Why I Blog

Just feeling the need today to re-iterate why I blog...

My blog is a place were I explore my feelings and experiences that occur within the web of my motherhood. It is a safe place where I execute my right to freedom of speech. The beautiful thing about the art of journaling is that by purging words onto a piece of paper (or monitor screen) you release them. In doing so, clarity of a situation, experience or emotion may come forth. In making this journaling experience public, I hope that other parents (especially mothers) can gain wisdom, strength, and a sense of community from my entries.

Restless Good Night Routine

Our nighttime routine is anything but routine... it has no rhyme, no rhythm! It is undeniably the most difficult part of the day in the life of autism. When Mom and Dad are both exhausted from the day's events.... one child ready to crash n burn while the other is just getting her second wind.... or so that is how it seems.

Last night I had a revelation about this challenging situation; and ironically it was the very fact that this night was no different than any other that gave me the insight...

Everyone was in bed by 9:00pm. Well, everyone but Sahara... who was running downstairs to find her tiny wooden bed for her tiny plastic Bambi deer figurine. She turned every toy chest over until our apartment looked like a ‘Toys R Us’ explosion took place.

The thing that tugs my heart strings the most about this is that she doesn’t have the words to say, "Hey, did anyone see the little wooden toy bed?" Nope instead, she was running around yelling, "Where'd it go?" coupled with a bunch a mindful jargon that certainly... just maybe… most likely meant, "Hey, did anyone see the little wooden toy bed?"

So we spent an hour looking for a toy that she is obsessed with, but we didn’t know which toy we are looking for... a needle in the hay stack. Thank GOD for Emily, who is usually the one to break the code. She figured it out and Bambi finally got a proper tucking in!! Everyone was back in bed.

10:00 pm

"I hungry. I hungry. I eat chocolate pudding.... I huuunnnngry."

Chocolate Soy Pudding is one of the only things she will eat and I am certain she really was hungry... it had been hours since she had consumed anything other than string and paper; pica sucks and has been rearing its ugly head more frequently again!! This brings us to the next development of the story... After she ate the pudding... she said, "Potty!"

I tell her to go... after 5 minutes I say, "Sahara wipe and come back to bed."

"I POTTY!!"

"Are you pooping?"

"Yes, I poop." This was followed by several minutes of loud grunting. I get up and go to the bathroom to see her pushing with all her might!! Constipation!! I am certain it was triggered by the cardboard she ate the night before. There she sat in tears for a half an hour with just 2 tiny pellets to show for it. My heart aches! I can see the frustration in her eyes as she says, "Potty broken."

11:45 pm

After she settled back into bed, she decided she wanted to sleep on the futon at the end of our bed. We get her settled in, lay back down... and she starts to chatter non-stop. We can understand words intermittently, "mermaid... poop... party... frog...."

12:30 am

She was now hopping like a frog across the futon... and flopping like a mermaid, all while the chattering and giggles continue. Her dad tried to reason with her... but rationally we know there is no reasoning... she is stimming and we have to wait it out. I lay down beside her... I watch and hold the space... I can see that it is not a conscious game she was playing. But rather an obsessive flow of thoughts, actions and words.... pouring out of her.

1:45 am

Then just like every night... she suddenly stops. Silence!! She scoots closer to me... I can feel the sleepy warmth of her body as she cradled into my arms and gently played with my ear lobe and cheek.

2:45 am

The house was asleep.... as my own thoughts kept fading in and out of sleep.

4:00 am

She woke up again to use the bathroom.... sensory issues do not sleep!! It takes her another hour get over the moisture on her skin from the urination.

5:00 am

She was sound asleep. I was beyond the exhausted phase... you know, the one where you can't sleep. I lay there watching her peacefully sleep.... maybe one of the few moments of normalcy in her chaotic world... I heard her sister's heavy breathing… and my husband is in a deep soundless sleep. I was alone with my thoughts in the quiet of the night. I lay there thinking about this... and I conclude that this bedtime routine serves a grand purpose.

