An Autism Mom’s Happy Thoughts

This was a camp respite weekend and the kids had a wonderful time. They got to see their friends, watch a movie, go bowling and make Valentine treat bags. When I dropped them off, I saw a friend of mine who is another autism mom and we talked a few minutes about our plans for the weekend.

Happy thought #1 – At the time, neither of us had definite plans for when our kids were gone. We had a good laugh when we discovered we were both hoping to have a snack without either a) waiting till the kids were asleep or b) hiding in the bathroom (yeah – maybe not a perfect solution, but you gotta go what you gotta do at times! 🙂 ) Anyone with a toddler will know what we mean, but our kids are adults and are still watching us eat. Have you ever noticed food isn’t as good when you are rushing through it? or when someone is trying to convince you to give it to them while you are eating??

And we were both hoping to sleep in – or maybe go to bed when we were tired instead of having to wait until the kids are asleep. It always makes me feel so much better when another autism mom shares my “strange” ideas of fun. I don’t feel alone when I hear my thoughts coming from another mom. Alone is a big part of autism and any time you can feel not-so-alone is great!

Happy thought #2 – I am so thankful that changes in her routine don’t throw Casey into terrible meltdowns anymore! When she was little, a snow day from school was enough to cause her to scream for hours – usually until her regular time to get home. Now, she is excited for “dult snow day” and goes back to sleep. ( I have to admit, though, the week before last, the weather caused my school and their day hab to be closed for three days and then the weekend came. Five days out of routine about did both of them in – and me, too! 🙂 )

Happy thought #3 – The kids were at my parents’ house Friday until I got off of work. When I walked into the house, Rob was looking out the window and said “I see power poles.” The whole sentence with no coaching and spontaneously. I was so excited and told him I was proud of him. His response was to look at me like I was crazy and go on looking out the window at the power poles. But still – a whole sentence that wasn’t an “I want” kind. Yes, I was happy!

Happy thought #4 – When we packed his clothes Friday, I wanted him to take a new shirt for going bowling and he resisted, but I packed it anyway and told him to wear it bowling – all the while thinking, yeah, sure he would. I saw pictures from the bowling alley and believe it or not, he is wearing the shirt! I am still in shock over that, but so very proud of him!

Happy thought #5 – Watching Casey talk to Julia (the Sesame Street character with autism) about going to camp was so cute. Since Julia came to live with us at Christmas, she hadn’t gotten to go to camp, yet. Casey’s smile as she told her bits and pieces of camp was beautiful. (On a side note – does anyone else talk to their child’s stuffed toys like another person? I always find myself telling Elmo or Cookie Monster good night and sweet dreams – or that it’s time to get up. And some days, I don’t even notice I’m doing it! 🙂 )

Happy thought #6 – My favorite show is coming back on tonight after a mid-season break. I hope the kids realize there can’t be any noise after 9! HA! (I can always hope, right??)

Happy thought #7 – I love snow and it’s snowing again! 🙂 🙂

Happy thought #8 – Autism isn’t defining us tonight. We are all enjoying our own activities, but still together. It’s evenings like this that give me hope for the future – and make it easier not to be afraid of what tomorrow might bring.

I hope each of you has a week full of happy thoughts! Look for those little moments that happen every day!