uncaring family members or government indifference to your plight.
You come to accept your life with an Autistic child(ren). Then you learn to embrace it. To appreciate their innocence.
Sure the meltdowns, the poop, the constant messy home STILL aren't that much fun -- but you deal with it. You realize your blessings and find peace in your life.
1 in 100? It's still 6 in 6 for us.
Dad
However, friends don't come over any more, family avoid you, you're in foreclosure or going bankrupt. If you are so bold as to step out into the outside world you get the "look" or stares usually followed by unsolicited parenting advise.
You may not be able to hold down a regular job. You need a lot of time off. You had the hope that there was a government program, an agency or charitable organization that could help with SOMETHING.
Then 'how life really is' sets in.
After awhile you come to realize its all up to you. You stop feeling sorry for yourself. You stop caring about the mean people, uncaring family members or government indifference to your plight.
You come to accept your life with an Autistic child(ren). Then you learn to embrace it. To appreciate their innocence.
Sure the meltdowns, the poop, the constant messy home STILL aren't that much fun -- but you deal with it. You realize your blessings and find peace in your life.
1 in 100? It's still 6 in 6 for us.
Dad
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Things Are Looking Up
I like many have been struggling with earning what our family needs lately. Last year was going well until November when the economy took its hit. I've tried to continue to earn with our internet businesses, BUT it wasn't making it. I sent out nearly 100 resumes in the last couple of months and only got a few nibbles. So after much discussion between Robin and I... prayers etc. we decided that I should go through the training of becoming a over the road trucker.
The accelerated class I started 2 weeks ago had 42 students, yesterday just 13 were left that passed all the requirements. I was in that group, of course ;) By the end of this coming week I'll be hitting the road for an additional 14,500 miles with a driving trainer to learn the actual on the road experiences. It will be somewhat difficult for Robin and the children, but I have to earn for our needs of course. Please pray for her especially and the family generally if you would. After I get settled into the job I'll be back on this blog and some of our other online hangouts.
Dad
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Be an Autism Advocate
Making calls and emails are good starts. Do a search on the web page of your closest major newspaper and see what kind of Autism stories they've done. If they haven't done anything in the last six months... call them.
How we got started: We found out all 6 were Autistic in fall of 2006. While watching "Extreme Home Makeover" in Feb 2007 they said the family had the most documented Autistic children in one family... five. Robin and I looked at each other, "Guess we have the most". I emailed the local ABC station the next morning that we have 6 ASD kids and got an email from a reporter back right away. They were doing a story that night and wanted some footage on our family. We were on the news that night.
A month or so later I called our two major newspapers. One was more excited then the other to do our story. An interview and photos later and we were on the front page of the Sunday paper. (Check it out and add a comment to their website, that can insure that it stays available) That was June 2007.
Because of that newspaper article we were contacted by Readers Digest, People Magazine and Figure 8 Films (fro Discovery Health). People came in July for the interview, the photographer came in December. (long story). The film crew first came in Dec 2007 for the next 6 months. Each visit was 2-4 days.
The People magazine article came out in Feb 2008 and the interviews with Good Morning America, Inside Edition and Larry King soon followed. We had also been contacted by the Helen DeGeneres show and Oprah. Nothing has come of those as of yet. "Home Makeover" did contact us and wanted us to apply, but you need to own your home or have property they can build on. We rent and have no land.
Between the beginning and now I've made calls (lots) and emails to many politicians and various groups and individuals (the rich and famous). You wouldn't believe how many people who SAY they support Autism have never responded. I even sent Jenny McCarthy one of our t-shirts and never heard back.
Yes, the hours are long and there are many disappointments in trying to increase Autism awareness. But, as I tell many people, Autism IS my life. I figure it's my job and "calling" in life to do all I can. I've felt dumb standing around an event where I know nobody and try to start conversations. Then try to bring the conversation around to Autism. I've actually created a Autism business card for myself and Robin.
But, to do nothing... I feel is just not acceptable. Do something, anything... it will make a difference. If every parent will be an advocate we can make a HUGE difference for our children. So make calls, write, search and read. Do what you can when you can. We are all in this together and we need each one of us.
Dad
How we got started: We found out all 6 were Autistic in fall of 2006. While watching "Extreme Home Makeover" in Feb 2007 they said the family had the most documented Autistic children in one family... five. Robin and I looked at each other, "Guess we have the most". I emailed the local ABC station the next morning that we have 6 ASD kids and got an email from a reporter back right away. They were doing a story that night and wanted some footage on our family. We were on the news that night.
A month or so later I called our two major newspapers. One was more excited then the other to do our story. An interview and photos later and we were on the front page of the Sunday paper. (Check it out and add a comment to their website, that can insure that it stays available) That was June 2007.
Because of that newspaper article we were contacted by Readers Digest, People Magazine and Figure 8 Films (fro Discovery Health). People came in July for the interview, the photographer came in December. (long story). The film crew first came in Dec 2007 for the next 6 months. Each visit was 2-4 days.
The People magazine article came out in Feb 2008 and the interviews with Good Morning America, Inside Edition and Larry King soon followed. We had also been contacted by the Helen DeGeneres show and Oprah. Nothing has come of those as of yet. "Home Makeover" did contact us and wanted us to apply, but you need to own your home or have property they can build on. We rent and have no land.
Between the beginning and now I've made calls (lots) and emails to many politicians and various groups and individuals (the rich and famous). You wouldn't believe how many people who SAY they support Autism have never responded. I even sent Jenny McCarthy one of our t-shirts and never heard back.
Yes, the hours are long and there are many disappointments in trying to increase Autism awareness. But, as I tell many people, Autism IS my life. I figure it's my job and "calling" in life to do all I can. I've felt dumb standing around an event where I know nobody and try to start conversations. Then try to bring the conversation around to Autism. I've actually created a Autism business card for myself and Robin.
But, to do nothing... I feel is just not acceptable. Do something, anything... it will make a difference. If every parent will be an advocate we can make a HUGE difference for our children. So make calls, write, search and read. Do what you can when you can. We are all in this together and we need each one of us.
Dad
Monday, November 10, 2008
Trying to Be More Like Jesus
On Sunday, November 9, 2008--yesterday--we did something we have rarely attempted over the last couple of years or so...we all went and stayed at church, ahh!!!!
It was a special occasion. The children's group at our church, called the Primary, put on their annual sacrament meeting presentation. Our "sacrament meetings" are when the entire congregation gathers together in the chapel for one hour church service, this is in addition to a couple of hours of classes. The children ranged in ages from 3 to 11, and even though our group of kids is kind of small--we have a lot of empty nesters and senior citizens in our congregation--it's always a BIG deal. After all, hearing kids sing and gave little talks during church service is absolutely precious. Those beautiful young faces looked like little angels up there.
Our youngest, Mary, 3, was wearing an all white ruffled dress that kind of bounced and flowed along with her as she moved. She has been able to join and stay with the Primary most of the time with the help of a bag of books the leadership put together to help encourage and calm her down. But, apparently there was just too much stimulation with the entire congregation and their visitors like grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins to keep Mary with the program, literally and figuratively! First, she wanted to draw, then she wanted to sit on my lap, then she kind of wanted to join her class, but when she started climbing the steps to the stand, she turned around and smiled like a little showman. She then started jumping up and down on the stairs, beaming all the while as she made a louder and louder thumping sound. After whispering a few times to get down, she had to be fetched. She didn't last much longer and Bobby, 14, had to chase after her into the hallway.
Ammon, who just turned 5, always loves being in the chapel when we sing hymns, he loves music. But, when we're not singing, we lose him quickly. I think we almost got through to the passing of the sacrament--the bread and water in our religion, to help us remember the body and blood of Jesus Christ who sacrificed Himself for us so that we can receive a remission, or forgiveness, of our sins--when John had to take off into the hallway with Ammon and Sarah. Sarah lasted the longest, was pretty calm and quiet until she kept bouncing and making her sounds that got too loud and distracting.
So, after the passing of the sacrament, they started the Primary program. Mary was supposed to be one of the first speakers, she'd be repeating a couple of sentences with help from a leader. She made it back to the chapel by then, but kept going here, there and everywhere, and Bobby ended up having to follow her out again. So, Mary didn't make it to the pulpit--like she cared anyhow little stinky winky....
Nephi, 9, did an amazing job singing. He forgot his glasses, so he couldn't read the visuals for the lyrics, but he moved his mouth almost the whole time during the songs. He also did a good job reading.
