Well enough about me...

What do you think about me? Just kidding, but seriously I want to talk about my amazing son.

Will has really been doing a fantastic job. He has his struggles, but overall he is doing great with all the extra demands being put on him. He spends most of his time at school up in his mainstream classroom. He is writing poetry, which his teachers like so much they have him get up in front of the classroom and read it to the class. (And he does! How freaking awesome is that!!!). He is still having a hard time with the other students. Sometimes he is bullied, other times they are just being impolite. The teachers are working with him to know the difference and how to deal with both instances.

At home he is becoming very independent. His staff is working with him on making his bed (including changing his sheets), folding and putting away clothes, cleaning bedroom, vacuuming etc. he's doing such a great job, but he struggles with the demands.

With all of this, he has added to his stressors. Although I hope it becomes a positive outlet for him: he has joined the drama club. I almost fainted when he told me he wanted to join. I got the permission slip and filled it out. He turned it in the next day. Today was his first day. Unfortunately I was not home to hear all about it and was unable to call him to hear all about it. I was told by his dad that he did well and enjoyed himself. I can't wait to hear all about it in the morning. I'm so proud of my son for taking the initiative and try new things. Who knows, he may follow in his mother and uncles footsteps and love the stage.

Let the journey begin.....

What a weekend

My weekend started with me packing the car so when Will got off the bus we were able to jump in the car and take off. We stopped at my parents house because Will wanted to visit with granny and papa. Then off we went to camp. As you may remember from previous posts: camp is my special place. It is my peace, my safe place where I can go to recoup, hide, refill my soul, find peace and joy.

I was home.

We unpacked and then headed out to dinner. I promised Will we would go to Dairy Queen for dinner. After we came back and settled for the night. We read A Giraffe And A Half by Shel Silverstein. Will always giggles throughout the story and keeps score over how many times I mess up while reading.

Saturday was spent at Pumpkinland. Here we wandered, petted/looked at the animals, went through all the free attractions, paid for a few extra - the bouncy pad, the mining experience, and the haunted day ride. We had food and drinks. When we were done, we went back to camp, walked the labyrinth which is supposed to be for meditation and inner reflection. However, it's hard to be in a contemplative mood when your son is urging you to race to the middle with him. We went around to different camps to talk to owners about their pets. He has decided he is running the PPVC (Pet Palace Veterinary Clinic) at camp. He feels its good practice for when he becomes a vet. That night we again read the same book and there were giggles, and quick to point out my mistakes.

We spent a little time this morning, playing, and walking around the circle. Then I drove him to a meeting place and handed my baby over to his father and girlfriend. They are taking Will to Storyland in NH. I'm not sure how I feel about Will staying in the same hotel room overnight with dad and girlfriend sharing a bed next to him, but I have no control over the situation so: so be it. Hope he has a great time.

I drove back to the camp, and I didn't know what to do with myself. I ended up taking a walk up to Sunset Hill. It's a beautiful little walk and we have a memorial garden at the top with two very beautiful souls who are buried there. (That's where I plan to end up myself.). Visited with some amazing friends, had a lot of great food at the turkey fry potluck. Then I helped with the clean up by washing all the dishes. I have to say: if I never see another piece of flatware it will be too soon..... I washed enough for 120 people at least.... (Not all was used) when I was done I said goodbye to everyone until next spring, closed up the camp and packed up my car for the drive home. Now, I could have stayed another night, and part of me wanted to, but I have to make some important calls in the morning then go and see a wonderful man who I like a lot.

I've had such a wonderful weekend, one that I desperately needed. I'm grateful I was able to enjoy it, and a little sad that camp is closed for the year. As I sit here on my couch and catch up on tv shows I have recorded I feel strangely melancholy. I don't know why....... I wish I was able to just bask in this time alone instead of stress about my financial "stuff", or feel so alone. I usually can enjoy being by myself. I certainly can entertain myself. So I don't fully understand why I feel like I do. I do know that I am grateful for this.....even this feeling of being unsettled.

Finally home

So, as you can guess, Will came home today. The smile on his face when we left SH was so wonderful to see. We went to lunch at Friendly's where he made great choices on food.

We then picked up his meds and went to school. His friends came right over and gave him hugs when they saw him. I picked him up 2 hours later to hear how awesome his time there had been.

He was doing great. He made a great choice to play with Legos so he could use earned time later playing webkinz with his granny on the computer. His dad came over to take him out for a while and stated they were going back to SH because dad wanted to get his iPod which was left there. Will really didn't want to go, he became upset but was able to stay safe. I jumped in and helped Will use his helping board and make safe choices. He left with dad (not happy in the least) but he went calmly and hopefully was able to turn it around quickly. I am so proud of him. I love the plan that SH has set up for him. I think we will have a lot of success if the school and dad can follow through and implement the plan throughout the day, EVERY day. I hope they can, but if I'm really honest, I'm really afraid that dad can't/won't do it. He only implemented a few elements of it in front of me, and not even the most important parts.

Well, it's out of my hands. I can't control others, only myself. I will pray and do everything I need to do to make Wills transition home a great one, where he feels safe and happy. Please God, hold him in your handstand take care of him.

These pictures show how one bag of clothes/items goes into the hospital and comes out with 4 more bags. Then a picture of Will showing me how Ted he was to leave SH. Then a picture of him tying his shoe in front of Friendly's. Then drawing on his placemat inside Friendly's. What an amazing little (or not so little) child of mine. I love him so.

Another visit

My mother and I visited Will this morning, we stayed for almost 45 minutes. He showed us his new room. (was moved this morning) read us a book, and gave us a tour of the ward. Then we were ignored as he happily played with his new roommate and friend. After watching for a little, we said our goodbyes and left.

My mother was so relieved that he was happy to be there. She was imagining him miserable and begging to come home. Now her worry is if he'll want to come home at all.

We stopped and got some lunch then went back to her house to eat. I visited for a short while then headed home.

Well, we will see what this night brings. Hoping since I have to work in am that I can get to sleep earlier and actually get sleep that is restful tonight. Only time will tell.