Amidst the recent earthquake, hurricane/tropical storm, and tornadoes in the USA, and after losing a family friend (see post HERE), I find myself very thankful for “simple” blessings, especially those concerning my son. While I was away to attend services for my friend’s mother, to show my support for her and her family and visit with my family in the same town, Ethan did beautifully with the unexpected changes to his routines, during the first week of school, no less! Thank God! Also, when I returned after being away for four days, Ethan was super sweet and happy to have me home. We spent time reading together in the afternoon and after lights out last night, I stayed to cuddle with him. As we were visiting in the dark, Ethan shared some worries and concerns he has about losing me (and other loved ones)…on the heels of my trip, I’m not surprised that this fear is weighing on his heart and mind. However, I’m wholeheartedly thankful that Ethan is able and willing to communicate these concerns to me.

Parenting is full of incidents that make you laugh, make you cry, and sometimes make you laugh and cry at the same time. Since parenting a child on the spectrum is filled with countless tearful moments – I live for the laughter-filled moments.
As I’ve mentioned in a recent post, Ethan is has just begun soccer; his first practice was earlier this week. From experience, I’ve learned how important it can be to “prepare” Ethan for new situations. So, for a couple of weeks I’ve been priming him with many details about the game of soccer, about special rules, about his new coach, his teammates names, gear for the game…really anything and everything pertinent that I felt would help him feel more comfortable when we arrived for our first team practice. After all of my thoughtful preparations, when we drove up to the field, I couldn’t help but feel that Ethan (who was decked out in his new cleats, shin guards and soccer socks), and I (I’m going to be the Assistant Coach), were ready!
Our first practice day fell on one of the windiest days imaginable. The soccer balls were actually blowing across the fields at times because the wind was so strong. As such, we all spent a lot of time squinting and chasing balls. That, I expected. For that, I was prepared.
What I didn’t expect, was the effect the wind would have on Ethan and the life lesson we would have to learn right there – right then – with no “priming” on the soccer field!
About a quarter of the way through practice, while we were running a shooting drill with the boys, I look over to find Ethan bending over at the waist with a foot-long trail of snot streaming through the air.

Kids tantrum, fuss, squeal, yell, and scream. As a parent, you quickly learn what your tolerance level is.....then you rocket past it by 1,000%. You are able to handle much more than you would expect. Toss some Autism adventures into the mix and you have a real party at times. You talk to yourself, you don't sleep, your child doesn't sleep, you might be married but have no idea when the last time you had a real conversation with your spouse was, and then you have a job. Wait. Yes, that's right, you talk to yourself first.