Happy 23rd Anniversary

Mike & Sheryl:  23rd Anniversary

Time.  We either embrace it or endure it.  That, of course, is a matter of attitude.

My husband, Mike, helps me maintain a positive attitude.  I've known him now for half of my life.  Today we celebrate our 23rd anniversary.  It's been a rough road, but no matter what we've experienced, we have done it together.

With our kids getting older, our lives will be evolving into another sphere.  Adult kids.  Adult kids with autism.  Not too much is written about this facet of autism, let alone marriages THRIVING with adult kids with autism.

Mike and I are taking time to be a couple.  Twenty-three years of marriage doesn't just happen.  Lots of communication, understanding, patience, forgiveness, prayer, etc. have contributed to our happy life.  Not every second is happy, but we persevere at those moments.  Commitment.

Whatever happens, we're in this life together.  Cheers to whatever comes this year!

Time Out For Mom And Dad

Simple date night

Life with autism.  Just like any life, autism presents many twists and turns in life.  Sometimes other people hold the controls of my kids' lives, and that is difficult to accept.  Frustration and patience!

One lesson I have learned is that Mike and I need to take time together.  We rely on each other to get through the issues that autism presents, so we need to ensure that our relationship is alive and well.

Sometimes focusing on us helps me get through some tough times.  Like the other day.  Problems were mounting, and there was nothing more I could do but point them out to certain people who could correct them.  Nothing was immediately done.  Disappointment.  URRRGG.

I decided to surprise Mike.  With money lacking for "extras", I came up with a very simple date night.  Some candles, glasses, champagne, and a rose.  I sent a picture to his cell phone.  He said that I made his day.  Yea.

That made me happy! :)

Happy Marriage

The first item I need to address is our marriage.  When I have talked about being away from home, most people have jumped to the conclusion that my marriage is in trouble.  Or over.  Neither is the case.  In fact, it is quite the opposite.

We have a happy marriage. I gain strength from my husband.  He is one of the most patient and selfless men I know.  He says that I don't drive him crazy.  That is a wonder in itself.  Probably a miracle.  I drive myself crazy at times.  How can I NOT drive him crazy?  Yet I believe him.  He is a man of great integrity.

Mike has told me a few times that marriage is about acceptance.  He accepts me.  He knows I'll try my best.  My best may be short-lived.  Quite often, it is, but he doesn't need to know exactly how often!

I admire my husband.  He truly amazes me, even after 21 years of marriage.  Next month it will be 22 years.  Not many couples have endured autism, but then again, I am sure there are couples who have endured more than we have.

This isn't about the thresh-hold of our marriage.  It is that we are married.  We are committed to each other.  We love each other.  We trust each other.  That particular vow of "for better or worse"... resonates. 

It's like St Paul says in chapter 14 of his letter to the Corinthians, love is patient; love is kind, et al.

St Paul describes my husband.