Emma was asked to write a short little talk, and we realized that maybe we should have remembered to look at it before hand, some of it that is....She talked of her family. She said that she and all her brothers and sisters have autism, then she mentioned the severity of each kids autism. She said that we're a very close family, how sweet. She then said that mom and dad get mad and yell sometimes, but they still love us! She then said that Extreme Makeover Home Edition called us and wants us to apply, that we really need a new house because it's little and the babies destroy it, but we can't get on the show because we're renters. She then mentioned our documentary and that everyone should watch it when it reruns on Discovery Health and TLC. We're very proud of her, spoken from the depth of her heart, nothing genuine held back, and with the charisma of a true spokes person.
Near the end of the program, they did a little presentation of the special needs primary children. Unfortunately Sarah was in the hallway screaming her head off, so she didn't make it and Mary was AWOL with Bobby. A 10 year old boy started counting, this is huge for this child because he has classic autism and has been making huge strides in his language the past couple of years. This boy also said "Jesus!"
Then, one of the leaders talked a bit of how special these children are, and I think it may have included some talk of tolerance, patience, respect, and how much like Jesus these children are. We believe in our religion that kids and people with mental challenges are innocent, that they were already perfect in Heaven before they came to earth, but that they needed to come to earth to get a body more than anything, that and to be a learning experience and example to the rest of us, to help the rest of us become better and make it to Heaven too. The leaders tried to encourage and help Ammon hold up a picture of Jesus Christ in the garden of Gethsemanie. The children then sang "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus". This song is my favorite of all the children's songs in our religion. It was so touching. I usually tear up when I hear this song, but there was just too much going on for me to soak it in--and before the song could end, Ammon dove head first from the dividing wall on the stand, then ran off, that boy!!!!
Here is a link to the song "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" by Janice Kapp Perry--I think it's sung by Felicia Sorenson though...
Sincerely,
Robin Kirton
It was a special occasion. The children's group at our church, called the Primary, put on their annual sacrament meeting presentation. Our "sacrament meetings" are when the entire congregation gathers together in the chapel for one hour church service, this is in addition to a couple of hours of classes. The children ranged in ages from 3 to 11, and even though our group of kids is kind of small--we have a lot of empty nesters and senior citizens in our congregation--it's always a BIG deal. After all, hearing kids sing and gave little talks during church service is absolutely precious. Those beautiful young faces looked like little angels up there.
Our youngest, Mary, 3, was wearing an all white ruffled dress that kind of bounced and flowed along with her as she moved. She has been able to join and stay with the Primary most of the time with the help of a bag of books the leadership put together to help encourage and calm her down. But, apparently there was just too much stimulation with the entire congregation and their visitors like grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins to keep Mary with the program, literally and figuratively! First, she wanted to draw, then she wanted to sit on my lap, then she kind of wanted to join her class, but when she started climbing the steps to the stand, she turned around and smiled like a little showman. She then started jumping up and down on the stairs, beaming all the while as she made a louder and louder thumping sound. After whispering a few times to get down, she had to be fetched. She didn't last much longer and Bobby, 14, had to chase after her into the hallway.
Ammon, who just turned 5, always loves being in the chapel when we sing hymns, he loves music. But, when we're not singing, we lose him quickly. I think we almost got through to the passing of the sacrament--the bread and water in our religion, to help us remember the body and blood of Jesus Christ who sacrificed Himself for us so that we can receive a remission, or forgiveness, of our sins--when John had to take off into the hallway with Ammon and Sarah. Sarah lasted the longest, was pretty calm and quiet until she kept bouncing and making her sounds that got too loud and distracting.
So, after the passing of the sacrament, they started the Primary program. Mary was supposed to be one of the first speakers, she'd be repeating a couple of sentences with help from a leader. She made it back to the chapel by then, but kept going here, there and everywhere, and Bobby ended up having to follow her out again. So, Mary didn't make it to the pulpit--like she cared anyhow little stinky winky....
Nephi, 9, did an amazing job singing. He forgot his glasses, so he couldn't read the visuals for the lyrics, but he moved his mouth almost the whole time during the songs. He also did a good job reading.
Emma was asked to write a short little talk, and we realized that maybe we should have remembered to look at it before hand, some of it that is....She talked of her family. She said that she and all her brothers and sisters have autism, then she mentioned the severity of each kids autism. She said that we're a very close family, how sweet. She then said that mom and dad get mad and yell sometimes, but they still love us! She then said that Extreme Makeover Home Edition called us and wants us to apply, that we really need a new house because it's little and the babies destroy it, but we can't get on the show because we're renters. She then mentioned our documentary and that everyone should watch it when it reruns on Discovery Health and TLC. We're very proud of her, spoken from the depth of her heart, nothing genuine held back, and with the charisma of a true spokes person.
Near the end of the program, they did a little presentation of the special needs primary children. Unfortunately Sarah was in the hallway screaming her head off, so she didn't make it and Mary was AWOL with Bobby. A 10 year old boy started counting, this is huge for this child because he has classic autism and has been making huge strides in his language the past couple of years. This boy also said "Jesus!"
Then, one of the leaders talked a bit of how special these children are, and I think it may have included some talk of tolerance, patience, respect, and how much like Jesus these children are. We believe in our religion that kids and people with mental challenges are innocent, that they were already perfect in Heaven before they came to earth, but that they needed to come to earth to get a body more than anything, that and to be a learning experience and example to the rest of us, to help the rest of us become better and make it to Heaven too. The leaders tried to encourage and help Ammon hold up a picture of Jesus Christ in the garden of Gethsemanie. The children then sang "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus". This song is my favorite of all the children's songs in our religion. It was so touching. I usually tear up when I hear this song, but there was just too much going on for me to soak it in--and before the song could end, Ammon dove head first from the dividing wall on the stand, then ran off, that boy!!!!
Here is a link to the song "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" by Janice Kapp Perry--I think it's sung by Felicia Sorenson though...
Sincerely,
Robin Kirton
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Autism X 6, Why We Did It
I received a very sad email from a mother that has it as bad or worse then us in regards to the number and severity of her children's Autism. However she was angry that we are 'getting rich' from 'exploiting' our children. I hope that my response can help to further clarify who and what we are. Our goals and dreams we hope to accomplish by appearing in a documentary about Autism.
My response:
I'm sorry to have offended you, it sounds like you are in the same boat as us; or maybe worse. Your situation is one of the main reasons we decided to put our family 'out there' in the first place.
The average Joe out there has NO idea what it is like to raise children like we have. The medical bills, the special diets, various treatments and more. Sure some will judge and complain, but that is their problem not ours.
We'll continue to try and educate and increase the level of tolerance and acceptance toward our children. It's not much yet but we have been able to help raise nearly $25,000 for a number of charities that help Autistic families. (not for the AutismBites Foundation however) Many of the links on our website have benefited from us placing them on our site. That is our intention, to help others as well.
We don't have the pulling power of a Hollywood celebrity or have written a best-selling book. But we feel an obligation to let people know that there are many people that are having a VERY tough time raising Autistic children. Not just us or you.
We haven't been paid for any magazine, newspaper or TV interviews (that's a myth). It has made people aware of us and we've sold a number of t-shirts. But, 95% or more of the costs of those shirts goes to shipping and production for the website that makes them for us. And we're losing count of the number of free t-shirts that we've sent to families that have a difficult time affording them.
The film production company did pay us a 'location fee' to film us, and even though we appreciated it very much; it wasn't that much. We aren't rich now. The money is not rolling in like some seem to believe.
After trying to maintain a 9 to 5 job these past couple of years, I gave up. The workplaces just weren't able to have me take off for appointments, emergencies or sickness. I can understand that and harbor no hard feelings. But I still need to provide for my children. That is why I need to have a blog and website that may include some advertising, links to businesses or various offers.
I sent out our 'invitation' email to only those who kindly emailed us messages of hope and understanding. I'm sorry you got on the list by mistake. I'm sorry to have given the impression that we are doing this for money. I guess that people assume that when a sad tale is told that they are expecting a handout. We got a ton of emails from people that wanted a mailing address to send things to us. Others wanted to donate money, so our website manager put a PayPal button there. They feel good, we are very grateful and our children lack for a bit less. WIN-WIN-WIN
We aren't exploiting our children, we are showing the world how beautiful they are and how blessed we are. Our new business link on our home page has products that people buy every day. We aren't begging anyone to buy, but we hope that some will. It's my home business just like your doll hospital.
I'm sad to hear that you have no help, no respite, no breaks and no 'loot' rolling in. We have NO help, 4 hrs of respite for 2 children a week, NO breaks and NO loot rolling it. And that's OK for us too.
Sort of.
I want money to 'roll' in for my family. I want to take care of them and give them what they need and a few wants. I DO want money rolling in from MY efforts, the businesses I create and put together. I DO NOT want to barely 'get by' and barely make it each day. I want a better life for my children, they've already been given a hard road in life and they deserve better. And somehow, some way I'll work and scratch and find a way to do that for them. They are my children I love them and I don't think I need to accept a vow of poverty to be in the good graces of the rest of the world.
