I am an army wife and autism mom.
Traveling the journey of autism with strength, courage, conviction, laughter, tears – and wine. LOTS of wine.
I choose humor.
Why?
Because the alternative sucks.
I don’t have time to use my anger to feel sorry for my daughter, myself or my family. I don’t have the luxury of spending precious energy visiting all of the ‘what-ifs’ and ‘what-could-have-beens’. If I can’t regularly make the time for a decent dinner out with my husband, then I sure as hell don’t have time to complain.
All of us are who we are meant to be. Period. But that doesn’t mean we cannot attempt to make the journey a little easier for everyone. It doesn’t relieve the responsibility to travel this road with compassion, empathy and an open heart – and an open mind.
This life DOES contain autism, disappearing friends and family, deployments, crappy insurance companies, politicians, and school district bullies who conduct themselves in manners far removed from acting in the ‘best interest of the child’.
It ALSO contains HOPE, HEART, and HEALING .
Through the presence of autism and 4q in my life I have learned more than I ever could have without it. I have found a strength I never knew I had within me. I have met the most amazing, inspiring people who have dedicated themselves to that purpose of paving a better road for others.
I don’t complain. I fight.
“To the Pain,” as Westley said to Prince Humperdink.
So. Grab a coffee – a shot of tequila — whatever suits you.
And spend a few minutes with me sharing in this journey.
It’s a wild ride.
The Bloggess
April 6th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
OMG! I’m a friend of Annie C and just saw your site. What an amazing gift you have to put this journey into (hilarious) words. I can sooo relate!
Thank You! Karen
April 7th, 2011 at 8:15 am
Karen – thanks for stopping by! This has been a wonderful journey for me. I am so happy to share it with amazing people like Annie! Hope to see you again!
May 31st, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Great to see a fellow military “fighter” out there! Our method is more akin to the AC/DC song, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” The lyrics would go something like,”If you’re having trouble with your Special Ed…he’s denying yoouuuu. You want to bash him right across his head…here’s what you gotta do – Pick up the phone, I’m always home…call me anytiiiime.” Lol.
School districts are marks. My wife and I have taken down 2 already. Glad to be in the fight with you and can certainly relate to having lighthearted fun and a appreciative outlook about it all. If we didn’t our 3 boys on the spectrum would cause insanity X-() :)
In Advocacy,
Mike Barrett
June 2nd, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Welcome, Mike! Thanks for the chuckle – in all seriousness, thanks for sharing your fight, too. Bless you and your family!
June 15th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
HI Rachel,
I found your site following a link from Diary of a Mom. I’ve enjoyed readind some of your posts. I look forward to reading you in the future.
Paula
Mom of AJ (3 yr old/classic autism)
June 15th, 2011 at 9:09 pm
Thanks, Paula! Welcome!