Going Out--Wow

Ryan, Nick, Cam

Last October my youngest three boys were invited to their first formal event, a friend's quinceañera.  Yes, they've been to family weddings and other special occasions, but this invitation came from a friend, not family.  Talk about reactions:  one son was quiet, probably worried that he might have to talk with someone; another was excited because he loved to talk and dance; the third just smiled.

I coached each one as needed.  I gave one son some questions to ask if he felt uncomfortable around people.  The next I gave guidelines on staying on a given subject.  The third just smiled.  We also researched the event online, so they would know what to expect.  We went through the history as well as the rituals of the event.  They were prepared.

Ryan, Nick, and Cam dressed up and let me take pictures.  This was not common, and I could not believe my eyes.  My boys were not my little babies.  It just really hit me that they'll be out in the world more and more.

The evening was a blast.  I wish more people could have seen them.  Too often, many are uncomfortable around autistic kids. My kids acted like everyone else. They laughed and danced, enjoying the festivities.  They were fine!

Hamburgers Vs French Fries

Cameron

Nick, Cameron, and I spent a few days in Tucson.  We found a restaurant that offered gluten free breads and buns as well as grass fed beef; foods we consume at home.  Awesome!  I didn't have to cook.  They did not hesitate to order hamburgers, and they were happy about not having to get a lettuce wrap.  It was a TRUE hamburger!

Nick's plate:  no fries

In the middle of dinner, I noticed how these boys attacked their food.  I laughed at how similar and different they were.  They both ordered hamburgers, but what they ate first differed.  Neither opted to sample the other food item on his plate until the first item was completely consumed.  NO mixing foods!  If you know Nick, fries are always the first to go!  For Cam, the burger was serious business!

Cam's plate:  no hamburger

In the end, it did not matter what was eaten first.  Teen boys ate everything on their plates. Just a simple dinner out, but how I love just spending time with my boys!

Our Children: Problems or Problem Solvers

How much time do we waste striving for perfection?  Will we ever learn that perfection will always elude us?  However, we should still aim to improve.  What a balance!!  We need to challenge ourselves, but we also need to know when to stop.

When it comes to our children, we often push for the better time in a race, a better grade on a test, or better performance on that instrument.  While all those goals are worthy, we need to consider the sacrifice.  Is something else being neglected?  Is our push towards greatness increasing character in a positive way, or is it crushing our children's spirit?

I have three children with autism.  For years, they have had therapies focusing on their weaknesses. My kids need to do this or say that.  Painful hours.  At some point, I had to think outside the box.  My kids may never be able to do things that neuro-typical kids can do, so why are we, the therapists, doctors, teachers, and family all focused on pushing for those "normal" goals?  We should be looking at different solutions that my boys can use to accomplish those goals.  What I mean is my boys may achieve the "normal" goal in an unusual or unorthodox way.

 I looked at my sons' strengths and found many.  I changed how their therapies were done.  We focused on what they could do to help what they couldn't do.  Their worlds changed overnight.  Suddenly, they were happy.  They could accomplish tasks.  They were smart.  They could do things!

Simply by changing focus of what they can't do to what they can do made a huge difference.  No longer were my boys "incapable" or disabled.  They just solved problems differently than others.  They were now seen as problem solvers vs problems.  Big difference.

Our children can surprise us.  Capitalize on what they can do, and see just what else opens up!  Our children will see themselves as doers.  Our children can become self-reliant, a skill necessary for adulthood.

Whether our children have disabilities or not, our children all have the same goals of being loved, accepted, and successful.  How we see them and what we tell them matters.  If we constantly criticize, our children will learn to criticize.  We need balance.  Of course, we need to correct wrong doing, but we need to celebrate right doing.

Just how often do we parents celebrate that?  We need to celebrate the positive more than correcting the negative.

Lord, Please Give Me Coffee or Give Me Wine

I love this quip (see photo). I use it as part of my "signature" in all my emails.

Of course, it’s a spin off the Serenity Prayer, but I much prefer this adaptation.  It’s much more applicable in my life.  I drink coffee.  I drink wine.  I drink coffee to be alert and DO.  I drink wine to chill and RELAX.  I know I’m not alone.  I know many moms, especially moms of special needs kiddos who rely on this mantra.

