Read more about the article The emotional hangover
Emotional Hangover / My thoughts

The emotional hangover

The boys will be home soon. Apparently, Emmett lost a tooth last night, and then lost the tooth he lost. Does that make sense?  Anyway, we have about an hour before they arrive.  Even after a good night's sleep, I'm still exhausted. Yesterday was a very emotional day, and frankly, thays level of emotion is exhausting. I'm so glad we decided not to take the boys with us because they would likely be a mess today.  Lizze and I refer to this level of exhaustion after an emotional event as being emotionally hung over. 

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July 29, 2017
Read more about the article Don’t tread on his routine 
Gavin / My thoughts

Don’t tread on his routine 

Shortly after we arrived home last night from calling hours, we realized that we had missed Lizze's Mom trying to get ahold of us. Our phone were still on silent from the service,  It was about 10 pm when we connected and there was an issue with Gavin. In all the chaos yesterday morning, we forgot to put his meds in his overnight bag. On a scale of one to ten, this is maybe a four or five. One night isn't going to be a huge deal, although this almost never happens unless there's an issue with a refill.  Gavin was apparently upset because he was unable to sleep without his meds. The reality is, he's unable to sleep because his routine was disrupted.  Poor Gavin gets himself all worked…

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July 29, 2017
Read more about the article Thank you
My thoughts

Thank you

I want to take a minute and say thank you to everyone, for all the kind words. It was a rough day but we made it through.  Something I really appreciate about the human race is our capacity to show compassion when another human has passed away. We don't even need to know the person that passed, to understand the loss.  Lizze and I are exhausted. I'm ready to crash and sleep until the boys get home later this morning,  Anyway, thank you all once again. I appreciate each and every one of you. ☺ 

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July 29, 2017
Read more about the article Parents aren’t supposed to bury their kids
Fragile Health / Gavin / My thoughts

Parents aren’t supposed to bury their kids

I don't do well with funerals, not that anyone really does. I absolutely avoid going to them because I've seen so much death in my life already.  I can't even tell you how much death I witnessed as a paramedic. Eventually, it gets to you and changes you at your core, at least that's how it worked for me.  Thinking about everything the last day or so, I realized one of the biggest reasons I don't deal funerals very well.  In all likelihood, I will one day attend Gavin's. With all he's dealing with healthwise, his prognosis isn't good. Every time I see a funeral, it feels like a kick in the gut, and reminds me how fragile life is, especially Gavin's.  Maybe that sounds strange to some of you,…

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July 28, 2017
Read more about the article I know he’s miserable, but damn
My thoughts

I know he’s miserable, but damn

Things aren't going so well this morning. I'm already not in the best place and it feels like nothing is going right. Emmett is very clearly not feeling well, and is kinda taking it out on everyone.  Emmett's demeanor has everyone on edge, including myself. It's not his fault, and I know he's miserable, but damn.. 

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July 28, 2017
Read more about the article Saying goodbye to a truly amazing woman
My thoughts

Saying goodbye to a truly amazing woman

It's going to be a difficult day today. This time however, it has nothing to do with Autism, or special needs parenting. Today's difficulty is the result of being human.  There are many things about being human that are difficult, but few things are more difficult than the loss of a loved one.  Everyone experiences loss, and my family is no exception. This weekend, we will be laying to rest one of my family's elders. She was/is my great aunt, but she was always just my Aunt Sissy.  I have so many fond memories of the time spent with her. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed. I find comfort in the knowledge that's she's been reunited with the love of her life, my Uncle Cy.  This weekend…

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July 28, 2017
Read more about the article Why lunch was a sensory nightmare
Autism Parenting Struggles / Emmett John / Feeding Problems / Fever Cycle / My thoughts / PFAPA / Sensory

Why lunch was a sensory nightmare

Emmett's still in the opening stretch of his current fever cycle, and he's incredibly difficult to manage as a result. I've mentioned before that when he's in a fever flare, many of his Autism related challenges are exacerbated.  Typically, the biggest challenge during the period of time the flare is active is sensory related.  He becomes so much more sensitive to everything around him.  Making lunch today was a nightmare that resulted in a massive, but relatively short lived meltdown. It had to do with a pepperoni sandwich that wasn't perfect.  Sometimes he likes to make his own sandwich because it must be perfect. I should also add that he rarely ever eats a sandwich because he rarely eats bread. I don't know why it's okay sometimes and not okay…

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July 27, 2017
Read more about the article Surgically removing myself
Emmett John / My thoughts / Sleep Issues

Surgically removing myself

I had a rough time sleeping last night, but my amazing wife let me sneak a nap this morning.  Emmett woke up around 3 am and climbed into bed with us. He was freaked out over a bad dream. He fell back to sleep quickly, because he was glued to my side. I was already having a rough time sleeping because Elliott was using my pillow, and I was really uncomfortable.  I ended up surgically removing myself from Emmett's grasp, and made my way to the couch. Unfortunately, my back is still not doing well and I couldn't get comfortable.  Bottom line, I didn't get very much sleep at all, and I'm definitely feeling it. 

8 Comments
July 27, 2017