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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Forks in the Road

Does your life ever look like this?
Mine seems to feel like this lately in regards to
having triplets with autism.
I need to decide on trying a new medicine,
try to find a new autism doctor,
plan some activities for the summer,
and get back on track on some things I've let
slide over the last few months.
I found out today that their special ed teacher will
not be returning this fall. And neither will the
special ed coordinator for the school. :(
I need to find some more pieces to my autism puzzles
but am feeling burnt out and overwhelmed.
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart
and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him and he will
direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:23

24 comments:

  1. A beautiful parable. If we lived a couple of continents closer to you, we could have helped with the triplets.

    God bless.

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  2. Yes, my life feels like that right now! Lovely photo.

    BTw, added you to my just created blogroll, thought you might like to know. Now, I can pop over here easier.

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  3. Maybe the new teacher and coordinator will be just the change needed.

    Wouldn't it be nice if God let us look down those two roads so we could pick the right way to go....He never does, does He...wouldn't be called faith if He did, would it. Our trust is what He desires. So you already know the answer.

    My heart goes out to you. I'll pray too.

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  4. David ~ you leave me speechless. You are so sweet to even think that you would have helped with our boys. My, what a contrast to the 8 aunts, uncles and a set of grandparents who live locally (NOT Willow...she's not local!) who pay no attention to these boys and haven't even seen them or asked about them in many months or years!
    But I think if the people who should help refuse to for what ever reason, God finds someone else who is willing and then they get the blessing and reward! Thank you for you very kind comments....what an encouraging way to start my day!

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  5. Mmm ~ Boy, I'm sure you do feel that way right now! Faith and trust....just like Stevie said!

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  6. Steviewren ~ yes, that is so true....I just need a constant reminder of that! It wouldn't be faith if we could see the future! And what self-absorbed, self-sufficient people we would be if we didn't have to trust! Thanks!

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  7. I really like this photograph.

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  8. Betsy, Thank you for sharing this. As your sister in Christ I sense the heaviness of your burden and I will be praying for you.

    My local friend who has 2 daughters with autism has told me that the summers are the hardest time of year for her with school being out and the change in daily routine. I know it must be that way for your family too.

    I will be lifting you up in prayer. As I contemplate your situation I think of this:

    "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the
    earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." Is. 40:28-29

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  9. Strider had a similar picture a few posts back. I love it! A picture is worth a thousand words! I sent it to Elspeth. She is feeling like that right now. It's often a tad frightening when we have to chose a path.

    You do have so many wonderful encouraging blog buddies out there who care and are praying for you!

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  10. MG ~ Thanks so much! That is a great verse and a great reminder!

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  11. Dear Betsy, my heart goes out to you. What a dilemma, coupled with the uncertainty of the next school year...

    I hope you find a way to manage---in such a way that makes you happy.

    It is so disappointing when nearby relatives do not help out. I have heard this same story so many times from people I know...with children. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...everyone is so busy rushing around living their lives....and you know, its so discouraging.

    It sounds like there is a definite lack of resources in your area. What about the local library or community schools, or recreation centres, if they have those near you, there may be something there.

    Whatever you do, remember the need for 'outdoor' time, every day. Fresh air and sunshine does wonders for everybody and its importance can not be underestimated. Also it helps to tire out the kids and they sleep better.

    Best of luck to you, Betsy, you are such a devoted mom, but we all get downhearted sometimes, especially if we feel our struggle is a solitary one.

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  12. So sorry for all the dilemma you are facing now,Betsy! I do hope and pray that it will all work out for you. Are you part of a support group for parents with autistic children? That was such a life saver for my brother and sister-in-law as they were able to dicuss treatments and get help from others who shared their experiences.
    Is there anyhting I can do to help?
    Hugs, Pat

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  13. Lavinia ~ thanks for the encouragement and great ideas! You are right about being outdoors! It is something that doesn't come naturally to my boys. They are addicted to the computer and dvd player! ...true couch potatoes but with the autistic obsession driving it. Seems like we get in the pool and jump on the trampoline during the summer and they look healthier and loose a little of that winter weight they like to pack on! Sunshine lifts everyones spirits, doesn't it?...it's a gorgeous day here and I already feel a little better!

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  14. Pat ~ when did you get back? I was just over at your blog last evening and thought you had decided to just stay in Ireland!

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  15. Betsy,
    Oh dear! Bless your heart. It seems when it rains, it pours. I'm sure your fork in your road is not as enticing as the one in the picture. On the reverse side, sometimes life's roads at a fork look both appealing; and yet we find the one we've chosen is not as appealing as we had thought and you wonder if the other had been chosen it would have been better. But as you have ended your post, The Lord is in control. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
    Hand in there!
    Love,
    Unks, The Bach

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  16. Betsy...I'm reading a book The Shack...a little "iffy" read for some..it is fiction....but the characters mentioned, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are very real. These are the main characters, along with Mack who is dealing with the loss of a child...if nothing else you come away from this read with the feeling that God knows you better than you can ever imagine. The last few chapters just bring it all home...Mack was told to choose some of his children to go to hell...some would not make it to heaven...Mack begged God to let him go instead that he could not make that decision...he would die for all of them...He was told...now you sound like Jesus....Well..the reason I want you to hear this...to reassure you that you are not alone in these hard decisions with the boys...These doors have closed at the school, so perhaps others may open...the Holy Spirit is right in the middle of it all...just keep on doing what your doing...looking and searching...keep moving...I heard once you can't steer a ship that isn't moving....Keep moving and God with do the steering...and in the end you can look back and just see how He worked....God Bless...Dee Dee

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  17. Sweet Betsy, I'm giving you a big cyber hug right. Our sweet nephew Tyler was so attached to one ofs his teachers and when she left it was so hard for him. We know how hard change of routine can be when a child is autistic. Then he had another teacher who became so attached to him that she was somehow able to transfer to the next grade with him. She actually told my sister that it was because of Tyler that she wanted to do this and stay with him because of his progress. Tyler is very verbal but thrives on repetition and ritual.

    My prayer for you and your dear boys is that they will be sent someone perfect for them like Tyler's teacher and that they will adapt well to the changes.

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  18. Pat ~ yes, we have tried a local support group. I tend to be the type of person that hears of another's struggles and takes on that burden as my own. Not really good when you are overwhelmed with your own things. I found that going created more emotional stress on me than not going. Sounds strange, I know, since the group is supposed to bond you with others who have similar struggles, but it just didn't for us.

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  19. Dee ~ what wise thoughts you have!
    I'll remember that point about the ship needing to keep moving for the rudder to work! And new will open...that is a good point to remember!

    Rebecca ~ Thank you for your super kind words. I know you can relate somewhat with your nephew. Our boys loved their teacher...and she was just new this year. It seems to take about a year for a teacher to get to really know a non-verbal autistic child. So the frustration is that we start from scratch...again. I will just have to hope and pray that the new teacher is even better than the last!

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  20. Bachelor ~ you're the best...thanks for those nice words!

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  21. David sent me ... and its a pleasure to meet you.

    :-Daryl

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  22. BIG hug. BIG BIG BIG BIG hug.

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  23. Betsy-

    It sounds like we are dealing with some similar issues. I am having some really tough days dealing with my son. Thank you for sharing this. (((HUGS)))

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