Thanks Brother!!!

I just had to make a quick post. Cameron hasn't really wanted to go any place for days. He even turned down the opportunity to go buy fireworks with my dad earlier today. This is a tradition that he has always looked forward to. Since I've seem him withdraw from social situations before I knew not to push him. I figured church tomorrow and dinner with the grandparents was enough for the weekend.

Out of the blue my brother Carl called and wanted Cameron to go see Transformers in 3D. I wasn't sure if he would go but he loves my brother and has a special closeness with him. After just a moment of hesitation he said yes an immediately got in the shower and ready to go.

Cameron waiting for Transformers to start.

I don't know if Carl knew that he was doing this household a huge favor. First, he gave Cameron a spark and got him excited about something outside the house. Second, I've had about an hour break so far and it was a wonderful feeling to know that Cameron was safe and I could relax. Third, I heard it was about a 3 hour movies so Kevin and I will have a couple hours alone time (that is very, no extremely rare).

Let me just say that I am thankful for every moment I have with both of my children. But just like all families, every parent needs a break. If you know someone that has a child with any type of special need, do them a favor and offer to entertain their child for even just an hour. You have no idea what just an hour can do do rejuvenate a person.

Planning or O.C.D.?

Yep, I'm a planner. No shame in it...right?!

I love the idea of having my days planned and knowing basically what to expect. When I look at my calendar I have every one's schedule in one place and thanks to Google Calendar I print it out and place it on the fridge for everyone to see. It allows me to keep track of Kevin's work schedule, Breanna's visitation, Cameron's Home School, Doctor's Appointments, family activities, daily menu, etc. (I guess you get the idea). It seems I can never plan enough. I was once told that my insistence on my perfection in knowing what is going on is just a clinical term called O.C.D. So...maybe it is. I think that if you are going to be O.C.D. then organization is the way to go. I happen to like going to bed every night knowing what tomorrow has in store. Of course practically speaking our life is really unknown. Cameron's situation is always changing and of course causing things to change on our calendar regularly. Planning helps us to keep him on track and allows us to help him remain comfortable with all upcoming events and changes before they happen. If you have a child with ADHD or lives with elements of paranoia this is an essential part of their life. So I may plan most of our day but it certainly isn't written in stone. Maybe they should classify me as Flexible O.C.D. Hmmm, I wonder if that is to contradictory.

Blessed

I was reminded yesterday at the doctor’s office how blessed I am. Of course I know this but it is a good thing to be reminded. Cameron and Breanna went for their school physicals yesterday and needless to say it was an adventure.

Both as always were concerned about whether or not they were getting shots. I wasn’t sure if Bre’ was but I knew it was a definite for Cameron. So I prepared them both and carefully prepared Cameron. He was very anxious and had paranoia, constantly talking about it until time to go and all the way there. He had worked out a plan that he would go first so he could get it over with. Well we all know that when you are at the doctor that it could take what seems to be a lifetime, especially when you have a child that is obsessed with the appointment already.

The first hour was filled with non-stop talk and pacing. Breanna didn’t seem to be effected due to iCarly playing (she loves TV). As we proceeded through the hour I thought to myself that I might want to remind Cameron that his doctor would be examining all parts of him. Well this immediately sent him into a high manic state and for the next hour I listened to non-stop laughter. As a mom, your child’s laugh is the most precious thing in the world to hear. Manic laughter is very different and as time goes on can seem a bit scary. Cameron tried to make light of his paper gown, the decorations on the wall, the fact the nurse said he would be getting a couple of shots and then decided four would be the number, all the while managing this with uncontrollable laughter. By this time I had a headache and from previous experience the best I could do was keep him from getting loud and disturbing others. Breanna however seemed extremely entertained by the situation. Cameron is her funny big brother, she has no idea.

Finally the doctor comes in and examines Cameron (we sent Bre’ across the hall). As we are reviewing his medical history and filling her in on the up to date happenings, she turns and looks at Cameron just shaking her head. She proceeds to ask Cameron if he knows how lucky he is (of course he knows, we tell him all the time). In her words she says to Cameron, “You are a miracle and lucky to be alive today. You should count your self blessed that you can have a relatively normal life. You can enjoy things and have fun doing them. You have arms and legs that move. You might have to deal with some messed up emotions and a few learning disabilities but we will help you with that as best we can. You have a brain that just acts a bit different that everyone else but you are a real miracle. Always remember you are blessed.” As I watched her sincerity and the facial expressions on Cameron’s face, tears came to my eyes. I don’t know if he needed to hear this but I sure did. God puts you in places to benefit you sometimes and after two hours of me trying to maintain my sanity he knew I needed to hear these words. I speak of my blessings everyday but everyone gets weak from time to time. After that Cameron calmed down and while we were waiting on the nurse to bring in his shots he said to me, “I’m driving you crazy right mom?” I told him “maybe a little but its okay.” He hugged me and returned to his seat for the dreaded shot session. No incident arose for it; he just took deep breaths and worked his way through it. Breanna came in and had her physical and of course talked non-stop with the doctor telling her everything she could fit in from Christmas up through our planned weekend mini-vacation. Yep, a politician or lawyer here.

I may have to sit up night after night with Cameron due to his issues but at least I have a lot to think about. But most of all I’m very blessed to have him and Breanna in my life. I’m thankful for every day, the good and the bad because I know I have a wonderful loving family and God that has me on his mind.