With kids, every mom has a daily to-do list.  If you homeschool, that list is even longer.  I have autistic teens.  My list, well, I’ve learned to call it a wish list.  No matter how I plan, life just throws a curve ball, and I have to adjust.  Sometimes, my kids don’t understand an assignment which I thought would take little time to accomplish.  Other times, I get a call from a therapist, doctor, or Mr. WhoknowsWho, and wham, I have to deal with THIS situation right away.  Of course, THIS situation blows up my to-do list.  Hence, now it;s a wish list.  Maybe I'll get to it...

What am I going to do?  Complain?  Probably.  Will it help?  No.

Sigh.  That’s when I ask, “Dear Lord, what do you want me to do?”  I have to admit it is more fun to pray “Lord, give me more coffee to change what I can change, and wine to accept what I can’t.”  However, it is actually helpful to hold a cup of coffee to slow me down to think of what I should do.  It helps to hold a glass of wine to reflect on what I need to accept. Obviously, I don’t do this ALL the time, but the idea still holds.

SO, I have learned to have a plan and be flexible. I have to remember that the Good Lord is in charge, and what I thought was important may not be so important.  I pray that God will give me what I need and when I need it.  It may be simply more coffee or more wine, depending on the case.  Maybe it will be just a moment of silence to distinguish His will, and that is enough.

Water Rafting in Alaska

While we were in Alaska, we actually did activities together.  One was water rafting.  Water was a balmy 37 degrees (F).  As the ice glaciers melt, the water gets COLDER during the summer.  No, Mike did not consult me on the water temperature.  I've always liked water rafting during the summer, so why should this be different?  Ahh, maybe the water would be cold??  It was!!  However, it was worth it.  The scenery was breathtaking.  Beautiful sunshine.  (Some) snow on the mountains.  Crystal clear rivers.

We also got a professional portrait of ourselves done on board the ship.  Mike said we should do things that we don't normally do.  So, here is our official 25th anniversary photo together!

Writing With "Punch"

Mom's humble cell phone

The past summer has been full of happening.  Many required constant attention, and time to write has diminished.  I will try to highlight what has happened with shorter entries.  Here's a short one:

In keeping my boys' writing skills up during the summer, I asked them to write a paragraph about my cell phone.  I told them to use vocabulary with punch.  Although they wrote independently, they both concluded their paragraphs, "Mom's flip phone sucks."  I don't like that last word, but it does have "punch".

I love my simple cell phone.  One charge lasts ten days.  It works on demand: I can make phone calls.  Tis a truly amazing device!  It does take photos, and I can play games and music on it.

Sometimes, "old school" is just fine!

Recipe For Success: Easy As Pie

Here's the basic recipe for mint chocolate chip pie!

Ryan enjoying a bite

1 package (8 oz) softened cream cheese
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/8 teaspoon mint extract
1 container (8 oz) nondairy whipped topping
1 bag of chocolate chips
1 package ready to use 8 inch pie crust


1.  Beat the cream cheese in a mixing bowl until fluffy, usually a couple minutes.  Gradually add sweetened condensed milk.  Continue to beat in mint extract.  Be careful to use a small of amount of mint extract as the mint extract can be strong.  Add more to preferred taste.

2.  Fold in whipped topping with rubber spatula.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Keep a few chips out if embellishment the top is desired.  Carefully spoon in pie crust.  Put in freezer until hardened, at least 8 hours.  Overnight is better.

3.  Remove from freezer about 5 minutes before serving.  Garnish with chocolate chips and mint leaves.

That's it.  Very simple.  No baking required.  I can decorate the pie to fit any occasion.  I sometimes use colored sprinkles, ie green for St. Patrick's Day or red for Valentines Day.  My only caution is that the pie can melt quickly depending on the weather.  Serve quickly after the initial few minutes out of the freezer. Any remaining pie can save in the freezer until the next time.  I have also put in the pie mix into individual cups, as seen in Ryan's picture.  The cups freeze, and my boys have a gluten free dessert!  My sons have been making this pie for years.  They still fight over the beaters and mixing bowl.  Good to the last drop!

Some variations:

To make 2 pies, I get a 16 oz container of whipped topping and 2 pie crusts.  Make as instructed, but substitute the 16 oz whipped topping for the 8 oz whipped topping.  Divide the mixture into the 2 pie crusts.  I do NOT double the entire recipe.  The mix is rich enough that the added whipped topping is fine.

I can substitute mint candies for the mint extract.  Simply put candies in a sealed plastic sandwich bag and crush.  (Parents might need to supervise youngsters.)  I use about 3-4 candies.  

Any flavored crust can be used.  Chocolate pie crusts add an extra dose of chocolate.

