Autism: Surviving and Thriving

Fourteen years ago my youngest 3 boys were diagnosed with autism within a 9 month span. Devastation and grieving followed. Doctors gave me little or no hope, but they didn't know me very well. I refused to believe that my boys were doomed.

My boys are now young men, adults with autism. They are thriving, but every day presents its turmoil and challenges.

My family: husband Mike, sons Ryan 23 yr, Nicholas 21 yr, and Cameron 18 yr. (Ryan and Nick have autism; Cam has recovered from autism.) Our oldest sons, Michael 34 yr and Stuart 25 yr, moved out of the house. Ryan has also moved out, and is still working towards complete independence.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

I Am A Frog?



Another mom of a special needs kid recently compared me to a frog. Really. She said that there is this anecdote of a frog in a pot, and I'm the frog. ?? I'm embarrassed that I had to look it up. Here is the story:

A live frog is put in a pot of cold water. The fire is turned up. Unless the frog jumps out, the frog is unknowingly cooked.

So I am the frog. I have been experiencing some heat from the fire of life, and I am aware the fire has been on. I can't jump out of the pot, as that would mean leaving my family which is not option. How do I survive this boiling pot of water?

The only conclusion is to get a heat-resistant lily pad! Now I have the challenge to figure out what that lily pad is in reality.

photo credit:jronaldlee

2 comments:

  1. Life is rarely black & white. Your choices aren't really to continue being cooked or leave your family -- there are a myriad of other choices that all will have their degree of pain, but almost all would be better for you in the long run than letting yourself get cooked OR abandon your family. Praying for you, and I promise to try and find the time to call (are you still working FT?)

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  2. It is a work in progress. Lots of prayer. We're going on 21 years of a happy marriage. Just trying to balance all that is coming my way!! Thx, Melanie! No I'm not working full time anymore. So CALL!

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