life is full of...

:a person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker...

The definition of a bully.

I mean...what is perceived weakness? Is it to willingly succumb to another's bullshit just to squash the "situation"?
Is it actually a strength disguised as such so that the actual bully feels as if they've somehow won this whole trial?
In addition, what is perceived strength or power?
I am truly struggling with these concepts.

I can't answer any of this.

I can however say that my life is filled with this, so is Kannon's.
He deserves better. He deserves the benefit of the doubt always.
He is not the weaker human in any situation.
Why you ask...

He chose a life of challenges and indifference.
He chose the path less taken.

His courage and strength in his daily life is one that I couldn't find in any fairy tale, yet that is all he chooses to believe in.
His innate being is that of a true warrior.

One disguised in a shell of a boy that loves books, yet cannot read. That loves fairy tales, yet will never find his princess, and one that continues to pull the wool over his eyes yet he manages to see through every time.

In times like this I have to look to his heart for strength and guidance.
Mine is old, tired, and very confused.
I need his straight arrow of faith towards life.

Life is full of thieves. Full of questions and fears.
Full of bullshit.

I am grateful I have Kannon to guide me through it all.
Today Autism is a gift.
Today I will be grateful for all the past hurdles I have overcome, so that I may have the beautiful boy I do today.
Grateful for his strength and heart.

Today I am full.
Tomorrow may I be empty of it all.

peace.

notes to myself

If ever I get lost beyond my own perception for whatever reason I want these notes to remind me how I feel about my journey so far...

* Most of the time as a mother we don't have choices. You made the choice to be a mother, so anything after the fact is now your job. Have fun with it and always learn from your kids.

* Patience. Structure. Love. These 3 things are what I NEED to raise my child with Autism. Repeat it over and over if necessary.

* Find your balance every day. Simplify things so that you can do so. Make mental or physical notes of moments that make your heart smile...then remember these moments to help ground you when you are feeling lost.

* Don't forget your passions. Remember you are still your own being. Don't live entirely through or for your child. Live for yourself and your loves too...keep that balance within you, I promise it will make you happier.

* Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Seriously things get messy and awkward so you better just settle in and embrace it.

* See past the physical. Look inside and hear what the heart is saying...I've had to learn to talk to Kannon's heart because he doesn't have the words most of the time. Know that his mind is full of chaos and that he's just trying to figure it out. Know his heart and how full it is. Talk to his heart.

* Don't be afraid to show your vulnerable to your kids. You are not perfect and you don't want your kids to think perfection is a goal...weakness can be a blessing, a learning tool, show this to you kids. Say I'm sorry...Say thank you...it's o.k to treat your kids as equals in the arena of respect. They deserve it just as much as you do.

* Laugh at yourself. Seriously you've got years of mess ups coming your way...laugh it off and move on.

* Remember your arenas in life: Mother. Disciplinarian. Friend. Advocate. Audience. Student.
Take on all these arenas as if my life depends on it...because ironically it does.

* Be kind. Be compassionate. Be open to new experiences and opinions. You are not always right so don't be stubborn enough to chase people away...listen and learn always.

* Be gracious. Gratitude is the best gift you can give your soul. It is the result of a life lesson. Good or bad be grateful for it....and take gratitude day by day, it is not meant to be rushed.

* If you love or appreciate someone, tell them. You truly never know time lines or circumstances. It just might make all the difference in both of your worlds.

* If you ever have the opportunity to say goodbye to someone, do it. Give your heart that gift. Even if you see them tomorrow, give yourself moments of opportunity.


 That's all for now...

peace.

Happy Birthday Kalena

A mothers wish...

I wish that when I physically leave this earth my children will love each other as much as I loved them while I was here.

I know this blog is based on my son who has Autism. All the adventures we have had...all that is still to come. I share in hopes of those who read my stories will try to open their minds and hearts to those who are different than they are. I hope people realize the beauty that lies beneath the surface and try to experience love for others through the eyes of a mother who has had to redefine her definition of motherhood, love, and human understanding.

Today I write for my daughter. The "other" child.
The one who has always had to stand in the wings while her brother constantly took center stage.
Not because he was better...simply because he had to.

She always waited. She always knew inherently that her brothers needs came before hers.
Beautifully without complaint. She just accepted her place in our family and always had a smile on her face...and in her soul.
This is love.

This is Kannon's sister.

Not today though. Today, this is Kalena.

Yes, she has a name. A beautiful one.

If I had to use cliches, which are amazingly effective, I would use these for Kalena:

- The wind beneath my wings...
- The foundation to my castle...
- The silent partner...
- My sunshine...my only sunshine...you make me happy when skies are grey...

She is simply the cloud that holds our family skies together. Without her existence this family would not work. It would not be balanced, interesting, or a counter point to which I refer to every single day.

Today is her Birthday.
What a gift to be celebrated.

So in her honor I had to share her glory, if only for her to read when she is older.
So she knows how precious she has been to me over the years. So she knows that without her being by my side during these tough years I would not have had the strength to claw my way out of the holes Autism buried me in at times. She really has been my best friend in everything I have been through.
I am blessed to call her my daughter.

I was given the best of both worlds.
One with chaos, confusion, unknown territories and fear...to help my soul grow.
The other with solid ground, blue skies, clear air and hope...to remind me of the simplicity life can hold.
They have brought balance to my existence and to one another.

But the best gift of all...

I know that when I leave this earth they will have each other.

Their love will carry them through, no matter what the time will be.

Love gets love.
Love gives love.

At the end of the day we must honor the balance of those in our lives. We must accept that we have no control of others lives and we must find the beauty in our own lives.

It's not all rainbows and lollipops...
But as I have been taught through my children, we can make our own castles, question every situation, and make good choices.
Friends are a choice, but family is given to you for a reason.
Life lessons are powerful, painful, humbling, and even laughable. However, they are lessons to be learned from, to grow from.
Ironically, my children have taught me more than anyone in my life. They have showed me an innocence and clarity that was beyond my capability. I am eternally grateful.

Happy Birthday Kalena.

You are truly a gift worth celebrating.

peace.