Reflection.

Birthdays are always a time/day of reflection for me. And today is no different, Tyler is 6 and this road we have been traveling down is one full of curves, hills, and valleys for sure!

6 years ago today we had a clear path, we thought, no I take that back, we knew exactly what our lives would look like. Both kids attending CTA Independence, them both having best friends/buddies, sporting events, families we would bond with both adults and kids. Well, our lives took a different road, one that was way off the course we thought we would travel down. We took a right and others took a left. That turn was taken onto Autism Avenue. Am I sad, sometimes, Do I get angry, once in awhile, Do I get jealous, absolutely! BUT, then I think what are lives are now, and I am the luckiest mom I know. I have two healthy, gorgeous kids, both so different in so many ways, but the reflection of today is about Tyler, and he is so amazing. This life he has given us, is one of patience, understanding, non-judgment and total straight on ours, but especially his. He is remarkable. What other 6 year old has a full time job? 7 hours a day! And has had it since he was 3! One full of therapy, people in his face, work..work..work! I so admire him! BUT with all that work he is doing great. Good things are happening, and life couldn't be better!

He is my rock, my strenght, my love and my life! Without my kids, I would be lost! Emily always tells me, I am the best mom, and I always repond with "It's only cuz I have the best kids"!

This journey has taught me so much about life in many ways, first and foremost, DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER! Just cuz a kid is acting up in Target DOES NOT mean he is a brat! Second, my marriage is stronger than I ever realized. 87% of marriages that have a child w/Autism end in divorce! AND with all of our other struggles in the past couple years, we have weathered the storm! Again, my rock! And third (there are many more, but I can't go into that tonight) Friendships, it sure opens your eyes with who are your true friends. My other "person", my rock and "girl power", my total confidant, my non-competitive beautiful soul.. Cindy! Without her, I would not have survived the last 3 years.

I am in such a dark place the last few weeks. I have so many things going on in my life, since getting this job, which I do LOVE, it definitely has thrown me for a loop. I wasn't ready for some of the adjustments I am having to make. But, I know it's for the best..ultimately it is good for me to have something of mine. I have been avoiding people, not wanting to socialize, I mean for dinner club we have to host this Friday I even ordered the food. I'm not even making it! But, whatever, I worked Wed and Thurs night so I truly didn't have time to do anything different. Even that, something we have enjoyed for years seems to be harder and harder.

I just want things to be simple! No drama! Just simple! I actually got a very nice compliment from someone the other day. I ran into a girl I know at Sprouts. She went to the Girls Weekend In Scottsdale a few weeks ago, the one I canceled on.. Anyhoo, I was asking her about it, we were talking about my reasons for not going and she told me "it is so admirable of you to choose your family over time for yourself"! It just made me feel like I really did make the right choice. I told her, well if the job wasn't still so new, and we were all more adjusted, I would have gone, but it was the right choice.

Robert finally got his car fixed today! He now has air conditioning and some belty thing is not squeaking! I still don't know how he weathered this far w/out air! What a trooper! That just kills me!

Tomorrow coffee with some new friends, dinner club (greek theme) ~ Saturday, spending some much needed bff time w/Cindy then Emily wants to take Tyler to Toys R Us to have him pick out a bday toy from her, Sat family night and Sunday is Tyler's Birthday party! Good stuff!

Well, that's it for now. Life will continue to go on, and I have learned that family trumps all, and you always have to go with your gut.. do what you know is right.

9 more hours of work and I am off till Monday night! WOOHOO! It's going to be a busy weekend, but I will make time to figure out a few things and mostly relax, SLEEP and enjoy, oh yes I will!!

Loves and Hugs XOXOX

Terri & Co.