To make the caramel chocolate chip pie, substitute the caramel flavored sweetened condensed milk for the regular sweetened condensed milk. Omit the mint extract.

Gluten free pie crust option:

2 cups gluten free cereal
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar

Crush cereal in a plastic bag.  Add butter and sugar.  Shake.  Pat the mixture into a 8 or 9 inch pie pan. Bake at 400 degrees F for about 6 minutes.  Let cool.  Then add pie mixture.

Great Mistakes=YUM

Chocolate Chip Caramel Pie with some left over

Chocolate. Cream. Mint. Yum!

I was about 24 when I glanced saw a magazine cover touting easy to make pies.  So I purchased the magazine and sought the article.  I found a few promising recipes, and I knew I would try the mint chocolate chip pie first.  WIN!

This pie is so versatile.  I could decorate with fresh mint or chocolate chips, candy canes, sprinkles, or whatever the occasion demanded.  No one ever was disappointed.  This dessert always put a happy face on the most skeptical of picky eaters.  

Then came the gluten free diet.  I learned to make gluten free crusts or the boys by combining gluten free cereal and butter and mashing into a pie pan.  However, it became much easier to just put the filling in custard dishes.  My boys never complained except for when their dish became empty.

Thirty some years later, I know the recipe by memory.  I can pick the ingredients out blindly.  Or so I thought.  This time I made the mistake of purchasing caramel flavored sweetened condensed milk.  Who knew I had to watch out for that?  I knew about the fat free and low fat versions, but flavoring?

Chocolate.  Cream.  Caramel.  Hmm!!

I didn't notice my mistake until I got home.  I didn't want to go to the store to get a replacement.  So adventurous crowd that we are, we tried it.  And WIN.  My husband and I fought over the bowl.  Rich but not overly sweet.  

A couple years ago I arrived at my mom's house for Christmas without my mint chocolate chip pie.  Everyone was stunned.  My mom said that if I ever show up again without my pie, well, don't bother coming!!  She exclaimed, "You always make it.  It's understood. I didn't know we had to request it."  Well, I hope the same thing happening with this pie.  YUM!!

Now to teach my boys how to make it!

  

Grandparents and Grandsons

Stuart, Ryan, Nick, Cam

Nothing like four boys to keep grandparents young!

Sherry and Tony, Mike's mom and husband, came to stay with our boys while we were in Alaska and California.  Although they are in their seventies, they kept our boys busy.  "Busy" didn't necessarily mean going places and doing things to keep the boys entertained.  It was more of keeping schedules and visiting.  Even Ryan and Stu came to visit frequently.  That is something that Ryan does not do much--visit with people.

Tony and Sherry

I don't know too many grandparents who would want to come and stay for two weeks with teenage boys, particularly with special needs.  To help Sherry out, I had a calendar written out for her to avoid guess work.  The boys and I completed the calendar the week prior as the regular, daily events unfolded.  I was amazed how much we forgot to write down at first.  Sherry constantly referred to that calendar to keep life smooth!

The boys were in constant motion between summer school, work schedules, and social outings.  They also had to cook when Grandma was not feeling too well.  Sherry informed me that they stepped up to the plate, literally, to make dinner. Games, movies, lunches out filled in whatever free time they had.

When Mike and I spoke to people on our trip, they asked if we worried about our boys.  I replied, "No! They are good kids, and they are in good hands!"

Thank you, Sherry and Tony.

photo credits:  Sherry

25th Anniversary Celebration

Today is our 25th anniversary.  Mike planned our ten day getaway.

In Alaska

We took a seven day cruise to Alaska.  We did things out of my comfort zone, and we had a wonderful time.

We then went to meet up with Mike's family in Northern CA.  We had a great time catching up with the extended family.  I showed pictures of our boys.  They hardly recognized our boys, as the boys are "all grown up".

Mike with siblings and Dad

We travelled onward to the wine country.  We did a few wine and food tastings.  Quite elegant.  And educational.  I need a few more (actually any lessons) cooking lessons on cooking and how to compare/contrast wines with foods.

We spent our 25th anniversary with just each other.  We had thoughts and discussions of doing the entire rendition of renewing vows and reception after.  We couldn't quite agree on that.  So we ended up spending the day with just each other.

Sheryl and Mike

That was perfect.

We have never been away from our kids this long.  They are older and are more independent.  The grandparents stepped in to oversee schedules.  I have some reassurance that our house won't burn down.

