"I'm bored! I have no friends to play with!"
She's hiding under the covers, in her bed.
"Really? What do you think we should do?" I ask, pulling back her sheets to study her face.
"I want Madeline and Emma to come over to play." She says, folding her arms over her chest, disgusted with the drudgery she's had to endure since winter break started.
People.....this is BIG.
Another thing she's been doing is offering spontaneous displays of affection. She would always let me cuddle her, and seemed to enjoy the snuggling , but never would she think to initiate that kind of interaction on her own. I've been surprised a few times lately by little arms reaching around my hips as I do the dishes or a spontaneous kiss on the cheek. It's like getting to watch those thrilling first baby steps every day.
Todd saw a report on CNN yesterday about how autism isn't covered by most insurance companies, and how 80% of parents with a child on the spectrum get divorced. Since most couples list money as their # 1 source of conflict, I'm sure you see the pattern?
Riley's sensory processing disorder has certianly pushed us to the limit in almost every area, but it sure has made us appreciate the little things. Last night she laid on the bed with her recovering Daddy and read to him from her Pooh chapter book.
She is a little bite of heaven.
She's hiding under the covers, in her bed.
"Really? What do you think we should do?" I ask, pulling back her sheets to study her face.
"I want Madeline and Emma to come over to play." She says, folding her arms over her chest, disgusted with the drudgery she's had to endure since winter break started.
People.....this is BIG.
Another thing she's been doing is offering spontaneous displays of affection. She would always let me cuddle her, and seemed to enjoy the snuggling , but never would she think to initiate that kind of interaction on her own. I've been surprised a few times lately by little arms reaching around my hips as I do the dishes or a spontaneous kiss on the cheek. It's like getting to watch those thrilling first baby steps every day.
Todd saw a report on CNN yesterday about how autism isn't covered by most insurance companies, and how 80% of parents with a child on the spectrum get divorced. Since most couples list money as their # 1 source of conflict, I'm sure you see the pattern?
Riley's sensory processing disorder has certianly pushed us to the limit in almost every area, but it sure has made us appreciate the little things. Last night she laid on the bed with her recovering Daddy and read to him from her Pooh chapter book.
She is a little bite of heaven.
10 comments:
"I've been surprised a few times lately by little arms reaching around my hips as I do the dishes or a spontaneous kiss on the cheek."
You and Todd should should be so proud of the parents and loving marriage you have. This is who she "gets it" from. You and Todd have encircled yourselves and your family with love. What role models!
this is the best news, the best story I've read in a long, long time, Michelle.
Love to you and Riley, Seth and HT.
Only 80%? Can't believe it's not 99%! You and HT get to take big ol' As, and so does Riley! Little bite of heaven, indeed!
WOW, Michelle. I saw that same program. I kept thinking of you the whole time. Your patience and perseverence is inspiring. As is Riley.
Wow, that makes me so happy to hear. A dear friend of mine is starting down such a path with her beautiful son, with so much love and hope in her heart for him. This makes me feel again how right she is to try to help him the way she is...
Happy New Year, friend.
:)
Hi Michelle, thanks for your comment on my blog. Yes I'm sure our relationship still has a long way to go. I'm glad Riley is becoming more affectionate. I've noticed that with James too. At one point we could never kiss or cuddle him. Now we have kind of codes. He says "I have the urge" which means he wants to give us a hug or we might say the same to him and he will tell us whether it is ok or not. A while ago Steve and I went to listen to Tony Attwood speak on Autism. He said that children on the spectrum often found it easier if they knew you were going to hug them or make physical contact. If they were taken by surprise their bodies went into fight or flight mode and they felt they were being attacked. For me that really explained why James reacted the way he did to sudden displays of affection and it reminded me that I have to go into his world to best connect with him.
Michelle ~*~
Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards you. Your faithfulness and kind words have carried me. thank you feels so small.
love,
XOXO Darlene
p.s. can you email me your address, I have a little something for you :)
"The thing about Tiggers is, they bounce" Love it, Riley. Kissing Mom and helping Daddy to heal. Love it!
Thank you God for my wonderful daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter and grandson. You are such an inspiration to me. I continue to learn and experience life and love and "a little bit of heaven from you all"
Love, hugs, and tears of joy,
Gramma Annie
I love your way with words. You are a true writer, an artist.
You inspire me with your patience in your daughter and the love that you and your husband share.
Happy New Year.
Post a Comment