I wish you all the best and hope you find peace and blessings in your life.
John
My response:
I'm sorry to have offended you, it sounds like you are in the same boat as us; or maybe worse. Your situation is one of the main reasons we decided to put our family 'out there' in the first place.
The average Joe out there has NO idea what it is like to raise children like we have. The medical bills, the special diets, various treatments and more. Sure some will judge and complain, but that is their problem not ours.
We'll continue to try and educate and increase the level of tolerance and acceptance toward our children. It's not much yet but we have been able to help raise nearly $25,000 for a number of charities that help Autistic families. (not for the AutismBites Foundation however) Many of the links on our website have benefited from us placing them on our site. That is our intention, to help others as well.
We don't have the pulling power of a Hollywood celebrity or have written a best-selling book. But we feel an obligation to let people know that there are many people that are having a VERY tough time raising Autistic children. Not just us or you.
We haven't been paid for any magazine, newspaper or TV interviews (that's a myth). It has made people aware of us and we've sold a number of t-shirts. But, 95% or more of the costs of those shirts goes to shipping and production for the website that makes them for us. And we're losing count of the number of free t-shirts that we've sent to families that have a difficult time affording them.
The film production company did pay us a 'location fee' to film us, and even though we appreciated it very much; it wasn't that much. We aren't rich now. The money is not rolling in like some seem to believe.
After trying to maintain a 9 to 5 job these past couple of years, I gave up. The workplaces just weren't able to have me take off for appointments, emergencies or sickness. I can understand that and harbor no hard feelings. But I still need to provide for my children. That is why I need to have a blog and website that may include some advertising, links to businesses or various offers.
I sent out our 'invitation' email to only those who kindly emailed us messages of hope and understanding. I'm sorry you got on the list by mistake. I'm sorry to have given the impression that we are doing this for money. I guess that people assume that when a sad tale is told that they are expecting a handout. We got a ton of emails from people that wanted a mailing address to send things to us. Others wanted to donate money, so our website manager put a PayPal button there. They feel good, we are very grateful and our children lack for a bit less. WIN-WIN-WIN
We aren't exploiting our children, we are showing the world how beautiful they are and how blessed we are. Our new business link on our home page has products that people buy every day. We aren't begging anyone to buy, but we hope that some will. It's my home business just like your doll hospital.
I'm sad to hear that you have no help, no respite, no breaks and no 'loot' rolling in. We have NO help, 4 hrs of respite for 2 children a week, NO breaks and NO loot rolling it. And that's OK for us too.
Sort of.
I want money to 'roll' in for my family. I want to take care of them and give them what they need and a few wants. I DO want money rolling in from MY efforts, the businesses I create and put together. I DO NOT want to barely 'get by' and barely make it each day. I want a better life for my children, they've already been given a hard road in life and they deserve better. And somehow, some way I'll work and scratch and find a way to do that for them. They are my children I love them and I don't think I need to accept a vow of poverty to be in the good graces of the rest of the world.
I wish you all the best and hope you find peace and blessings in your life.
John
Sunday, September 28, 2008
A Story of Giving and Compassion
I received this story in an email to our autism_bites@yahoo.com account.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy. But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted one. I wasn't sure how my customers would react to Stevie. He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and thick-tongued speech of Down’s Syndrome. I wasn't worried about most of my trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade. The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded "truck stop germ", the pairs of white-shirted business men on expense accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with. I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first few weeks.
I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot. After that, I really didn't care what the rest of the customers thought of him. He was like a 21-year-old in blue jeans and Nike's, eager to laugh and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. Every salt and pepper shaker was exactly in its place, not a bread crumb or coffee spill was visible when Stevie got done with the table.
Our only problem was persuading him to wait to clean a table until after the customers were finished. He would hover in the background, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, scanning the dining room until a table was empty. Then he would scurry to the empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto the cart and meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his rag. If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with added concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and you had to love how hard he tried to please each and every person he met.
Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their Social Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck stop. Their social worker, who stopped to check on him every so often, admitted they had fallen between the cracks. Money was tight, and what I paid him was probably the difference between them being able to live together and Stevie being sent to a group home. That's why the restaurant was a gloomy place that morning last August, the first morning in three years that Stevie missed work.
He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or something, put in his heart. His social worker said that people with Down’s Syndrome often have heart problems at an early age so this wasn't unexpected, and there was a good chance he would come through the surgery in good shape and be back at work in a few months.
A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery, and doing fine. Frannie, the head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in the aisle when she heard the good news. Belle Ringer, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the sight of this 50-year-old grandmother of four doing a victory shimmy beside his table. Frannie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Belle Ringer a withering look.
He grinned. "OK, Frannie, what was that all about?" he asked.
"We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay."
"I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was the surgery about?"
Frannie quickly told Belle Ringer and the other two drivers sitting at his booth about Stevie's surgery, then sighed: "Yeah, I'm glad he is going to be OK," she said. "But I don't know how he and his Mom are going to handle all the bills. From what I hear, they're barely getting by as it is." Belle Ringer nodded thoughtfully, and Frannie hurried off to wait on the rest of her tables.
Since I hadn't had time to round up a busboy to replace Stevie and really didn't want to replace him, the girls were busing their own tables that day until we decided what to do. After the morning rush, Frannie walked into my office. She had a couple of paper napkins in her hand and a funny look on her face.
"What's up?" I asked.
"I didn't get that table where Belle Ringer and his friends were sitting cleared off after they left, and Pony Pete and Tony Tipper were sitting there when I got back to clean it off," she said. "This was folded and tucked under a coffee cup." She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed "Something For Stevie". Pony Pete asked me what that was all about," she said, "so I told him about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and Tony looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this" She handed me another paper napkin that had "Something For Stevie" scrawled on its outside. Two $50 bills were tucked within its folds. Frannie looked at me with wet, shiny eyes, shook her head and said simply: "truckers."
That was three months ago. Today is Thanksgiving, the first day Stevie is supposed to be back to work. His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor said he could work, and it didn't matter at all that it was a holiday. He called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful that we had forgotten him or that his job was in jeopardy. I arranged to have his mother bring him to work. I then met them in the parking lot and invited them both to celebrate his day back. Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn't stop grinning as he pushed through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing cart were waiting.
"Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast," I said. I took him and his mother by their arms. "Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate you coming back, breakfast for you and your mother is on me!"
I led them toward a large corner booth at the rear of the room. I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups, saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded paper napkins.
"First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess," I said. I tried to sound stern. Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the napkins. It had "Something for Stevie" printed on the outside. As he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table.
Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to his mother. "There's more than $10,000 in cash and checks on the table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems. "Happy Thanksgiving."
Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and shouting, and there were a few tears, as well. But you know what's funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big, big smile on his face, was busy clearing all the cups and dishes from the table. Best worker I ever hired.
If you shed a tear, hug yourself, because you are a compassionate person.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We’re not in as dire straits as this young man was, however, we continuously receive emails from ‘Parents of Autism’ that tell of stories similar to this one. Sure we’ve had a bit of struggles with our six and because of that we understand the need for the ‘AutismBites Foundation’ we have been attempting to create.
Please visit our website again, http://www.autismbites.com/. Read about what our hopes are for the Foundation on its page. Then if YOU are able, click the donate PayPal button. If you are not able, send the information to someone who may be able to help with a donation.
P.S. We've just started a family business where you will learn how to be rewarded for every online purchase you make:
https://www.marketamerica.com/6asdkids/index.cfm?action=main.wLogin
Thanks,
Dad
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Folded Napkin
I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy. But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted one. I wasn't sure how my customers would react to Stevie. He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and thick-tongued speech of Down’s Syndrome. I wasn't worried about most of my trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade. The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded "truck stop germ", the pairs of white-shirted business men on expense accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with. I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first few weeks.
I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot. After that, I really didn't care what the rest of the customers thought of him. He was like a 21-year-old in blue jeans and Nike's, eager to laugh and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. Every salt and pepper shaker was exactly in its place, not a bread crumb or coffee spill was visible when Stevie got done with the table.
Our only problem was persuading him to wait to clean a table until after the customers were finished. He would hover in the background, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, scanning the dining room until a table was empty. Then he would scurry to the empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto the cart and meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his rag. If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with added concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and you had to love how hard he tried to please each and every person he met.
Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their Social Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck stop. Their social worker, who stopped to check on him every so often, admitted they had fallen between the cracks. Money was tight, and what I paid him was probably the difference between them being able to live together and Stevie being sent to a group home. That's why the restaurant was a gloomy place that morning last August, the first morning in three years that Stevie missed work.
