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.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

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.

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