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.

Every so often I manage to step out from under the shroud of autism, look at Mason and see glimpses of a completely typical 6 year old boy. Those times aren’t as often as I’d like and the dark times are pressing. I'm ashamed to admit that Autism has negatively impacted my faith over the course of the last few years
But then Mason restores it in small bits & pieces.

It's July 4th, 2009 and in the United States that means we are celebrating Independence Day. As I watch my boys play this morning and think of the soldiers who have bravely served our country throughout the years it gives me pause. Many of our friends (including many of you) live in a country where the idea of freedom, and the benefits we often take for granted in the United States, is a distant dream. You face hardships and struggles that we (in much of the free world) only imagine and see in the movies.

Video to celebrate our differences. Different is OK!

Book available now for purchase. Great reviews so far: "valuable to teachers and therapists", "great resources", "loved the honesty and vulnerability this mom shares". Great book for parents, families, teachers, therapists, and anyone wanting to learn more about what a family goes through when they hear "your child has autism". This book has been permanently placed in the Florida Governor's Mansion. Patty Corrigan Myers and her son Charlie have been featured on national syndicated radio talk shows and television interviews. Go to www.autismblessing.com to learn more.

March 9, 2009
Open Letter To: Churches, Synagogues, and all places of worship
Faith is what carries us through the day. We work today so that tomorrow may be better. There is no guarantee that tomorrow will come. This is neither a pessimistic or optimistic statement. Simply, this is a statement of fact.

I hurried into the service on Sunday morning, already late but not wanting to miss another moment.
My friend, Trina, stopped me and whispered in my ear "Linda, your hair is going all directions. Just thought you'd want to know!"
She smoothed my hair and I hurried into the already crowded sanctuary looking for a place to sit. Once I located a friend, climbed over 3 or 4 people to the empty seat, asked the teenager next to me if she was saving the seat, and took my seat I finally had a minute to collect myself.