In the life of autism, this is paramount: to not forget the couple we are.  Husband and Wife.  As long as our relationship is intact, autism does not define who we are, although it is a part of our lives. We are happy, and our job is to make sure that our kids get what they need to do what they wish to pursue.  God willing, we will be blessed with more years of happy marriage, in which we support our boys.

Cheers!

Building More Than a Table

Five boys rough housing over the last twenty some years has taken a toll on the furniture. Consequently, we have ditched quite a bit of it. Replacement has been a great opportunity for the boys to work together.

Cameron is very mechanically minded, and he loves to figure out how to assemble things without looking at the directions.  Sometimes, that can be a disaster.   However,  Cam possesses a great skill because, quite often, the directions lack clarity. This was the case for the coffee table.  Cameron informed me the directions were useless; there were just a bunch of two dimensional pictures that were not well drawn.

Together, Nick and Cameron built the table, but with some complications. Nick managed to strip a screw.  Not a huge deal, but Nick was not thrilled that it was not right.  Cameron guided Nick, and Nick mastered it.  Despite autism, Nick is adapting.

What a win:  Cameron is learning teaching skills and patience, and Nick is learning how to build things.  They are refining communication skills too.

Now, we have a new table, just in time for the Superbowl Game today. I hope this table will survive the three remaining boys and their jousting!

Nick Earns an A, After Supposedly Failing

At the start of each school year/semester, I send an email to my sons' teachers, advising them that my sons are on IEPs due to autism.  I highlight how my sons learn.  I also give indicators to observe if my sons understand the lessons and concepts.  Too often, the teachers, especially the teachers of the mainstream classes, do not get any information until the second or third week of the semester that my sons have autism--which is too late.

I received the following email five days into last semester regarding my son's Spanish II class:

Good Morning Mrs. Johnson! 

I wanted to introduce myself.  I am Ms. C. and will be Nicks case manager this year.  Thank you for the detailed information about Nick.  ...he is failing Spanish 2.  Has he mentioned anything to you about this? I am not sure if he even knows.  Ms. S just walked in and was wondering if you would be opposed to changing his grading to Pass/Fail or would you like to find a different elective for him to be placed in?  I am sorry to bombard you with this, however, I am glad we have found it early in the semester where we still have options.

I was mystified.  How can my son be failing before a test had been given or an assignment graded?  The more I thought about this, the more dumbfounded I became.  What did this case manager base this decision on?  My son had As and Bs in his Spanish I class, and that teacher had figured out how to accommodate Nick's autism.  Not only did Nick survive Spanish I, he enjoyed it.

How many autistic kids, who barely communicate in their native tongue, take on and succeed in a foreign language?  Well, my sons have never fit any statistic.  I've raised them to think that they can do whatever they want.  They may have to work harder than others, but they can succeed!

So why is this case manager claiming that my son is failing on the fifth day of the semester?

In short, I've seen it all before.  People underestimate my sons with autism.  My boys do have a disability, but they are not stupid.  They may not be able to communicate as well as others, but they can relay information.  They can tell you what they know, just not necessarily in the format wanted.

If this special ed teacher had taken the time to research Nick, she would have found his transcripts show a student with a 3.5 GPA.  She would have seen he has taken some special ed classes and many mainstreamed classes, including a college math class.  Despite autism, this kid pulls awesome grades, illustrating mastery of concepts.  At the end of the semester, Nick earned an A- in his Spanish II class--a far cry from failing.

Nothing infuriates me more than someone who "thinks" he might know my sons, based on textbook studies of autism.  In this case, a special ed teacher made a judgment regarding my son, Nick.  I sent an email inquiring how she concluded Nick was failing.  I never received a response.

This is what I do most days--ensuring that my kids get what they need to succeed in their dreams.  I don't do the work for my sons, but I make sure that no one stands in their way.

I have spent many hours getting my boys through the school system.  Now they face adulthood, and the work is just beginning--for all of us.

Autistic Sons Admire Sunset

Being a mom of special needs kids taxes mental and physical energy.  I can get caught up in tons of paperwork and appointments.  There is always something waiting to be tackled!  Interruptions don't help.  Doorbells, phones, and texts are among the common agitators. Even the kids' yelling, "MOM," can grate on the nerves.  That "Mom" quickly shifts from "Mom?" to "Mom!!"

I cringe.  "Just let me finish this," I yell.