I believe that she is emoting the stress of her day; processing the events, words, interactions, demands, fantasies, constipation, pica, raw frustration of living in a world where few understand her thoughts and words... in the only way she knows how... in the quiet of the night… where she is safe and nothing will interrupt this process… she flaps, stims and processes her day. And once this unconscious need subsides she falls into a gentle sleep.

Everyday Reiki Class for Special Needs Parents & Advocates

I thought I would post an upcoming event I am facilitating. My 'soul' purpose for this class is to empower other parents and advocate with a simple, yet profound tool we have been using daily with our children for the past few years. If you are in central Ohio I hope you can join us.

THIS PRACTICAL CLASS WILL EMPOWER PARENTS & ADVOCATES OF SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN TO USE HANDS-ON REIKI FOR EVERYDAY CHALLENGES.

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that can be performed in a variety of ways promoting ease and relaxation for the participants.

Be prepared to learn what Reiki (energy) is, how to use it and how its application can assist in the daily challenges of the special needs family & classroom.

Other material covered will include how autism and other disorders are related to the CHAKRA SYSTEM and how MEDITATION & the POWER OF INTENTION can dramatically effect our children.

Dress in comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel to lay on during the hands-on exercises. Refreshments will be available.

WHY I OFFER THIS CLASS:

They say pictures speak a thousand words.... The left pic is my daughter when she was in an autistic state of catatonia (Note the distance in her eyes). The right pic is 4 months later after consistent Reiki/Energy Work.

http://www.facebook.com/ph

oto.php?fbid=1015029004727

0440&set=a.101502900470454

40.540810.329192760439

DISCLAIMER:

Reiki doesn't cure Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, ADHD, ODD, PDD-NOS or any other emotional/physical conditions, however by alleviating some of the major energetic stressors in these very sensitive children, overall calming effects can take place without interfering with conventional treatments. In fact, we have found some of the more traditional therapies to be more effective in conjunction with Reiki.

COST:

Cash or a secure payment via paypal... please reference the email: LadySusan@sbcglobal.net

$100

IF you have a medical card or receive county funding, let me know... although I do not accept those funding sources (yet) I will offer you a discounted rate.

ABOUT ME:

Susan E. Richardson, BS ~ Art Therapy, MRC ~ Counseling, Reiki Master

I have a unique background in counseling, holistic wellness and a variety of energy healing modalities. I have been compassionately leading experiential groups and classes for 13 years. I use Reiki daily with my family and have seen miraculous changes in my daughter on that is on the autistic spectrum with consistent Reiki. My goal is to share this information with others so that they may experience similar results.

What Does Blogging Have to Do With It? Grimm's Fairy Tales and Blessings!

Many of you were concerned with my weekend frustrations... be assured that my blogs serve multi-purposes.

Firstly, they are therapeutic - my motto has always been better out than in! When we store our stress, emotions and thoughts we do physically damage to our bodies. Once I am able to get the words/story out, I am able to make peace with it and move forward. (...and hey, this is much cheaper than therapy!!)

This creative outlet has allowed me to embrace autism and life fully while achieving my second goal... I strive to educate the masses about making conscious decisions in the world of motherhood and that included the good, bad and the ugly sides of autism and conscious/natural mothering.

I think that it is important for everyone to realize that when we are mindfully parenting our children, we still go through an array of raw emotions... this isn't a disney film of princes and dancing fairies with happily ever afters... we are still having a very real human experience that, sometimes, looks and feels like Grimm's Fairy tales.

But it is in those stories that lie deep life lessons and ways to resolution.

I have always said I have been blessed with autism and am grateful that my children have me for a mother!! I stand by that stance, although please understand to be in that head space of acceptance, beauty and unconditional love... we must experience the opposite.

Blessings to all of you on the spectrum journey and to those of you who are silent observers. I anticipate today will be a good day in the life of motherhood.

