"We're not Booboo and Isabella any more;...

...we the Chef Girls in the whole world!" This was Isabella's exclamation to me when we were preparing waffles yesterday. Doesn't that just make you want to plotz?! Too cute as far as I'm concerned.

Her comment and her ability to express herself made me happy and sad. You see, there are so many people on the autism spectrum who are unable to express themselves verbally. For their loved ones, it might be a guessing game as to what their needs are. I am happy that Bells can express herself and sad when others can't.

Bells doesn't show many outward signs of her condition. If you don't spend much time with her you would just see a "normal," five year old girl. It's when you are in her company for a while that you see the stimming by waving around a piece of paper she has torn, leaving behind shredded paper in her wake or wonder at her astute observations not realizing she is repeating scripts from a tv show (delayed echolalia), one way she learns to express herself. She also won't poop on the toilet yet; a common problem in our community.

We are able to take Isabella out for a meal with little possibility of a meltdown. Many, many families on the spectrum aren't so blessed. Their worlds are very small, unable to venture out to do the simplest of things with their child(ren) for fear of the world being too much for these special loved ones. Their neurotypical children are pulled in as well and their parents have the guilt of that on their already burdened shoulders.

Yes, we have it good. My heart goes out to the families who are fighting the fight and are leading the way. Two blog sites you might be interested in by moms who are making a difference are
A Diary of a Mom and Rhema's Hope. Want to know how the mind of a person with Asperger's Syndrome works? Visit Aaron at Life on the Other Side of the Wall.

I love this community. gail

How Appropriate

http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/devo

Today’s Devotional
November 8th, 2010
Sweet Sleep
When day is done and you lie down to sleep, do you rest serenely? Do the experiences of the day pass through your mind, or tomorrow’s unknowns cause you distress?
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
Psalm 63:3
What can change that? The Old Testament speaks of peace as prosperity, health and fulfillment, but it also talks of wholeness and harmony based on relationship. The absence of strife (peace) is found only through the presence of God. David says that "the Lord has set apart the godly" and hears when you call to Him. He tells you to "ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent." (Psalm 4:3-4) David took refuge in that. You, too, can be fully aware of God’s presence and His willingness and ability to answer your prayers.
Your difficult circumstances, dangers you encounter, or illnesses may not go away. But you can have the confidence of David. Unrest and instability in the nation affect its leaders. Military forces around the world face threats every day. Pray for them. Put your trust in the Lord. Let your inner turmoil be quieted. Then close your eyes and enjoy the sweet sleep only God can give.
Recommended Reading: Proverbs 3:19-26
J.K. – Your Prayer Team writing staff

I must remember that the battle is not mine but the Lord's. My son is not my son but God's. Lord, give me, please, the strength and integrity to open my hands and let go of the firm hold I think I have on my children. g