He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or something, put in his heart. His social worker said that people with Down’s Syndrome often have heart problems at an early age so this wasn't unexpected, and there was a good chance he would come through the surgery in good shape and be back at work in a few months.
A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery, and doing fine. Frannie, the head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in the aisle when she heard the good news. Belle Ringer, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the sight of this 50-year-old grandmother of four doing a victory shimmy beside his table. Frannie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Belle Ringer a withering look.
He grinned. "OK, Frannie, what was that all about?" he asked.
"We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay."
"I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was the surgery about?"
Frannie quickly told Belle Ringer and the other two drivers sitting at his booth about Stevie's surgery, then sighed: "Yeah, I'm glad he is going to be OK," she said. "But I don't know how he and his Mom are going to handle all the bills. From what I hear, they're barely getting by as it is." Belle Ringer nodded thoughtfully, and Frannie hurried off to wait on the rest of her tables.
Since I hadn't had time to round up a busboy to replace Stevie and really didn't want to replace him, the girls were busing their own tables that day until we decided what to do. After the morning rush, Frannie walked into my office. She had a couple of paper napkins in her hand and a funny look on her face.
"What's up?" I asked.
"I didn't get that table where Belle Ringer and his friends were sitting cleared off after they left, and Pony Pete and Tony Tipper were sitting there when I got back to clean it off," she said. "This was folded and tucked under a coffee cup." She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed "Something For Stevie". Pony Pete asked me what that was all about," she said, "so I told him about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and Tony looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this" She handed me another paper napkin that had "Something For Stevie" scrawled on its outside. Two $50 bills were tucked within its folds. Frannie looked at me with wet, shiny eyes, shook her head and said simply: "truckers."
That was three months ago. Today is Thanksgiving, the first day Stevie is supposed to be back to work. His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor said he could work, and it didn't matter at all that it was a holiday. He called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful that we had forgotten him or that his job was in jeopardy. I arranged to have his mother bring him to work. I then met them in the parking lot and invited them both to celebrate his day back. Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn't stop grinning as he pushed through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing cart were waiting.
"Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast," I said. I took him and his mother by their arms. "Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate you coming back, breakfast for you and your mother is on me!"
I led them toward a large corner booth at the rear of the room. I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups, saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded paper napkins.
"First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess," I said. I tried to sound stern. Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the napkins. It had "Something for Stevie" printed on the outside. As he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table.
Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to his mother. "There's more than $10,000 in cash and checks on the table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems. "Happy Thanksgiving."
Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and shouting, and there were a few tears, as well. But you know what's funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big, big smile on his face, was busy clearing all the cups and dishes from the table. Best worker I ever hired.
If you shed a tear, hug yourself, because you are a compassionate person.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We’re not in as dire straits as this young man was, however, we continuously receive emails from ‘Parents of Autism’ that tell of stories similar to this one. Sure we’ve had a bit of struggles with our six and because of that we understand the need for the ‘AutismBites Foundation’ we have been attempting to create.
Please visit our website again, http://www.autismbites.com/. Read about what our hopes are for the Foundation on its page. Then if YOU are able, click the donate PayPal button. If you are not able, send the information to someone who may be able to help with a donation.
P.S. We've just started a family business where you will learn how to be rewarded for every online purchase you make:
https://www.marketamerica.com/6asdkids/index.cfm?action=main.wLogin
Thanks,
Dad
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Spongebob and The Great Giggle Box
A couple of nights ago, the night after our PARTY FOR THREE, Mary, 3, woke up crying. I sort of woke up from it, but then staggered to bed when I saw John awake. I assumed he was going to deal with her. In time, I kept hearing John moan and groan as Mary kept crying. John was too tired to be very patient, and was letting her cry for a time seeing if she would fall asleep again, like she usually does.
Well, Mary kept crying and John was losing it. So, I got up and told him to go to bed, I'll deal with her. I asked Mary "You wanna hold mama?" She said "Mama hold you." Sometimes mom is the only thing that will make a child happy. We had to put on a Spongebob DVD because that's Mary's current obsession. It used to be Blue's Clues and Elmo. She won't watch Blue anymore, and Elmo not so much, it's almost always "Bah Bob on DVD!" now. As John and I were talking in the middle of the night while I was changing Mary and getting her ready to sit with me, from down the hall we heard a little "Hee hee!" We kept hearing it over and over again and were looking at each other like "Uh oh." So, John got Sarah, 6, our little giggle box, and brought her into the living room to change a rank bomb in her pants. He then went to bed as me and the little girls had a slumber party. Sarah bounced and frolicked around giggling like there was no tomorrow. She likes to get real close right in my face and roar with laughter, nearly making me deaf in the process. I tried to sleep in the recliner, but couldn't get comfortable enough. Mary finally passed out cold and laid down on the couch. Sarah was still bouncing off the walls in a jovial frenzy with more "Hee hee!"'s in my face. I was so wasted, I'd had enough. So, I replayed Spongebob and made sure the room was safe--the dividing wall up and the bathroom locked--then I went to bed.
A few hours later, I came into the living room to check on them. Sarah was leisurely sitting in my recliner, and as I looked at her in the dimly lit room, she looked right at me as her mouthful of teeth emerged, her eyes lit up and twinkled and she went "HEE HEE!"
She started to nod off about then, but then perked up again. She giggled all the way to the bathtub and in the bathtub. Later, when I called her name a few times to tell her I needed to dry her hair, she said "Say ah, Say ah." She's never said her name so clearly before!!!!!
Here's Sarah after she got home from school yesterday....
By the way, Ammon, 4, is progressing so well in his communication. After he had his after school snack, he comes up to me and sticks his finger in my face with gooey and chunky brown stuff on it--and I didn't give him chocolate. Hey, at least he didn't wipe it on his clothes and not tell me about it. For that, I totally couldn't get upset with him, I was just SO PROUD of my boy!!!
Sniff sniff...
Mom
Well, Mary kept crying and John was losing it. So, I got up and told him to go to bed, I'll deal with her. I asked Mary "You wanna hold mama?" She said "Mama hold you." Sometimes mom is the only thing that will make a child happy. We had to put on a Spongebob DVD because that's Mary's current obsession. It used to be Blue's Clues and Elmo. She won't watch Blue anymore, and Elmo not so much, it's almost always "Bah Bob on DVD!" now. As John and I were talking in the middle of the night while I was changing Mary and getting her ready to sit with me, from down the hall we heard a little "Hee hee!" We kept hearing it over and over again and were looking at each other like "Uh oh." So, John got Sarah, 6, our little giggle box, and brought her into the living room to change a rank bomb in her pants. He then went to bed as me and the little girls had a slumber party. Sarah bounced and frolicked around giggling like there was no tomorrow. She likes to get real close right in my face and roar with laughter, nearly making me deaf in the process. I tried to sleep in the recliner, but couldn't get comfortable enough. Mary finally passed out cold and laid down on the couch. Sarah was still bouncing off the walls in a jovial frenzy with more "Hee hee!"'s in my face. I was so wasted, I'd had enough. So, I replayed Spongebob and made sure the room was safe--the dividing wall up and the bathroom locked--then I went to bed.
A few hours later, I came into the living room to check on them. Sarah was leisurely sitting in my recliner, and as I looked at her in the dimly lit room, she looked right at me as her mouthful of teeth emerged, her eyes lit up and twinkled and she went "HEE HEE!"
She started to nod off about then, but then perked up again. She giggled all the way to the bathtub and in the bathtub. Later, when I called her name a few times to tell her I needed to dry her hair, she said "Say ah, Say ah." She's never said her name so clearly before!!!!!
Here's Sarah after she got home from school yesterday....
By the way, Ammon, 4, is progressing so well in his communication. After he had his after school snack, he comes up to me and sticks his finger in my face with gooey and chunky brown stuff on it--and I didn't give him chocolate. Hey, at least he didn't wipe it on his clothes and not tell me about it. For that, I totally couldn't get upset with him, I was just SO PROUD of my boy!!!
Sniff sniff...
Mom
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Givers and Receivers
My step-mom, Marie, and I were having a discussion a few weeks ago. I was lamenting that we have been getting or receiving a lot these past few months and that we haven't been able to give as much as we would like to. She pointed out that we do have a lot to take care of and that our time and especially resources are very limited. True, true I said but it bothers me to be what I call a 'sponge'. Then she said something was very profound:
If there were no receivers... there could be no givers.
Yep, she's right. We give what we can and we want to do more, but there must be both. In fact, a bit over a month ago we were contacted by the Arc of Utah. They had a volunteer group, University Health Care, that wanted to be 'givers'. They wanted to know if we would be the 'receivers' of a yard makeover and a living room painting party. We accepted. The Arc also wanted to know if we would be their speakers for an annual fund raising breakfast that is coming up at the end of this month. Now we could be 'givers' as well.