Wi Active Day Challenge: Day 4

It is Day 4 of my Wi Active Challenge...

Today was easier than Day 2 and thankfully not as much running as the first two days. However, the first two and a half minutes were brutal. When I stated to run the front of my legs hurt... muscles I didn't know I had. And if I did, I didn't know that they could hurt from exercising.

I am enjoying the structure of the devise and find the virtual coach to be actually helpful. Although I do roll my eyes from time to time at her. Thankfully she cannot see me or I'd be running more :)

Dare I say that I actually enjoyed the tennis drill and dance routine. More surprisingly I find the side lunges fun too. But, the best satisfaction is that I am taking my own health seriously; and that feels good.

I burned 100 calories in 21 minutes today... this whole calorie thing is giving me a new perspective about how many calories I consume... I am amazed how much work it takes to burn the calories equivalent to a serving of my favorite salad dressing...

Alterna Mom's Wi-Active Challenge: The Why and Day 1-3

BECOME MORE PROACTIVE IN YOUR PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, SPIRITUAL, AND FINANCIAL HEALTH AND THAT OF YOUR CHILDREN!

That is my Alterna-Mom motto! I have to humbly say that if Alterna-Mom's Blog is about promoting health and well-being on all levels of our existence, then she needs to heed her own advise.

I have insisted that my habitual tiredness and dark circles are from sleepless nights of worry about my children and obsessing over the details I orchestrate in my mind's eye on how to move forward on helping my daughter diagnosed with autism to become more functional, safe and communicative while advocating for her rights, needs and education. (Not to mention the advocacy I do for my other child as well... raising kids mindfully takes time, energy and planning.) However, I recently took my own blood sugar levels and the results scared me. I swayed between a consistent 123 and 236 during a week of testing.

My Mom was diagnosed with diabetes at about the same age I am now, 40. She controlled it with diet at first, then the pill and finally insulin shots. This past Spring the diabetes finally claimed her leg after an intense year of surgeries, heart attacks and gangrene. I knew at this precise moment in time that I needed to become more proactive in my own health, but somehow we use life as a convenient excuse to resume our old habits.

I have understood that I was already predisposed to diabetes not only via paternal and maternal history, but through evidence of gestational diabetes with both of my pregnancies. However, I believe that the power of our minds, meditation and prayer can trump genetics. Maybe I am not so lucky or maybe I have caught it early enough... fate is always yet to be determined.

I am not one to run to the doctor, yet I know that there is a time and place like I explained HERE. I also am keenly aware that intention alone cannot alter reality. We must be proactive and make healthy decisions especially if we are going to stay around to see our children grow and spoil our grandchildren. I have always insisted that we must take care of ourselves before we take care of our children and loved ones. In order to be more present for them we must tend to our needs.

Perhaps the culmination of the sugar levels, my mom's fate and my recent kidney stone episode has pushed me just enough to heed my own advise. So, I bought primarily fresh fruits and vegetables at my bi-weekly shopping trip Friday night, then came home and pulled out the Wi-Active.

I decided to take the 30 day challenge... easy enough right? Somehow committing to a challenge seemed easier than randomly using this devise. So, I set parameters including my weight... ouch!! I weigh what I weighed when I was 9 months pregnant with my oldest child. That alone should have prompted me to do this a long time ago.

HOLY MOLY.... Can running in place for 90 seconds really make me that out of breath... I can't help but wonder if that is still evidence of my smoking days. So, I use this as a teachable moment, "Girls, see what happens when you smoke?"

My eldest replies, "You don't smoke Mom!"

"Well, thanks to you (I quit with my first pregnancy) I don't, but I am certain that that is why I am so winded."

She says, "Really !?!?," I am not sure if her response is from the disbelief that her anti-smoking mother actually smoked once upon a time or if she is amazed at the honesty that I unconditionally offer them.

