Our Tristan is very curious and loves to touch everything. It is just where he is at developmentally.
We have found that hands-on museums are a Tristan family-friendly activity.
We took a trip to the Curious Kids’ Museum in St. Joesph, Michigan.
When we entered the museum, I said to Tristan, “At this place, you can touch everything.”
At the physical disability awareness station, Tristan thought it was a fun game to sit in the wheelchair and circle the ramps.
The giant Lite-Brite station was a huge hit because he was gifted with one this past Christmas. He understood the activity. Tristan loves when items are larger or smaller than the usual size.
We played hard for about 90 minutes and then it was time to exit.
As I contemplated writing I didn’t know where to re-start. I know it has been awhile since I have posted. I stopped writing because I needed to step back and process life quietly.
As I read my last post “100 Days of Grace,” I could just linger on the last title and the theme of grace for my life. Only at this point I am well past 100 days or even 365 days. Days have turned to months, months turned into a year, and a year has turned into years. I am learning to let go. I am learning to live in God’s grace everyday. Internally I am fighting against the new “normal” of only being a hands-on parent on a bi-monthly basis. To deal with this, I have realized my new role is to continue being Tristan’s biggest advocate in a different way. I ask the ones who are caring for him detailed questions on how he is doing. I respond with suggestions and let go. Really let go.
Two years ago our family was in a crisis. I searched for posts on residential placements of a 13 year-olds and I found 1 article. If I remember correctly it wasn’t even someone in the US. I realized I need to write.
I have a story to tell. It is not the story I want to have. It is not a fairy-tale ending of my parenting journey. But honestly, no one gets to pick out how life unfolds. If it wasn’t for 2 kind ladies reaching out and sharing their experience, then I would feel even more alone. Along the way, God put 2 more people in my path in unexpected ways. Both of these people have very similar stories to ours. I want there to be more than 1 article on theworld-wide web that address these hard topics of parenting autism kids. I know there are others living this same situation but not many have spoken. Therefore, some of my future posts on this site will be about this topic to hopefully give other’s information and hope.
God’s grace is carrying me everyday. I pray that God’s grace will carry you– whatever journey of life that you are on.
I like to get a lot accomplished each day. At times, I do not feel like I accomplish very much. Sometimes a to do lists can feel overwhelming. This simple trick solves both challenges. I decided to make a list of all the things I did get done. A to done list.
If you are going to make a “To Do List” then make sure you also make a “TO DONE LIST.” You will be surprised at how much you really do accomplish!
The Practical Side of Autism 