As a result, I can miss some great moments.  This last time, the call of "Mom" was to see a beautiful sunset.  If I had persisted in finishing my task, I would have missed it.  I was amazed at how fast it changed within seconds.  By the time I got the closest camera out, the colors had moved far away within those moments.

This was not an emergency, but it was important.  I am glad my boys demanded my attention, and I came.  We shared a few moments of an awesome, stunning sunset.

This also illustrates that kids with autism can appreciate the beauty of nature.  Many assume that autistic people lack the cognitive ability to appreciate nature or items that are beyond their touch.  That is simply untrue.  Actually, it may be we who are caught up in the paperwork who don't have the cognitive ability to stop and appreciate nature!!

In this case, my autistic sons stopped to admire the sunset.  THEY believed it was important enough to call me.  This just reinforces we don't always know what autistic kids can do!

Nice Shootin' Tex

Cameron texted on Saturday that he wants "to be shooting at marksmanship more" because he beat the marksmanship captains and broke the pistol record.  He surprised me that he had beaten more experienced shooters.  He later told me that the funny thing was, for the M4 sim, he was shooting lefty so he could see.  He did "surprisingly good".

Cameron is right handed, so that is why I was also surprised at his results. I wonder how well he would have done if he had shot with his right hand, wearing his glasses.  He replied that his glasses probably have a lot of dust on them.  I wonder if he even knows where those glasses are. Maybe this will be an incentive for him to wear his glasses!

His final update read, "My M9 high score, which is THE high score, was 189, and the M4 high score was 69."

"Wow," was my reply, even though I don't know what an M9 or an M4 are.  I assume a rifle and pistol.  Here, I am worried about my son getting the proper education to use the firearms.  The irony is I also need to get educated as to what he's shooting!

Congratulations, Cameron

Although the new school year has started, it's never too late to celebrate achievements.  We hosted a graduation party for Cameron back in May, as he graduated from eighth grade.  Sadly, the local school district cancelled any formal ceremony due to budget cuts.  Nonetheless, we commemorated the moment, complete with mock diploma and hat.  Cameron was a good sport.  He certainly appreciated the attention too!

These milestones may seem like normal steps for most people.  For a mom of teens with autism, these occasions are victories of unseen battles.  Years ago, I would never have believed my youngest would be at this level of cognition and ability.

As we gathered to congratulate Cameron, I wanted to acknowledge that this moment was not just due to his ability.  Many shared in it.  I took a few moments to take all present at the party back to 13 years prior.  I reminded everyone that Cameron has major setbacks as a toddler.  He lost his speech and movement.  He had to relearn how to walk and talk.  He became self abusive, banging his head incessantly.  Many therapists and family members helped Cameron to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I never want Cameron to take for granted that these moments of success are only a result of his effort.  While he earns most of the credit, he can't forget those earlier moments.  In fact, he can show how someone can overcome/recover from autism.

Now he moved onto high school.  There's always a new step or goal, much like his life has been with autism.  Once a goal is achieved, it is quickly replaced by a new goal.  Such is life.  The difference now is he can pick what his goals are, not us parents.  His class load at the high school is tough.  His counselors didn't recommend the load, but they don't know Cameron very well.  When he WANTS to do something, he will do it.  It may take several tries, but he'll figure it out.

So onto the next step, Cameron goes!

Serious Fun

Nick and Cam are characters. Studious, serious, and conniving at times.  They joke and jest.  Quite often, they can be unpredictable, such as when they were on their own this last weekend. 

They survived the four days with no mishaps.  They even found a place that sold gluten-free pizza.  That was important enough that they texted me.  Good choices.  Yea.

I was quite surprised to see this photo taken at the beach.  I don't think I would have recognized them.  I guess this is called serious fun.

Nick and Cam On Their Own

Nicholas and Cameron are on their own this weekend.  This is the first time that they will be away from us parents for four days. They are travelling with their youth group, heading towards the coast.

They are excited about their adventure.  Being on their own--freedom.  Right?  With that freedom comes responsibility.  Will they eat the gluten free foods?  Will they follow directions?  I hope they'll look out for each other.

I am both excited and anxious.  Problems could arise, and I won't be there to help.  They have to figure things out.  Of course, if an emergency arises, they can call.  I prepared them about situations that could happen and how to handle them, but how do we really know what can happen and how they'll react?

I worry, but we all need to know how they do on their own.  The only way to know is to let them go.

In the Spirit of the Second Amendment: Learning to Shoot

Guns.  Controversial to say the least.  A person either loves them or hates them.  In our house, we chose to educate our kids about them.  With autism or not, my boys are typical, and they like to shoot guns.