I have decided to document here my progress. Although this is a public venue, I think that it 1) will keep me honest and encourage me to continue through the first 30 days and 2) maybe it will motivate someone else to become more proactive in their health...

Day 1 It would have been easy to quit; it kicked my butt!! I was panting and resting in between sets. But my daughters were watching and encouraging me to finish... Did I ever tell you that my kids rock!?!

My muscles hurt... I wanted to sit down and throw in the towel... but I pushed through the whole workout. I have to admit, I was proud of myself... it would have been easier to listen to the million reasons why I shouldn't do this... How can I find the time? How can I find the energy? How much will it cost? Who will watch the kids? I need to save my energy for the kids. I need to get this done or that finished...

I burned 121 calories! That made me walk away from the donut later that day... all of that work equated to 1/3 of the donut!! Wow, that really put things into perspective.

Day 2 It was a more intense workout (and longer), but I was amazed at how much easier the track was in just 24 hours... really!! I still huffed and puffed, but I had better focus and was better able to push through the pain. That in and of itself amazed me.

I burned 151 calories yesterday... again, I was reminded of how much effort it takes to burn off those in between empty-caloried snacks.

It is Day 3 and I am grateful it is the day to rest... my legs were wobbly coming downstairs this morning. However, does a mother really have any days to rest? It is interesting on the Wi-Active it asks you to log your other activities with time and intensity. That includes playing with the kids, yard work, house work, walking etc. I presume I am not doing too bad already because I really do do a lot... maybe it is the cardio I am missing though.

There is no challenge today, so we have planned to start prepping the yard-sale stuff.... that is a work out! But I think later we will do some yoga - my muscles feel like they could use some good stretching.

I think this is good for me... on many levels. Plus, Emily has decided to partake in the challenge... so we are doing this together. Sahara was annoyed the first day... she thought we were going to play golf or fishing (her favorite Wi games), but yesterday she did a couple of the exercises with us... too cute... this may be a fun summer activity for the 3 of us.

Cell Phones: Luxury or Need?

We are changing cell phone plans and I had this great idea... close the first and post pone the second as long as I can to see how long we can go.

Yes, my primary motive was saving money... We are still recouping from hubby being out of work for 6 months after being downsized right before the holidays.

But, as I thought about it, I started wondering if the controversial frequencies they emit really affect our health & well-being and do they pollute our air & environment? As you know these are the thoughts that keep me up at night.

Then I started wondering, if the cell phone tower or the "phone company" building that was next to the building I worked when pregnant with Sahara, could have contributed to the infantile autism? Purely based on the energy model... it most certainly is probable.

Of course there is also my consideration that the age of industrialization is doing more global harm then good. And I am talking on a spiritual, physical and emotional level.

Industrialization has introduced more pollutants in our environment than ever before (BP oil spill case in point). It has torn families apart as they moved away from family farming to the city life. We have left our elders who helped us raise and guide our young children... now strangers turned childcare providers are caring for our kids.

I could go on... but you get the point.

Back to the cell-phone issue... My big question was can we do without this modern day luxury that is now viewed as a need?? Is it possible in the 21st century to forfeit something that we have created the construct of necessity for?

After all, this is precisely the experiment I did with cable TV 5 years ago. And, yes, we still are cable free... Instead of television, we now play games, go to parks, read books, and nurture our bodies, minds and relationships naturally.

Well, 4 weeks is a far cry from 5 years... but, we are on week 4 of no cell phones and I don't miss it (other than the Long Distance calling). I miss calling my mom anytime. Especially since I can't just hop in the car and drive to her house... she lives 3 hours away.

Of course my IT hubby is probably going insane. He has had phones attached to the hip for years... I would think not being at the beckon call of others would be refreshing to him. He says he misses not being in touch with me and the girls. That is valid. If there is an emergency we are no longer connected like we were with the phone.

I presume that that is our biggest hurdle. What if Sahara gets lost in a crowd or what if there is an emergency when we are in the community... what do I do?