Yesterday we were part of Utah's first 'Walk Now for Autism'. As we were leaving to go to that, the volunteers from University Health Care were arriving to give our yard a makeover. After we were done with the Autism walk we were told to go to a local indoor play park for children. The ARC had made arrangements for us to play while they fixed up the yard and painted the living room and hallway. They also installed a swing set in the backyard and gave us two brand new bicycles for the children. What GREAT givers!!
Here are pictures of our day:
Thank you to everyone from The Arc, University Health Care and Lowe's.
Dad
If there were no receivers... there could be no givers.
Yep, she's right. We give what we can and we want to do more, but there must be both. In fact, a bit over a month ago we were contacted by the Arc of Utah. They had a volunteer group, University Health Care, that wanted to be 'givers'. They wanted to know if we would be the 'receivers' of a yard makeover and a living room painting party. We accepted. The Arc also wanted to know if we would be their speakers for an annual fund raising breakfast that is coming up at the end of this month. Now we could be 'givers' as well.
Yesterday we were part of Utah's first 'Walk Now for Autism'. As we were leaving to go to that, the volunteers from University Health Care were arriving to give our yard a makeover. After we were done with the Autism walk we were told to go to a local indoor play park for children. The ARC had made arrangements for us to play while they fixed up the yard and painted the living room and hallway. They also installed a swing set in the backyard and gave us two brand new bicycles for the children. What GREAT givers!!
Here are pictures of our day:
Thank you to everyone from The Arc, University Health Care and Lowe's.
Dad
Monday, March 10, 2008
A Life that is all Sunshine and Lollipops
It's been a fun ride these past few weeks. Some have said we have put out our 'dirty laundry' for all the world to see. I don't see my innocent children that way and it gets the hair on the back of my neck very bristled. Those we thought closest to us have either ignored, supported or want nothing more to do with us. The last part hurts the most.
But, Robin and I will continue on as we had decided before all this attention that we set in motion. Now we know who our true friends and family are. We do have a BUNCH more new friends that we are very grateful for.
We've had the positive and the negative and we prefer the positive. We want to be healthy and not full of negative cancerous tumors. So, from now our life will be "A Life that is all Sunshine and Lollipops", whenever we come across negative people and comments we will delete, trash and ignore.
We are doing this mainly for our children and the better life we hope to provide for them. If we can be an example for others... thanks for the complement! If we can achieve our 3 step mission regarding Autism, it'll be that much better.
Dad
P.S. BTW, Mom's not been well lately and I've been working hard to clear up my 2 months of bronchitis and get back to the working world. So, we apologize for not posting as often as we would like to.
But, Robin and I will continue on as we had decided before all this attention that we set in motion. Now we know who our true friends and family are. We do have a BUNCH more new friends that we are very grateful for.
We've had the positive and the negative and we prefer the positive. We want to be healthy and not full of negative cancerous tumors. So, from now our life will be "A Life that is all Sunshine and Lollipops", whenever we come across negative people and comments we will delete, trash and ignore.
We are doing this mainly for our children and the better life we hope to provide for them. If we can be an example for others... thanks for the complement! If we can achieve our 3 step mission regarding Autism, it'll be that much better.
Dad
P.S. BTW, Mom's not been well lately and I've been working hard to clear up my 2 months of bronchitis and get back to the working world. So, we apologize for not posting as often as we would like to.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
God Bless the Parents Who Drugged Us
A friend sent me this story that I just had to pass on:
"The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question.
'Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?'
I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.
I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flowerbeds and cocklebur's out of dad's fields.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place."
She didn't say who the author was, but they sure hit this right on.
Dad
"The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question.
'Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?'
I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.
I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flowerbeds and cocklebur's out of dad's fields.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place."
She didn't say who the author was, but they sure hit this right on.
Dad
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Good Morning America, Autism, Mormons and Just Plain Mean People
We knew that putting ourselves out there for the world to see today would have its good and bad points. That's OK, we're tough, we DO have SIX Autistic children we deal with EVERY day. We can handle 'just plain mean people' that have no idea as to what they are talking about and feel they must offer us advice.
When you've gone though the heart-wrenching discoveries, over two years, of finding out that one by one each child has some level of Autism. Then trying to find out what exactly Autism is. Is there someone... anyone that we can turn to, who has some answers. Trying to keep a job when you have to help you wife who has fibromyalgia and NEEDS at least two naps a day, then getting calls from school that your kids are having yet another meltdown in class. Then start to get some help from the state only to have one of those workers report a conversation. Those comments of frustration get your children removed from your home by the state. Doing EVERYTHING the judge says to get the children back. Two weeks without your children feeling like 2 years. Coming to realize that the state being involved in your life will actually get services and much quicker then usual. Then after 11 months to finally be free from the judicial system and feel human again.
Walk in our shoes for a week and most of you would have either lost your mind, be getting a divorce or maybe worse. We have 3 main reasons to get the word out about our family.
1) increase the awareness and understanding of Autism.
2) from our example (we know we're not perfect) that it can give hope to other parents struggling with their marriage and children.
3) jump start our efforts to create our AutismBites Foundation. The goal is to help put funds directly into parents hands for whatever, without a lot of red tape and hoops to jump through.
There have been many assumptions about who and what we are that have been posted in the comments of the GMA website, I'd like to address some of those. Some are just plain ignorant and stupid, I'll skip those considering the source.
"After the first few clearly had delays, wouldn't one assume the best decision for the family would be to stop reproducing?" "Six! What were they thinking?" "You've had 3 children with developmental problems and yet you KEEP HAVING BABIES. BRILLANT!"
--- ALL the children were born BEFORE we found out about the Autism. Besides that we prayed to know how many children to have. Until Mary, number six, our answer was we were not a complete family. GOD knew that these special children needed parents that would care for them. We were the ones he's trusted, not to people like these who would have aborted or abandoned them. They are our blessings from GOD.
"I don't feel sorry for the parents, I feel sorry for the children whose parents are idiots. Gambling on having normal children happens every day. Making more when you know what will happen is nothing more than Munchosen (its spelled Munchausen, spell checkers work wonders!) syndrome...I hope these parents get neutered." --- OK, that was mean. Uh, let's see... what can I say? I hope you get a lobotomy, soon!
"My argument is that yes this family has a problem that they don't care if they burden the world with their self inflicted problem." --- We DO care, see the 3 reasons above.
"PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT AGE YOUR KIDS WERE WHEN YOU STARTED NOTICING SIGNS OF AUTISM IN EACH CHILD." --- Bobby (8th grade)-halfway through 5th grade the teacher called us in for a conference, suspected mild Aspergers, his diagnoses-Oct 2006. Emma (9) and Nephi (8)-kindergarten and 1st grade, just really rambunctious, their diagnoses-Oct 2006. Sarah (6) pre-school teachers felt she was Autistic at 3 1/2, diagnoses-Nov 2006. Ammon (4) after sister Sarah's pre-school teacher's observations we were concerned as he acted a lot like Sarah, got an appointment, diagnoses-May 2006. Mary (3) thought she was the only one that didn't have it, PDD-NOS diagnoses-Dec 2006.
"Even professional educators didn't didn't catch the oldest child's autism until he was 11 years old. If there was a family that was prone to childhood diabetes and they didn't realize it until their oldest was 11, you wouldn't be exhibiting your stupidity by blaming the parents who are working at a tougher job than you'll ever face with more compassion and intelligence than you'll ever have. The morons here are the ones who can't get past their own prejudiced opinions." --- Very well said!!
"The earth's population is a big factor in today's environmental crisis. These are ignorant, irresponsible adults who have created a problem for themselves and all of us." --- What a bunch of liberal crapola, where is all the compassion for the underprivileged you spew.
"Early intervention is key for an autistic child to meet their full potential. Many can live independently as adults if they receive treatment. We as a society will pay one way or another. I would rather pay through tax dollars for early intervention therapies and treatments so they have a chance to grow up and live independently, instead of long-term adult living care also paid by tax dollars." --- Another, VERY well said!
"Don't let them be "typecast" into total isolation in schools" --- Sarah goes to an Autism school in the morning and regular kindergarten in the afternoons. We'll mainstream them as much as possible as long as they are getting an education they need and not just supervision.
"I can tell you that it was a big reason for why I am not as judgemental and more accepting of those not as perfect as some of apparently think you are, especially about something of which you know nothing." --- Ditto!
"my first question is what were the parents eating, their diets? are they loaded with hydrogenated oils, processe(d) foods? are they living near a toxic dump?" --- We grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN, going to the state fair and having cheese curds and things on a stick.