I grew up around guns, and I learned at an early age to respect them.  My dad taught me what damage can be done.  Empty soda cans were my usual target.  Different bullets left different holes.

I was about ten when I shoot my first live target.  After it fell from the sky, my dad and I searched the grounds until we found it.  "It" was a beautiful bird, with deep blue and green feathers.  It's head was barely intact.  Talk about my euphoria quickly dampened by reality.  We took home what we shot.  Dinner.

Nowadays, too many times, an accident is reported on the news about a kid shooting a sibling or a friend out of curiosity or play.  I don't want my kids to be one of those statistics.  I don't want my kids to fear guns either.  The only solution is to teach them.

With proper gear and training, my boys shoot.  Grandpa takes them to the local shooting range.  Their accuracy improves with each visit.  Onlookers are usually surprised when they find out that the boys have autism.  Some are even quite impressed when looking at the paper targets.

Yes, my boys had to overcome sensory issues and master fine/gross motor skills in order to be able to shoot.  Years of occupational and physical therapy.  We take nothing for granted.   Of course, our boys' safety comes first.

Mamas On The Run

My mom and me

My mom and I have escaped to her hometown in Michigan.  I was pregnant with Nicholas when I last visited my relatives, 18 years ago.

When I was growing up, my family and I visited Michigan every other year, on average.  Our vacations always included visiting cousins, grandparents, and extended family.  We usually drove throughout the country and stayed with family members.  It was rare to stay at a hotel. The best parts of our vacations were not the activities or sight-seeing tours.  The best parts were being around family, or doing those sight-seeing excursions with family.

I wanted to continue these outings with my own family.  Unfortunately, travelling with kids with autism is difficult as their schedules are interrupted.  Staying with extended family is tough because the relatives don't quite understand what can trigger a meltdown or tantrum.  Relatives are not usually aware of sensory issues or lack of communication skills my boys have.

In the last couple of years, we have started to travel with our boys.  They have learned to adapt well.  I have include them in planning, so they will know what to expect.  They usually look forward to the adventures.

This trip is without the kids.  Unlike most vacations, this trip has a purpose:  to see my Godparents, who are my mom's brother and sister-in-law.  Too many years have sped by, and we are all much older.  Most of our time is spend sitting and chatting, catching up.  Not the type of activity that my boys could endure for long.  So, it's just my mom and me.

photo credit:  Michelle Nicolai-Hoffmeyer

Champions: Everyone Loves A Winner

Cameron

Cameron's baseball team won the championship 24-9.  That may sound as if Cam's team had an easy win.  No such luck.  They worked hard and earned every run.  The game lasted 3 1/2 hours.  The boys played their hearts out.  Stamina, endurance, patience.  All paid off.  It was in the last two innings that Cam's team brought the win home.  The other team seemed to burn out.

Their opponents were worthy. The score in the game was actually very close for most of the game. The lead switched a few times, pending who was up to bat. Suspense loomed.  No win was predictable. We were ahead. We were behind. Parents stood, clapped, and cheered. Then sat in disbelief and shock. Up and down. We got our exercise!!

Some of the umpires' calls were debatable too.  That became a series of lessons of good sportsmanship. Even Cam's run over home plate was a point of discouragement.  We ALL plainly saw Cameron touched home plate seconds before the ball came within reach of the catcher's glove. The ump saw it differently.  Ouch.

The beginning of the season brought together a bunch of kids.  The team had one practice and then three scrimmage games.  This was a different league than Cam's league of last year.  The kids were a bit older and experienced.  Poor Cameron had only one year of baseball under his belt. He was determined to be a good as the rest.

This was a kid who had to relearn how to walk and talk at 13 months. Cameron suffered a major set-back after the MMR shot.  He lost physical coordination, let alone communication.  I was very impressed that he persevered in this sport!

If the first few games were indicative of the season's outcome, Cameron's team should have been at the bottom.  They tied and lost.  And lost badly.  Throughout the weeks, they slowly improved.  Enough to put runs on the score board.  Enough to eek out wins.  Eventually enough to blow the other teams away.

I love what competition has taught Cameron.  Life is tough.  Not everyone gets a trophy.  Wins are earned through slow progress.  Spontaneous gratification is not a given.  Although we love the wins, they are not everything.  How the game is played is vital.  Teamwork is as important as individual effort.  Keeping one's principles in tact is just as valuable as that win!!

Go, Cam!!