Last week i posted a bit about my son, and some of his autistic traits, and i appreciated all the comments commiserating with how hard it must be. I was actually surprised though, because what i shared i no longer think of as the hard parts anymore. Jace is ruled by obsessive behaviors, yes. He is wasteful and destructive, yes. But that is nothing compared to how agressive he can be at times, especially now that he is 12 and about 200 pounds. But we manage because my husband and i are in it together, and my husband is still strong enough to deal with the violent times, and the stubborn times. He helps me by teaching me self defense moves. And he just bulls through, when that is what is needed, like a month or so ago when jace chose to lay down in the road in front of wegmans. If i had been alone with him i would have simply had to direct traffic away from him, but my husband simply scooped him up, threw him over his shoulder and walked him to the car. Not many people could have done that. Knowing that we can manage together makes it all OK.
I read an article by a mother of two autistic sons a year or so ago and one piece of her advice in the article has stuck with me. "Don't think past dinner", and although i can't help but wallow in worry about the future at times, most days i try to stick to that advice.
Another part that makes it all OK is that Jace is still a sweetheart, frustation aside. He used to be too thin, but now he is quite chubby so he's like a giant Pillsbury dough boy that truly means well. He is simple and cuddly and so lovable.
He loves to look at himself in the mirror, and since the ipad has a reverse camera where he can see himself he likes looking in the ipad too. The other day he pulled me into a hug and took some photos while admiring himself in the screen. These aren't really print worthy; i don't look my best and i have taken off my glasses so he won't smush them, but i love this set of photos regardless.
This is Jace, this is him....
love these photos... so much love in his eyes & in his smile. I love your sketches too. A beautiful tribute to Jace. xx
ReplyDeleteLove your photos and the sketches. Awesome job. Much love here.
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet pictures and a lovely post.
ReplyDeleteWhat happy and fun photos and drawings! It is always nice to see the children smiling...sometimes a smile can make everything okay, even for just a few minutes. Hugs, Rasz #69
ReplyDeleteThe photos were great, but then the sketches, priceless.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful portrait of your son, I can tell you love him very much.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and inspiring blog! I like those photos because they are true. They show the moment of love and joy. and your sketches are like footprints of those moments. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you and the hubby have each other's backs. Too often couples end up divorced when children with chronic issues enter the picture. It either binds you together or drives you apart, (For me, it was apart.) It warms my heart to know you have each other. I could feel the love in the photos. That's what gets you through the rough times. :):)
ReplyDeleteI love this endearing honest post! He does look like a big teddy bear and I am so glad you and hubby are together coping through those unpredictable moments!! I love his name and all the wonderful photos and your sketches are fabulous! Thanks for sharing so authentically!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
You both look so happy and at ease with each other in these pictures, it's clearly visible that there's a lot of love between you two. So good that you don't stand alone in the care for Jace, as I can imagine it must be hard at times, especially when he's growing older and bigger. Your sketches look great!
ReplyDeleteVery nice pictures...
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