A New Thanksgiving Perspective

I took a look at my post from last Thanksgiving and I remember keenly how I felt that day. Life was so overwhelming for me that I couldn't even see the good in my life. This year I feel totally different.

I think a few things have contributed to my improved state of mind. First, I have come to  find some peace and acceptance regarding autism and my family. A lot of my anger has subsided, and this has allowed me to see my world much more positively. Second, I have been quite ill these last 6 weeks with complications from surgery. I couldn't even get up without my husband's help. I went from bed to bathroom to couch to bed - that's it. I couldn't interact with my kids or do the things I normally do with them. The last few days I have begun walking (albeit slowly and with a limp) without my crutches and I feel a sense of joy with each step.


All those sayings we've heard such as "it's always darkest before the dawn" or "you never appreciate what you have until you lose it" apply to me. Our family has made it through the darkest stage of grief and have found the dawn to be beautiful. I now appreciate the simple activities of life that I missed so much while sick and I also understand that life goes on even when I am on the sidelines.


On this Thanksgiving morning gratitude fills my heart.

Learning to Deceive

It's a typical childhood milestone - learning to deceive our parents! And I am pleased to report that Connor is trying his best to pull the wool over my eyes. Yesterday he came in from school and said, "I had good behavior. Can I go on the computer?" (The computer is a huge motivator for him.) I told him sure, only to be interrupted by my husband asking Connor if he had something to show me. It was so cute and perfect - Connor tried to hide his "yellow light" and then came over to me and tried to smooth it over with hugs. It was all I could do not to laugh. He has started to pretend that he is sick so he can stay home from school. He uses his best acting abilities as he coughs, holds his stomach or rubs his head. He also asks me to do something when my husband has already told him "no" - the old pit parent against parent trick.


I am so excited that he has learned this skill! Why? It shows me that he completely understands that he can manipulate me or the situation to get what he desires - quite a high level skill. I remember trying these techniques, unsuccessfully, myself as I was growing up. 


So as I write this, I am sitting with a smile on my face wondering what he will come up with next.