And now that we are in the height of tween-dom with Emily, we have promised her that when we order our new phones, she is to get her own. Not because we want her to be hip, but for the same reasons I think we need one. Remember the dime our mothers used to give us when we went out with our friends, "If you need anything call me!"

Have you noticed phone booths are a thing of the past?

So, I am on the line... now pun intended. Do we go another 4 weeks of my experiment or do we bite the bullet of the industrialization age and buy the new phones and plans.?

Back in the Saddle at Riverwind Equine

It had been four long months since we had gone to the horse barn… you could feel a calm excitement in the jeep on ride there. As we pulled up Sahara yelled, “There it is!!” Emily clicked off her seatbelt and eagerly reached for her helmet and bag of apples then disappeared.

As we walked down the broken concrete path, we were met by a wet, cold, muddy day. Nevertheless, there was complete life emerging before our eyes. New horses stuck out there heads and nodded at the new people that they had yet to meet. The old ones looked up with a certain relief to see that part of their herd had finally returned.

It did not go unnoticed that many things had been tended to throughout the winter; there was a certain sense of aliveness brewing on the land and within the structures. I immediately feel enamored by the beauty of the barn, the peace it emitted and the mindfulness of all the people that congregated on this land. Each of them have uniquely become a part of our family.

The head of the Arabian herd, Silk, was so pleased to see the children. He seemed to take extra care in his footing and movements today. Emily confidently started with a walk which quickly turned into a trot and moved Silk over the 3 poles with grace. Her cantor and post was shaky a first, but the concentration and determination paid off. As she dismounted Silk, I realized that I hadn't had to walk or look away once. This meant that I either found peace within myself about my child riding this one ton creature or they worked so well together as a team that fear did not beckon me... I suppose it was both.

Silk looked at Sahara with intensity when it was her turn. She mounted him and said, "Yee Haw." They walked a few laps and surprisingly I did not have an urge to nudge my husband to walk beside them. She melted into the saddle and had such poise; her body moved with grace with each step and bump. We all laughed as they rounded the gate and heard her say, "Run, run!!" As the horse came to a stop, she spoke fluently again, "More..... Walk On." Last year at this time, Sahara's expressive and receptive language was limited at a 12 month old's ability. To hear her request that she continue her turn and to give oral commands to this beautiful Arabian Horse was music to my motherly ears.

I whole heartedly feel blessed to have this horse in our lives and treasure the moments like this one that will be forever be embedded in my children’s childhood memories. I am sure that the girls will vividly look back to their horse barn days at Riverwind Equine Boarding like I do fishing on Lake Erie aboard the Sea Breeze with my father at the helm in his faded jeans, white t-shirt and red baseball cap while my mother sat in her chair at the stern with her oversized hat and sunglasses.

Reflections About My Daughter Being Hit By A Car

My youngest daughter was struck by a car over the weekend on the 13^th anniversary of my father’s death!! She was riding her bike on the sidewalk in front of our house when a teen on a cell phone backed out of her driveway without looking. The driver kept backing up after hitting her; pinning Sahara under the bike and car. She didn’t stop until my husband hit the trunk of her car while yelling, “STOP… MOVE FORWARD!" Had she gunned the car or had my husband not been right behind my child it could have been catastrophic.... The girl got out of the car still talking on her cell phone saying, "I'll have to call you back".

Luckily, Sahara walked away with only 2 scratches!!

So this incident has brought several issues to light with me:

The obvious is that cell phones should not be used in vehicles. As much as we would like to think we can multi-task, the dangers are too great! In a split second, this single distraction almost took a life.

