Shhhhh...

It's mid-week and it's still quiet. Yesterday our eldest grandson spent the afternoon and evening with us. He has autism and it's such a hoot to experience his world. We took him with us for the southern CA graduation and his world, that trip, included not wanting to put on clothes (For those new to my blog, eldest grandson is 23). After his evening shower, he simply wanted to towel off and go to bed! So Grampa got some clothes on him. And as soon as Grampa left the room, the clothes came off. Then youngest grandson tried. Clothes on, clothes off. At that point, we all said "Oh well" and went to bed.

The next morning, our eldest grandson is sitting in our son's office (oh how I wish I could post a photo of this), no clothes on, both feet up on the desk, watching YouTube Sesame Street on the computer. How can you not laugh? Of course, as soon as he's aware that we think it's funny, actually hilarious, he'll repeat, repeat, repeat. That's what a person with autism does!

After our visit south, we returned him to his apartment and hopefully the no-clothes issue hasn't been an issue. At least we haven't been informed, if so. So last night was just a good dinner, a stop at the dog park before driving back to the apartment. Again--I know. Dogs and barking are a trigger for his anger. BUT he loves the experience of the big dogs, playing with them and giving them lots of hugs. That's one of many reasons why autism remains a mystery, a puzzle, as you can see.

He remains a great joy to me. When he's happy, he's funny, sweet, joyful and wonderful to be with. I call him my huggy bear, he's a big guy and shares great hugs. Do you have someone in your life to create mystery? I continue to live, laugh and learn...Jan

Quiet....

Yes, thank you God, things are quiet. No one in the hospital, hunky hubby had a day of flying yesterday so he has smiles, and my stomach is beginning to accept food again. Speaking of food, don't we all wonder why some eat when life throws punches and others (like me) start gagging at the thought of having to swallow something not liquid? Anyway, that's another part of my story.

Some time ago, when we were trying to figure out our not-so-golden years, my doctor asked if I was doing okay. Oh what a question. So of course...I said no. I don't have the tendency toward depression, which I think I thoroughly am entitled to. But I do fixate, compulsively and anxiously. So my doctor wondered if I would like to try a medication for anxiety. Wow, I didn't even know they had those. I took that pill the same day. And it worked so miraculously I was totally shocked.

The second time I was totally shocked is when my insurance company said they would not pay for it. *!!**#**?? So I switched to a generic of Paxil. It worked but not as well. I've now been taking it for over 2 years and decided it was time to stop. Life had settled into a more tranquil mode. (Ha, and they say God has no sense of humor!) So in addition to the younger son's hospitalization, I'm now withdrawing from Paxil. To be honest, had I known it was so difficult to stop, I probably would have gotten out the checkbook and paid for the other pill, which was not generic and was more expensive but worked better. My doctor forgot that part of info...

It hasn't been terrible but it hasn't been good. This week I cut my dosage in half. A little flu-like symptoms have appeared. Queasiness, light headedness, a funny kind of headache. I keep thinking each day will be better, but not so. I guess the double whammy has certainly not worked in my favor.

Anyone else dealing with stuff? Meds, kids, life? Yes, I know I'm whining. So I'll close in saying I live and love and thank God for His serenity and sense of humor! Jan

Peaks and Valleys

I should have written last week during the peaks. Instead, I enjoyed myself and did a lot of smiling and laughing instead of writing. Our two youngest grandsons (now 17 & 19) took their first road trip without mom or pop. And they chose to drive to see gram and gramp! We had such fun. We are sooo good at spoiling them and have had a lot of years to perfect the practice. I spend most of my time either at the market or cooking now; they arrive with lists of their favorite gramma foods. Our eldest grandson, who lives in his "apartment" came to join us each evening for dinner and company. One evening we five sat in our dining room, polishing off steaks, buffalo burgers, cheesy potatoes and salad. I looked around the table and had a sense of the years flying by. We talked, we told stories, we laughed and after two hours we finally left our chairs and waddled to the family room. It was a very, very good week.

This week has been the valley. Younger son was taken to the hospital Monday night after over a year of relatively good health. He's now home and doing okay, but our sense of balance has certainly taken a hit. Add into that a good friend spending two weeks in the hospital, a cousin out of state and two friends dealing with cancer and chemo, and the valley gets deeper. I am resilient but it's sure hard.

I do recognize the good as well as the bad and I'm not minimizing the blessings. I'm just sad and tired. Any thoughts from my blogger friends? They would be appreciated...Jan

Milestones

I know it has been a long time since I've posted. Life has been very, very busy. But happy too. We had a wonderful, relaxing time with Hunky Hubby's sister & husband in Newport Beach. Wow, I saw a little bit of "Orange County Housewives" there--talk about bling. Not mine, understand, but it's kinda hard not to notice on others...

Our stop with younger son & grandsons was great. The donuts? Not so great. We need a a better recipe for sure! We tried using half of a packaged cake mix batter...don't recomment that. But failures are fun and really are better stories!

We were home for a few days and then drove to younger son's home again for Grandson #2's high school graduation. What a fun and happy event. Cap, gown, party, cake, presents--he was duly congratulated and saluted! We also attended his mother's graduation from Junior College. She has been working full time, raising their two sons, and been a part time student for many years. Now she has her AA degree and will transfer to a four-year university this fall. Milestones of life, for them and for us.

THEN we were home for 5 days and the high school graduate and his brother took their first road trip ALONE (no parents!) to our house. That was an achievement they had been waiting for so many years! They are here now, off golfing, while Hubby and I get a little rest time. The days are over-scheduled with every activity they can think of--movies, bowling, golf and more golf, Frisbee Golf...yes,they really like golf! We also will redo the donuts, and throw in some chocolate chip cookies, lasagne, BBQ...like I said, over-scheduled! But we are all smiling and happy for this day, which the Lord has made. Jan