"I'm sorry but I don't see anywhere in the article that the family is wanting you to feel sorry for them. They said they are blessed. Which means they are happy. So quit with all the judgemental comments. It's just displaying what a pathetic, mean and jealous people you are." --- Call this one another DITTO!
"I think they should both be sterilized." --- After number six Robin's tubes were tied. This was still BEFORE we knew any had Autism.
"If they were a normal family, outside of Utah, they would only have one or two autistic children." "... they're from Utah. They had to keep having children to please the mormon church." "Raise your hand if you knew they were Utah mormons by the second sentence of the article. They had to keep having children to please their church."
--- John is from California, Robin is from Minnesota. The first 4 children were born in Minnesota (blows that prejudice theory out of the water), the last two were born in Utah (a great place to raise a family, you guys stay out). MANY, MANY 'mormon' families have a couple of kids, they are not 'in trouble' and feel the 'displeasure' from our church. We are encouraged, but not commanded to have children. It is for each couple to seek their Heaven Father's guidance as to what their family is to be. We did and six was what we have, the Autism challenge came later.
Well, I could go on and on but this gets across our main points. Someone else said we are seeking help, donations, look at us, poor me, blah, blah, blah (so nice to have my own blog and say what I want!). When the People magazine article came out people emailed us asking how to send something. My sister-in-law/webmaster suggested that we put up a 'PayPal' donation box. There is a choice for either our family or the AutismBites Foundation we are starting. One thing I had hoped they would not put on the editing floor was when I said, "We're not begging for help here or seeking money. If we can be some portion of inspiration to other Autistic parents, great.
If you don't like our t-shirts that help deal with the public, fine don't buy one. Don't like our website (still a work in progress) or us, go away.
Life is choices, choose to like us and come back to this blog and participate with us in our journey on this earth. If you are mean spirited and your life stinks and you want others to feel as miserable as you... don't come back. Bother someone else. Life is too short to stress over things you cannot change or disagree with.
But, to you who have discovered our family and take encouragement or hope from our experiences... come back often. Comment often and let us see if we can all make this world a better place.
Dad
Thanks for your comments and support: parkersmommy007, lilspos2, loveeq2u, JoeliMcC, clbwebb, moose809, KRHSCN, floweringangel, michaelr02, ChristineCade, charity23us, eowyn_of_ithilien, Debra S, nancyroop, mapicepla, HappyTeacher05, Lanie Rae, lindalaytonsmith, HazelEyesLookinAtYou, bobandmoni, kada22105, WebNewsReader, momofautisticchildren23, sassymama1973, if I missed you we love you too!
When you've gone though the heart-wrenching discoveries, over two years, of finding out that one by one each child has some level of Autism. Then trying to find out what exactly Autism is. Is there someone... anyone that we can turn to, who has some answers. Trying to keep a job when you have to help you wife who has fibromyalgia and NEEDS at least two naps a day, then getting calls from school that your kids are having yet another meltdown in class. Then start to get some help from the state only to have one of those workers report a conversation. Those comments of frustration get your children removed from your home by the state. Doing EVERYTHING the judge says to get the children back. Two weeks without your children feeling like 2 years. Coming to realize that the state being involved in your life will actually get services and much quicker then usual. Then after 11 months to finally be free from the judicial system and feel human again.
Walk in our shoes for a week and most of you would have either lost your mind, be getting a divorce or maybe worse. We have 3 main reasons to get the word out about our family.
1) increase the awareness and understanding of Autism.
2) from our example (we know we're not perfect) that it can give hope to other parents struggling with their marriage and children.
3) jump start our efforts to create our AutismBites Foundation. The goal is to help put funds directly into parents hands for whatever, without a lot of red tape and hoops to jump through.
There have been many assumptions about who and what we are that have been posted in the comments of the GMA website, I'd like to address some of those. Some are just plain ignorant and stupid, I'll skip those considering the source.
"After the first few clearly had delays, wouldn't one assume the best decision for the family would be to stop reproducing?" "Six! What were they thinking?" "You've had 3 children with developmental problems and yet you KEEP HAVING BABIES. BRILLANT!"
--- ALL the children were born BEFORE we found out about the Autism. Besides that we prayed to know how many children to have. Until Mary, number six, our answer was we were not a complete family. GOD knew that these special children needed parents that would care for them. We were the ones he's trusted, not to people like these who would have aborted or abandoned them. They are our blessings from GOD.
"I don't feel sorry for the parents, I feel sorry for the children whose parents are idiots. Gambling on having normal children happens every day. Making more when you know what will happen is nothing more than Munchosen (its spelled Munchausen, spell checkers work wonders!) syndrome...I hope these parents get neutered." --- OK, that was mean. Uh, let's see... what can I say? I hope you get a lobotomy, soon!
"My argument is that yes this family has a problem that they don't care if they burden the world with their self inflicted problem." --- We DO care, see the 3 reasons above.
"PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT AGE YOUR KIDS WERE WHEN YOU STARTED NOTICING SIGNS OF AUTISM IN EACH CHILD." --- Bobby (8th grade)-halfway through 5th grade the teacher called us in for a conference, suspected mild Aspergers, his diagnoses-Oct 2006. Emma (9) and Nephi (8)-kindergarten and 1st grade, just really rambunctious, their diagnoses-Oct 2006. Sarah (6) pre-school teachers felt she was Autistic at 3 1/2, diagnoses-Nov 2006. Ammon (4) after sister Sarah's pre-school teacher's observations we were concerned as he acted a lot like Sarah, got an appointment, diagnoses-May 2006. Mary (3) thought she was the only one that didn't have it, PDD-NOS diagnoses-Dec 2006.
"Even professional educators didn't didn't catch the oldest child's autism until he was 11 years old. If there was a family that was prone to childhood diabetes and they didn't realize it until their oldest was 11, you wouldn't be exhibiting your stupidity by blaming the parents who are working at a tougher job than you'll ever face with more compassion and intelligence than you'll ever have. The morons here are the ones who can't get past their own prejudiced opinions." --- Very well said!!
"The earth's population is a big factor in today's environmental crisis. These are ignorant, irresponsible adults who have created a problem for themselves and all of us." --- What a bunch of liberal crapola, where is all the compassion for the underprivileged you spew.
"Early intervention is key for an autistic child to meet their full potential. Many can live independently as adults if they receive treatment. We as a society will pay one way or another. I would rather pay through tax dollars for early intervention therapies and treatments so they have a chance to grow up and live independently, instead of long-term adult living care also paid by tax dollars." --- Another, VERY well said!
"Don't let them be "typecast" into total isolation in schools" --- Sarah goes to an Autism school in the morning and regular kindergarten in the afternoons. We'll mainstream them as much as possible as long as they are getting an education they need and not just supervision.
"I can tell you that it was a big reason for why I am not as judgemental and more accepting of those not as perfect as some of apparently think you are, especially about something of which you know nothing." --- Ditto!
"my first question is what were the parents eating, their diets? are they loaded with hydrogenated oils, processe(d) foods? are they living near a toxic dump?" --- We grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN, going to the state fair and having cheese curds and things on a stick.
"I'm sorry but I don't see anywhere in the article that the family is wanting you to feel sorry for them. They said they are blessed. Which means they are happy. So quit with all the judgemental comments. It's just displaying what a pathetic, mean and jealous people you are." --- Call this one another DITTO!
"I think they should both be sterilized." --- After number six Robin's tubes were tied. This was still BEFORE we knew any had Autism.
"If they were a normal family, outside of Utah, they would only have one or two autistic children." "... they're from Utah. They had to keep having children to please the mormon church." "Raise your hand if you knew they were Utah mormons by the second sentence of the article. They had to keep having children to please their church."
--- John is from California, Robin is from Minnesota. The first 4 children were born in Minnesota (blows that prejudice theory out of the water), the last two were born in Utah (a great place to raise a family, you guys stay out). MANY, MANY 'mormon' families have a couple of kids, they are not 'in trouble' and feel the 'displeasure' from our church. We are encouraged, but not commanded to have children. It is for each couple to seek their Heaven Father's guidance as to what their family is to be. We did and six was what we have, the Autism challenge came later.
Well, I could go on and on but this gets across our main points. Someone else said we are seeking help, donations, look at us, poor me, blah, blah, blah (so nice to have my own blog and say what I want!). When the People magazine article came out people emailed us asking how to send something. My sister-in-law/webmaster suggested that we put up a 'PayPal' donation box. There is a choice for either our family or the AutismBites Foundation we are starting. One thing I had hoped they would not put on the editing floor was when I said, "We're not begging for help here or seeking money. If we can be some portion of inspiration to other Autistic parents, great.
