The Cabbage Patch

Autism and Wandering

After the initial news of Ryan Barrett's death, there was a scarcity of information available.  So, I googled it.  The first news story I read made me mad.  After mentioning the recovery of Ryan, there was a quote from a spokesperson for the local autism society chapter.  She mentioned how autistic children tend to wander and that we as a community need to keep an eye on them.  I was appalled that the reporter could be so cruel as to imply an admonishment to the parents of Ryan.  Even if that were not his intent, I thought it was in poor taste.  As all kids (autistic and neuro-typical) do tend to wander, I thought this information was superfluous.   

As a parent of a child with autism, I am well aware of the dangers.  I know that they don't understand the implications.  Brother does things without thought to consequences.  He has serious impulse control issues.  That is why I am hypervigilant with him as I am sure the Barretts were with Ryan especially with 14 years experience with him. 

Today, he scared about 10 years off my life.  After mass, we were chatting with friends in near the Mary garden.  Brother was there and then he wasn't.  He had gone into the adoration chapel without letting me know.  When I found him and spoke with him, he couldn't understand why I was upset or scared.  He was thinking that he was in a place where he's allowed; what's all the fuss?  What else could I say?  Needless to say, I broke down.  I don't usually make a habit of it as I am Korean (synonymous with stoic), but with everything else that has happened, I couldn't hold it in.  Ben was shocked.  My friends all understood and stood by me while I got myself together. 

I'm still a bit weepy but will make it through.  Maybe it's this silly cold I seem to have caught.   

Harry Potter

A dear friend and I made plans to attend the Harry Potter movie, The Half Blood Prince tonight.  It was awesome.  The movie was great by itself, but it was the whole idea of going to the movies without children and with a friend (another friend met us as well).  Now, don't get me wrong, I love to take my children to the movies, but it's nice to not have to be a caretaker while enjoying a movie.  Ben does not like Harry Potter much so this was a great opportunity.  It's been a long time since I've gone to see a movie without kids.  Ten years to be exact.  Thank you, Sue!

Green...

with envy, that is.  Four of the loveliest ladies meeting in one place--I am so jealous.  I can take comfort in that one of those ladies lives close enough that we will eventually meet. 

So, there is an opportunity to meet a whole bunch of lovely ladies, but it's in Pennsylvania.  I haven't given up on the idea, but in this economy, I need to really think about my priorities.  I just wish the gas prices hadn't been so high last year; it really did us in.  Having said all that, it would be so nice to be there.  The area is beautiful, the hostess charming and lovely.  Sigh.

Old Friends and New

This past weekend we traveled to Houston for my 20th high school reunion.  I've already briefly wrote about it.  I don't have much more to expand on.  I spoke with some people and enjoyed my conversations with them.  I just would've prefered a different venue and to be able to hear everyone better.  It was nice seeing some old friends.  The best part of the night was spending time with Ben, without the kids, away from home.  Usually our date nights are a movie at home when the children go to bed.  This is for a variety of reasons, the biggest being Brother's anxiety when I'm away.

Our time at the hotel was fun.  We spent a lot of time in the pool.  

 

The best statement was made by Pumpkin.  I was not in the pool and she came up to me with, "Mama, you're not afraid.  Come back into the water."

How could I refuse?

The next day we attended mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Houston-Galveston diocese.  The mass was fine but the church itself was so echo-ey that we couldn't hear very well. 

Then we left for our next stop which was a visit with Janette and Tim (I'm talking THE Netsmith!) of 4Real messageboard fame.  They have a lovely family.  Janette had a wonderful lunch ready for us.  The strata was amazing--I'm going to have to get the recipe.  Thank you, Tim and Janette for a wonderful visit. 

Each time we visit these people I know from the internet, I'm nervous.  Nervous because I'm a shy person until you get to know me.  Nervous because I'm human and worry that people won't like me.  So, it's nice to meet these wonderful ladies (and gentleman) and hit it off.  

Here's a picture of Janette and me talking away. 

 

As Beautiful as Its Author

The blog that is.  Check out the new look at Alice's blog.  It's absolutely beautiful.

Let me tell you a quick story about Alice.  I've admired her for so long and longed to meet her in person.  The opportunity came up during our road trip as she lives close Ben's Aunt Vivian.  I was only able to meet up with her I although Ionged to meet two others in Long Island.  Alice and her girls were on the way back from a Latin mass where her older two girls sang (oh, my they have beautiful voices).  She dropped by for a very quick visit at Aunt Vivian's house.  You gotta love someone whose first words to you are "You're gorgeous!".  Alas, our visit was much too short as they had to leave for another engagement.  She is a beautiful person. 

We Grieve Together...

We rejoiced when we heard.  Now, we grieve together with our dear friend, Margaret. 

Please pray for Margaret and her family. 

On This The Annunciation

On this the Solemnity of the Annunication, let's rejoice with my friend (I hope she doesn't mind me calling her that).  Congratulations, dear Margaret.  We'll be praying with you.

Visiting Friend

One of Ben's very good friends is coming to visit.  Actually, he's arrived in Texas already and is driving up here as I type.  My friends love Mr. D (he has an Italian last name that my children just cannot seem to pronounce) so they will probably be spending a lot of time together.  Ben and Tom has stated I could do whatever I wanted.  I think I'll spend that time catching up on things like updating my typelists and adding pages (if I can figure out how to do that).  I may even fiddle with the template and try to get a picture in the heading. 

Stay tuned.

Stitch Markers

My dear friend gave me these beautiful stitch markers a couple of weeks ago.  I've been meaning to post pictures of them so here they are. 

Here is a closeup of a few:

Aren't they beautiful?  Thank you, sweet friend!

Heartwarming Pictures

My friend's son returned from Iraq the other day as I posted below.  Here's her post with great heartwarming pictures.  They'll make you cry or at the very least tear up.  See the relief in that Mama's face.  God bless, Pat.