Button, Button..

I am composing this post on my phone while sitting at the kitchen table playing the part of "Homework Nazi" with my eight year old. She is working on finishing up her homework packet....the last homework packet of, oh about 8, that are sitting in on her desk. 8 weeks of her not doing her homework or handing the packets in. This is why she got a 2 out of possible 4 on "Handing homework in in a timely manner" on her last 2nd grade report card. I wonder what her teacher must think. These last couple of months I've had a lot going on and my parenting has been, I'm sorry to say, on the absentee side. As we sit here at the table there has been whining and tears....no not from me.... from Jillian. She is trying to push my buttons and I am doing my darndest to keep my cool. So far she has lost a trip to the store because of her lolly-gagginess (What? I reserve the right to make up words as I sit here with a grumpy 8 year old). She has wailed about the unfairness of it all and I have handled things admirably if I do say so myself. My buttons are out of order tonight. Hopefully they'll stay that way. Because honestly? Those buttons aren't of much use to anyone around here.

Oh my son

"I'm a 16 year old who has autism. Who has the mind of an 18 year old, the mentality of a 15 year old and the heart of a 4 year old. A soft, tender heart."

This is what my oldest son said to me today. I never want to forget it. I think I've become hardened over the last little while.

Today when my son came to me, after I got overly angry over some small issue and wanted to talk to me about it, I felt a softening.

He is a amazing young man.

I make no apologies for saying that because he is.

He truly is one of the most special and amazing people that I have ever had the pleasure to meet....and I've been blessed to be his mother. He touches the lives of those around him in ways that I can't even begin to comprehend.

He's made and continues to make me a better mother.

At the end of our short conversation he asked if we could have a prayer together and he wanted me to give it. I asked him if there was anything specific that he would like me to pray for. He asked me if I would pray that I would be "slow to anger".

It was very humbling. And something very much needed.

I don't know what I did to deserve him but I'm sure glad he's mine.

I love that kid.