If you don't like our t-shirts that help deal with the public, fine don't buy one. Don't like our website (still a work in progress) or us, go away.
Life is choices, choose to like us and come back to this blog and participate with us in our journey on this earth. If you are mean spirited and your life stinks and you want others to feel as miserable as you... don't come back. Bother someone else. Life is too short to stress over things you cannot change or disagree with.
But, to you who have discovered our family and take encouragement or hope from our experiences... come back often. Comment often and let us see if we can all make this world a better place.
Dad
Thanks for your comments and support: parkersmommy007, lilspos2, loveeq2u, JoeliMcC, clbwebb, moose809, KRHSCN, floweringangel, michaelr02, ChristineCade, charity23us, eowyn_of_ithilien, Debra S, nancyroop, mapicepla, HappyTeacher05, Lanie Rae, lindalaytonsmith, HazelEyesLookinAtYou, bobandmoni, kada22105, WebNewsReader, momofautisticchildren23, sassymama1973, if I missed you we love you too!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Pampers Diapers: They Really Work Best For Us
A very nice lady, Andrea, sent us coupons for us to try some various Pampers products. We go through a LOT of diapers. Ask anyone who visits the house what's the first thing they see when the come to the door. The diaper trash container next to the steps. Which only takes two days to be completely overflowing. Anyway here are Mom's comments and experiences with the Pampers:
"We wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the free products we've been given. First, we were sent a box of night time diapers, or Pull Ups. We have bought them in the past, but since none of our autistic diaper wearing children, Sarah, 6, Ammon, 4, and Mary, 3, are potty training yet, they weren't something that worked out the best for us at this time. However, our 3 year old is higher functioning, and is getting closer to being potty trained. She lets us know when she messed up her pants right away. And, Mary loved the characters on them, Dora and Diego, so of course, we put them on her until they were gone because she happily insisted.
You recently sent us coupons for 3 free packages of any jumbo sized Pampers diapers and a free tub of wipes. I haven't opened up the tub to use it yet, but I will soon. I got the lavender scented ones. I also got 3 packages of size 6 Pampers Cruisers, and again, we've bought them in the past. So, we were especially excited to get more of the brand we love! Pampers Cruisers are our favorite. We really like how the side straps are so stretchy. And, the whole top is very roomy. It also smells really good, has a very sanitary smell to it, and it totally minimizes the odor when they urinate in it. The filling is also very absorbent, it's truly amazing how much it can hold! Sometimes they pee a lot at once, and other times, we get distracted and kind of forget to check for a few hours--we usually check about every two hours. But, for those times that we don't check their pants as often as usual, their clothes are usually still dry, as in, they usually haven't peed out of the diaper and onto their clothes.
We used to buy Huggies, but realized how much better Pampers is. I used to like Luvs, but the top hardly fit around their waists and their sticky taps didn't stretch either, argh! The cheap brands I've tried droop really bad when they pee, aren't absorbent, leak a lot, I have to put duct tape over the tabs to try and keep them in place, and the smell of their padding when mixed with the pee doesn't minimize the odor at all, yuck!
Yeah, Pampers is by far the best diapers out there! So thank you once again for extending such kindness to us. I like how you are the only company that has size 7 diapers too! Only certain stores carry them though, and I'm surprised Walmart doesn't. I go there the most often because of the prices, I would really like to see size 7 Pampers Cruisers at Walmart."
You recently sent us coupons for 3 free packages of any jumbo sized Pampers diapers and a free tub of wipes. I haven't opened up the tub to use it yet, but I will soon. I got the lavender scented ones. I also got 3 packages of size 6 Pampers Cruisers, and again, we've bought them in the past. So, we were especially excited to get more of the brand we love! Pampers Cruisers are our favorite. We really like how the side straps are so stretchy. And, the whole top is very roomy. It also smells really good, has a very sanitary smell to it, and it totally minimizes the odor when they urinate in it. The filling is also very absorbent, it's truly amazing how much it can hold! Sometimes they pee a lot at once, and other times, we get distracted and kind of forget to check for a few hours--we usually check about every two hours. But, for those times that we don't check their pants as often as usual, their clothes are usually still dry, as in, they usually haven't peed out of the diaper and onto their clothes.
We used to buy Huggies, but realized how much better Pampers is. I used to like Luvs, but the top hardly fit around their waists and their sticky taps didn't stretch either, argh! The cheap brands I've tried droop really bad when they pee, aren't absorbent, leak a lot, I have to put duct tape over the tabs to try and keep them in place, and the smell of their padding when mixed with the pee doesn't minimize the odor at all, yuck!
Yeah, Pampers is by far the best diapers out there! So thank you once again for extending such kindness to us. I like how you are the only company that has size 7 diapers too! Only certain stores carry them though, and I'm surprised Walmart doesn't. I go there the most often because of the prices, I would really like to see size 7 Pampers Cruisers at Walmart."
Dad
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
A Thanks to Our Many Sub Santa's
This was the best Christmas our children have ever had (and Mom and Dad did pretty good too) as you can see from this picture around our 'tree'. To explain the tree, we haven't been able to have a regular tree for at least 3 years now because Ammon (4) and Sarah (6) lose the ornaments, strip off the lights and knock over the tree. A nice friend from church painted the 'tree' you see.
Our Santa subs were our state, Division of Service for People with Disabilities. Another was a Credit Union, a car dealership and an individual family. The family's help, spearheaded by a Mom and daughter team (Rhonda and Lacey) just went crazy doing and giving for us. It didn't all start at once, but it just snowballed and hit us right at Christmas.
We have been blessed and we pray for God's blessings to be upon all those who brought us so much joy and the spirit of receiving at the end of this very heart wrenching and tiring year.
Dad and Mom
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Cinderella is only her seventh favorite princess...
I don't know what to write really, so I'll sit here and think about it..............
Well, Emma, 9, mild Asperger's, didn't like the adult sized Cinderella costume I got her. It was the only pretty little girl costume left at Target that would fit her! She's so much like her mama, kid sizes don't fit, is too chunky. She said that Cinderella is only her 7th favorite Disney Princess, augh! So, we went chasing all over town looking for something to make her happy. We finally made it over to Kmart where she found the costume she saw before that she was desirous of--I guess it went in one ear and out the other after she fussed about the diva/pop star costume she originally wanted that wasn't in her size. So anyhow, I became greatly relieved as I tried it on her, it fit THANK THE DEAR LORD, and after all that, buying the $8 wig she wanted to wear with it was a smalll price to pay for some beloved peace. Reminds me of the time when I was 16 and had a crush on this really nice guy who didn't like me in that way, but being the optimistic and relentless romantic that I was, I hoped anyhow, especially if I came to the dance that night looking really good. My mom took me to the mall to find a new dress, and I tried on like 50 until I found one I was happy with. I caused my mom excruciating pain that day, and I guess I got some of it back to me this past weekend...
Ammon, 3, classic autism, got a fever yesterday, got pale, laid around and was miserable. This morning, he threw up a couple of times. But soon thereafter, he made a miraculous recovery. He came right over when I asked him if he wanted a bath, and he splashed and smiled a lot. He then sat at the table and wanted to eat. So, I gave him some crackers. After he snarfed those, he finished off the last of a baggie of Life cereal. He then started coloring, doing his cute little stims like his waving back and forth with his arms and head like Stevie Wonder, and getting into stuff. It did my heart a lot of joy to see him feel well again so fast and do the things he loves again, but my stress meter shot up when he started doing his usual destroying too. Actually, that compounded with Sarah. Sarah, 5, classic autism, was really going at it in the kitchen today. I finally changed the broken locking latch on the fridge, so instead of messing around in there, she climbed on the counters and got a box of pancake mix off the top of the cupboards. She then dumped it on the kids table in the living room and spread it around and licked it. I hollered at her, wiped it, and put it in the garbage. A little later, I thought she got it out of the garbage because the same dang thing happened! No, this time, she climbed on the counter and got the other box of pancake mix and dumped it and licked it. It was Aunt Jemima, our favorite too. Between trying to tend to her messes, Ammon's messes and Mary's messes and demands, Mary's 2 w/PDD, I had enough. I prayed that John and the older kids would come home from church VERY SOON and I put the kitchen garbage and the pancake mixes in the outside dumpster.
Mary is about a year behind in development, and now that she's almost 3, she seems to have hit her terrible 2's. She seems to be getting more frustrated, wanting to express herself more than she's able. I have to do things her way, serve her food her way, etc. For example, she won't accept a half a granola bar, she has to have the ENTIRE thing or she screams. Last week, she screamed her head off like she was being killed when I gave her an ice cream cone....She immediately stopped and was happy again when I served her ice cream in a bowl instead. That's my precious babies...
