Adaptation

The whole family has been on vacation since Sunday (so I won't be writing directly about my past "breaks" from the family today).  There have been minor catastrophes along the way, but the boys are showing great resilience.  On Sunday, our air conditioner went out in the van.  Not fun when driving through the desert of Arizona and California in the afternoon.  I purchased small hand-held fans, which helped a bit.   However,  it was 109 degrees outside.  The boys understood that it was going to be a hot ride, and they didn't complain.

We tried to get the van fixed when we arrived in Northern CA.  Unfortunately, the dealership had to order the part, and it would take a few days to arrive.  Consequently, we had to get a rental car.    So now the boys are riding an an unfamiliar car.  Again, with minimal stress.  The car is smaller than the van, so teen boys are having to adapt to smaller quarters.  Adaptation is not easy for autistic kids, yet they seem to be handling the transitions well.

I don't think this would have been possible even two years ago.  The boys' therapies have paid off incredibly.   We have tried to push the transitions and sensory issues with baby steps through the years, ie getting used to light, sounds, and textures as well as changes in schedules and routines.  We have talked with the boys as each of these current changes have happened, trying to ease them into the new circumstances.  So through the therapies, including speech, they are doing very well so far.

Today we will be traveling in this smaller car to the coast and Redwoods, spending a lot of time in the car.  Twill be interesting to see if they stay calm!

Beach: Solace and Peace

Why the beach?  Well, it holds happy memories for me.  I grew up within a few miles from the beach.  Being fair skinned, I never went to the beach to get a tan.  I went for specific reasons or occasions, ie a family reunion, hotdog/marsh mellow roast, or a jog along the coast.

Besides happy memories, the beach is the only place I know that encompasses all the senses:  hearing the waves, feeling the sand, tasting the water, seeing the sunset, and smelling the ocean air.  At first the beach is a place of solace, offering alleviation from stress and strain.  Stay long enough, the beach becomes a place of peace, transforming strife to serenity.

I also find my Creator here.  Although the beach is never silent, the natural sounds and beauty enable me to still my mind.  I find myself in awe of nature, its creation, always leading me to its Creator.

That is where the real journey begins.