After many people said we should have called the cops, pressed charges, filed an insurance claim… I have to address my thoughts about this. Firstly, my thoughts were foremost on my child’s well-being during the incident; no one existed around us in the moment except me and my child. I never even considered those ramifications until hours later after we determined that she was indeed going to be okay. Secondly, the teen did check on Sahara later that evening and I made it a point to let her know she almost killed a child that evening! I also pointed out that it could have been her 15 month old son behind that car! By the expression on her face, I am sure she is having trouble sleeping as much as I and that is a far more natural consequence than anything a court of law could do. Drawing it out into a legal battle would have been a consumption of my energy that I just don’t have to offer right now. However, please understand that had there been different injuries we would have taken different legal actions.

Or would we… in the time I have had to process this incident, I have also come to terms with the fact that my child could have died Saturday night. So, I ask myself what I would have done under those circumstances and I have to say my response surprises even me… I would have a difficult time destroying two families and therefore I would have advocated for her not to be prosecuted for manslaughter. Why? Again, the natural consequences of taking a life would be far more punishment that anyone deserves. And to rip another mother from another child would be just as catastrophic. Furthermore, you have to consider how those actions would affect the surviving sibling.

So, this makes me realize that there was a higher purpose to this incident. My husband and I have discussed this at great length, as Sahara should not have walked away uninjured. This was a cosmic contract; for Sahara, the teen, or someone else we don’t know, but we are sure that a contract was fulfilled. I am certain this incident probably saved future lives. Whether the teen will act more responsibly or because I vow not to use my phone in a car anymore… perhaps another bystander witnessed this and will act more cautiously or because you are reading this mother’s words… I don’t know. But something larger than us occurred that night.

Sahara shouldn’t have walked away with just two scratches!!

After scooping my limp child out of my husband’s arms, I collapsed into the yard with her. Shaking uncontrollably, everyone around me seemed to fade into the background. Her big sister ran into the house and got ice packs and wet wash clothes. I gentle began cleaning her scratches and touching her; within minutes she was up and walking.

A mother’s touch is healing; not some placebo effect, but truly healing. This is why children innately ask for their mother’s to touch their boo-boos and to kiss them. A mother permeates healing energy to her child allowing the boo-boo to genuinely feel better. This is the same phenomena that can explain why others heal ailments and mend bones simply when laying hands.

That evening when we went inside and lay on the couch together, I immediately activated Reiki and began energy work. This was the first Reiki session I had given to someone else since being attuned for the Master level just a couple nights before. She lay completely still for 50 minutes as I channeled energy to her. As soon as I was done, she jumped up and started laughing, talking, and dancing. I am not sure I can put into words what transpired, but I do know that she no longer limped and whined after this session.

I am certain that Sahara was protected that evening by entities that we couldn’t see.

I am aware that my spirituality strengthened that evening.

AND

I am grateful that my child is alive!!

What Spirituality Means to Me

To me spirituality is how you define and express your relationship with the source (commonly known as God).

God is the universal life force that animates and organizes all of creation. This life force resides in each of us, in all things, and all places. This source is pure love and light; and vibrates at the highest resonance. It is how we remember to tune into the source and stay centered in the light that brings us our spirituality.

I believe that we have cosmic contracts that we need to fulfill in this lifetime. I believe that when you are ‘wronged’ it is a cosmic contract unfolding and that it presents an opportunity for growth. I believe that nothing is coincidental. I believe that even though our path is pre-ordained we still posses the power to change the future, past and present. I believe that we are all connected and one. I believe that we all have spirit guides and angels who have been assigned to guide and support us on this journey. I believe that the more humans that start to resonate at a higher level the more the planet and human kind can heal and transform. I believe…

This belief system has evolved over the past decade and a half. However, the more Reiki I perform on myself and others the more I become aware of and experience this energy on a personal level. Performing Reiki and channeling the universal life force is like remember who I am as a part of the source. Since practicing Reiki, I have personally experienced fewer negative emotions. And when I do, I am more quickly able to re-center myself and am more aware of the higher purpose of situations. I find myself thinking more on a global scale rather than just in my corner of the world.