Next week, we are meeting with a production crew to begin our autism documentary. And, this week I get to meet with the handy man and the house cleaning service to start those things going as part of my Bemis Busiest Mom contest winnings. Thank you dear Lord for your blessings!
Love,
Robin
Well, Emma, 9, mild Asperger's, didn't like the adult sized Cinderella costume I got her. It was the only pretty little girl costume left at Target that would fit her! She's so much like her mama, kid sizes don't fit, is too chunky. She said that Cinderella is only her 7th favorite Disney Princess, augh! So, we went chasing all over town looking for something to make her happy. We finally made it over to Kmart where she found the costume she saw before that she was desirous of--I guess it went in one ear and out the other after she fussed about the diva/pop star costume she originally wanted that wasn't in her size. So anyhow, I became greatly relieved as I tried it on her, it fit THANK THE DEAR LORD, and after all that, buying the $8 wig she wanted to wear with it was a smalll price to pay for some beloved peace. Reminds me of the time when I was 16 and had a crush on this really nice guy who didn't like me in that way, but being the optimistic and relentless romantic that I was, I hoped anyhow, especially if I came to the dance that night looking really good. My mom took me to the mall to find a new dress, and I tried on like 50 until I found one I was happy with. I caused my mom excruciating pain that day, and I guess I got some of it back to me this past weekend...
Ammon, 3, classic autism, got a fever yesterday, got pale, laid around and was miserable. This morning, he threw up a couple of times. But soon thereafter, he made a miraculous recovery. He came right over when I asked him if he wanted a bath, and he splashed and smiled a lot. He then sat at the table and wanted to eat. So, I gave him some crackers. After he snarfed those, he finished off the last of a baggie of Life cereal. He then started coloring, doing his cute little stims like his waving back and forth with his arms and head like Stevie Wonder, and getting into stuff. It did my heart a lot of joy to see him feel well again so fast and do the things he loves again, but my stress meter shot up when he started doing his usual destroying too. Actually, that compounded with Sarah. Sarah, 5, classic autism, was really going at it in the kitchen today. I finally changed the broken locking latch on the fridge, so instead of messing around in there, she climbed on the counters and got a box of pancake mix off the top of the cupboards. She then dumped it on the kids table in the living room and spread it around and licked it. I hollered at her, wiped it, and put it in the garbage. A little later, I thought she got it out of the garbage because the same dang thing happened! No, this time, she climbed on the counter and got the other box of pancake mix and dumped it and licked it. It was Aunt Jemima, our favorite too. Between trying to tend to her messes, Ammon's messes and Mary's messes and demands, Mary's 2 w/PDD, I had enough. I prayed that John and the older kids would come home from church VERY SOON and I put the kitchen garbage and the pancake mixes in the outside dumpster.
Mary is about a year behind in development, and now that she's almost 3, she seems to have hit her terrible 2's. She seems to be getting more frustrated, wanting to express herself more than she's able. I have to do things her way, serve her food her way, etc. For example, she won't accept a half a granola bar, she has to have the ENTIRE thing or she screams. Last week, she screamed her head off like she was being killed when I gave her an ice cream cone....She immediately stopped and was happy again when I served her ice cream in a bowl instead. That's my precious babies...
Next week, we are meeting with a production crew to begin our autism documentary. And, this week I get to meet with the handy man and the house cleaning service to start those things going as part of my Bemis Busiest Mom contest winnings. Thank you dear Lord for your blessings!
Love,
Robin
Sunday, October 7, 2007
We're On A Mission
I was talking to the marketing guy connected to Robin winning the 'Busy Mom' contest the other day. He had attended a seminar that said in today's world there is too much of: 'XYZ is the greatest, best, etc.' or 'Never seen before', blah, blah, blah. For something to be TRUELY unique it must really, actually, BE unique.
WE are unique.
Not to go tooting our horn here, but we have SIX Autistic children. And we have a strong marriage as well. Note I did not say perfect... and we make it through each day. We have a story and experiences to talk about that we feel can help others with their struggles. Whether you have Autistic children or not.
I've joked with my wife that I'd be a great political candidate with what I've been through in MY life. I can relate to a LOT of people... "I feel your pain". ; )
My parents were divorced when I was young. I've had 3 stepfathers. I've lived as a child on a military base. I've lived in regular neighborhoods. I've been abused, physically, emotional and sexually. I've been poor, middle class and yet looking for being rich. I have lived in or visited every state in the US except: HI, AR, ME, VT, NH, CT or MA. I've travelled across the country by myself in cars, buses, trains and planes. I was in the USAF for over 12 years and got to live in and visit a number of countries in Europe.
I can speak a little bit of Russian, Spanish and a bit more of German. I've been married and divorced and married again. I'm the Father of 9 children (5 girls, 4 boys) and step-father to one. I am the oldest of 9 siblings, most are half brothers and sisters. I have relatives I get along with and some I don't. I have ancestors that were here in the early 1700's and some that got to the US in the late 1800's. My ancestry is English, Irish, Dutch, Prussian and French. I or my ancestors have been military members during the Cold war, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, Civil war and the Revolutionary war.
In the military I've earned two medals for marksmanship, received leadership awards , marched men, lead men, been frozen at minus 50 degrees and have worn full chemical gear and gas mask for hours in 90 plus degree heat. Repaired nuclear warheads, helped install nuclear missiles on B-52 bombers and have seen the 'standing on it's tail' take off of an SR-71 spy plane. I also cut a lot of grass and weeds. Painted walls and floors. Drove step vans, tugs, 2 1/2 ton trucks, pickups, and about everything else with wheels. I knew a man who was a political refugee from an African dictatorship. I could go on but that is about all I can think of off the top of my head.
So, why is any of this in any way important to you? I believe I can relate to nearly anyone, anywhere or anytime. My title above says we are on a mission.
What mission is that? Glad you asked.
TO HELP OTHERS.
We are both great conversationalists. If I or we can help just one person feel better, deal with a situation better or just make it through another day, we've done something good. Robin and I enjoy watching the sermons of Joel Osteen of the Lakewood Church in Houston, TX. He gives hope to the hopeless, lifts up those in despair and restores faith in people. If we can do our own little bit in the Autism world. We feel it is our 'calling', our 'mission' and our personal Ministry.
What can I help you with today?
Dad
WE are unique.
Not to go tooting our horn here, but we have SIX Autistic children. And we have a strong marriage as well. Note I did not say perfect... and we make it through each day. We have a story and experiences to talk about that we feel can help others with their struggles. Whether you have Autistic children or not.
I've joked with my wife that I'd be a great political candidate with what I've been through in MY life. I can relate to a LOT of people... "I feel your pain". ; )
My parents were divorced when I was young. I've had 3 stepfathers. I've lived as a child on a military base. I've lived in regular neighborhoods. I've been abused, physically, emotional and sexually. I've been poor, middle class and yet looking for being rich. I have lived in or visited every state in the US except: HI, AR, ME, VT, NH, CT or MA. I've travelled across the country by myself in cars, buses, trains and planes. I was in the USAF for over 12 years and got to live in and visit a number of countries in Europe.
I can speak a little bit of Russian, Spanish and a bit more of German. I've been married and divorced and married again. I'm the Father of 9 children (5 girls, 4 boys) and step-father to one. I am the oldest of 9 siblings, most are half brothers and sisters. I have relatives I get along with and some I don't. I have ancestors that were here in the early 1700's and some that got to the US in the late 1800's. My ancestry is English, Irish, Dutch, Prussian and French. I or my ancestors have been military members during the Cold war, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, Civil war and the Revolutionary war.
In the military I've earned two medals for marksmanship, received leadership awards , marched men, lead men, been frozen at minus 50 degrees and have worn full chemical gear and gas mask for hours in 90 plus degree heat. Repaired nuclear warheads, helped install nuclear missiles on B-52 bombers and have seen the 'standing on it's tail' take off of an SR-71 spy plane. I also cut a lot of grass and weeds. Painted walls and floors. Drove step vans, tugs, 2 1/2 ton trucks, pickups, and about everything else with wheels. I knew a man who was a political refugee from an African dictatorship. I could go on but that is about all I can think of off the top of my head.
So, why is any of this in any way important to you? I believe I can relate to nearly anyone, anywhere or anytime. My title above says we are on a mission.
What mission is that? Glad you asked.
TO HELP OTHERS.
We are both great conversationalists. If I or we can help just one person feel better, deal with a situation better or just make it through another day, we've done something good. Robin and I enjoy watching the sermons of Joel Osteen of the Lakewood Church in Houston, TX. He gives hope to the hopeless, lifts up those in despair and restores faith in people. If we can do our own little bit in the Autism world. We feel it is our 'calling', our 'mission' and our personal Ministry.
What can I help you with today?
Dad
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