Cheerful Achievements!

My Nick is the sweetest, gentlest young man that you ever could meet. He may not strike up a conversation with you or even seek to engage, however, take the time to really get to know him and you may be surprised at his capabilities!

This week I celebrate three small achievements that made me smile. Three little moments that gave me reasons to be cheerful.

The following made my heart melt and I felt the need to share with the world, aka facebook!  "Nick came over and took my hand. Not sure what he wanted, so decided to walk with him. He led me to his Dad and then pulled me in for a family hug!"



We went away to our favorite spot for the weekend. There were lots of walks to be had; along with way too much down time! I had bought Nick a new Monsters Inc jigsaw puzzle and it sat there on the counter for a day and a half...... just waiting for some attention. On the Sunday, Nick was having a lovely time stimming on our very ancient laptop; when all of a sudden he surprised me by leaving the laptop and picking up the puzzle. He came over to me and gestured for me to help him. Silently I thought to myself that this was a great opportunity for the husband to get involved, therefore suggested to Nick that he ask his Dad. They had a lovely time together and I am thrilled that Nick chose to be with his Dad and not the laptop!

If you have been following this blog for a while, you will know that I started addressing Nick's food issues last year. We have been going slowly, taking into account the *edge plus one* concept. However, I have also been doing a bit of limit setting.... as in; he must try at least ONE piece before he eats his regular faves. It is working and Nick is now open to trying new foods without any fuss. In fact, if he sees something to his liking on our plates, he will help himself (very huge!). His diet is still quite limited BUT it has improved. This gives us all encouragement to keep moving forward.

In the grand scheme of life, these little achievements may be small for some. For us, they are huge!

~**~

Bucket Talk!

(Taken by Nick)

I think it is fair to say that the role of caring for an autistic teen is quite demanding! :)

Through no fault of his own, my son requires 24 hour care. At times this responsibility can feel overwhelming. Yes, on occasion I do have a mini pity party!

I have gone through the age old process of coming to terms with the fact that my life hasn't gone according to plan. I know and accept that my long term role is going to be that of a carer.

However, what I have learned over time is that I need to stop and think about myself. I have been so busy filling my son's bucket - Rummage around in there and you will find lots of wonderful goodies to ooh and aah over. Frankly, my boy is a happy teen and very much loved. If I was to visualize his bucket, it would be a bright red receptacle, featuring a large orange sun and bright yellow happy faces. Beautiful blues and greens would be bubbling over the top and gently running down the sides. I would say that his bucket is looking very healthy!!

My bucket is more on the grey side, a bit drab and dreary! Peer over the top and you will find a few things bobbing around in there. Proud mum moments. An airplane or two. Numerous cappuccinos. Joyful memories with family and friends. Regardless of the pretty colours that come to the surface, you will notice the bucket is only half full.

The last 15 years have revolved around autism and it's time to take stock. I need to reassess and make plans to focus on my own bucket. It goes without saying that I will always endeavor to keep the contents of Nick's bucket gently bubbling at the top. I just need to tip the balance towards me and work towards making mine as beautiful as his.

~*~