It is time...

For an update.

Things have been interesting these last few weeks.  I have started my job and I am finding that I really enjoy it.  It is simple and allows me to feel like I am being productive.  It has a much bigger roll in my family than I first considered but I will explain that more later in this post.

The program I wanted to get my daughter in had an unexpected opening and we have started the process to get her the therapy that will be life changing for her and our family.  Many people, when I have told them that my daughter has be diagnosed with mild to moderate autism say, "I don't see it."  But it is there.  It is there when she will scream and cry over a new food being placed on the table.  Even worse it it comes dangerously close to her plate.  A quite, or even semi-quite dinner is a rare occurrence.  She isn't growing as fast as she should due to her very limited food choices.  She isn't malnourished but she is on the very edge of being too skinny and small for her age bracket.  It is there when she avoids certain activities because the noise, which isn't disturbing to another child of her age, or because of the feel of the project.  We had to cut her beautiful hair short because I couldn't stand another 15-30 minute screaming fit when I try to gently brush out the dead locks she gives herself every night.  It is much better now.... only 5 minutes of crying each morning.  Don't even get me started on trying to get her to brush her teeth.  It is there when she tried to run into traffic if I let go of her hand and don't immediately tell her to stay.  She has no self preservation.  No situational fear.  It is there when she is playing with her brother or a friend and she has no idea what a facial expression or tone of voice means.  To an outside eye it would look like she is just tormenting her brother for her own fun as siblings are known to do.  But she really cannot read his body language, face, tone, and doesn't have a basic understanding of words to tell that he is done playing and is upset.  When someone is crying she doesn't ask why or show any empathy.  She doesn't now how.  Just because you do not see a medical condition doesn't mean it  is not there.

Anyway, this new program with have intensive personal therapy that is tailored to her and her needs.  It is honestly the best thing that is available to her.  Our entire family will benefit.  Even if it is just for a meal without tears.

A big change has started.  Ozzie, the best man I know, has decided to start his own business.  He is my everything so I will support him in it.  I will do what I can to help him succeed.  We tried to slowly step into it.  But with me working now and his working during the day, not much was able to get done.  The banks are only open so long during the day.  So, after much consideration, thought, and sweaty, panicky moments it was decided that he would resign from his job and put his full effort into starting his business.  That is where my job comes in.  I will be the main bread winner.... again.

Is it scary? Yes.  Are we crazy?  More than likely.  But I have complete faith in Ozzie's abilities and tenacity.  So, my friends, family, random internet people, your support and encouragement is greatly needed.  A kind word and a good word can go far.  Kind thoughts and wishes are more than welcome as well.

So onto the next twisted trail to follow.