A Hidden Treasure.... Indian Run Falls

As I have said before, I love the metro-parks in the Central Ohio area. Here is another hidden treasure that is in our backyard that I had no idea existed until yesterday.

Indian Run Falls, Dublin Ohio.

Although we really ventured there to see the waterfall, it happened to be dry yesterday. Without realizing it, we ended up hiking on the limestone shelves that should have been rushing with water. We were in the middle of the path of a waterfall, the energy was incredibly peaceful. What an experience! How often do you get to walk where a waterfall should be rushing?

After exploring this hidden treasure, we ventured up to the path and walked around the cliff embankments. Now, we understood that the fall itself was to be 25 feet… but don’t let that mislead you (like it did us). The cliffs are Hocking Hill sized cliffs with limited fencing. The trail had observation decks to sit and enjoy the scenic view.

After hiking around the horseshoed path we ended up in the Indian Run Falls Historical Cemetery which was established in 1813 and restored in 1975. The family and I were able to walk around each weathered stones with reverence and fascination. I love walking in cemeteries... They are full of history, energy, and they just offering a feeling of comfort to me.

We were able to hike the path back with less angst then the first time around knowing that the cliffs were there. And with that knowledge, attention to where the kids were at all time came easier. I look forward to being able to take them back when the water flows on the fall...

A Day to Unite in Prayer

If you are a Minister, Healer, Reiki Master, Shaman, Spiritualist, or Layperson you understand the power of prayer!

We know that when Jesus prayed He was able to change the weather, feed thousands, cast demons, and raise the dead. He was also able to perform miracles on the sick and heal lepers, the blind, hemorrhaging woman, the deaf, and more!

It is my belief that the power Jesus used resides in us all. Before you say the word ‘blasphemy’, let me explain further… When God proclaimed we were created in His Image and Likeness, that really didn’t mean that He has a physical body like ours, but rather our spiritual body is like His! The spirit that animates the physical resembles The Universal Energy we call God, Spirit, Yahweh, etc.

There are many interpretations, but Jesus declared, “…For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Jesus gave us the tool to heal and create miracles; simply gather in His name.

Of course He didn’t mean in the physical sense, but energetically, in the Spirit, He would be with us. It is my belief that when this occurs, The God Energy strengthens within and around us; this is when doors open and miracles can and do occur. No matter what religion or belief we have, the power of prayer bridges all gaps creating never ending possibilities.

I ask you to join me on 9/9/09 in prayer for healing, vibrant health, and resources for the autism community.

Take time out of your day, pause, and raise our children and the children of tomorrow up in His name and ask the Lord to protect, nurture and heal them and their families.

May our government, scientists, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies be open to discovering the cause of this disabling condition and take the proper actions to prevent further harm.

May these children and families have productive, quality lives full of enrichment, companionship, and success.

May these children miraculously awaken from the constructs of autism full of expression, life, and joy!

Will you pray with me on 9/9/09 to prove Jesus can provide modern day miracles through us?

The ABC's of Innis Woods Metro Park (by Emily and Mommy)

Today we went to Innis Woods Metro Park in Westerville, Ohio... if you live in the Central Ohio region, you have a bounty of free parks awaiting your exploration... turn off the tv and take the kids outside. Our children learn through interacting with their environment. If you live elsewhere, you need to research what is in your backyard... you may be surprised at what you discover. Parks give families an excellant opportunity to bond and great lasting memories while learning more about nature. Here is a list of things that the girls and I saw or experienced today...

Amazing Adventure

Bridges

Chipmunks

Deer

Ebbing water

Families

Grey squirrel

Hills

Investigation

Joggers

Kalology (study of beauty)

Labyrinth

Meadow

Nature

Oobambulate (to wander about)

Pine Trees

Quality time

Red Cardinal

Spider

Toads

Uliginoud (a swampy, slimy place)

Violets

Windmill

Xenial (hospitality towards guests… from ranger.)

Yellow Daisies

Zeta (a small room with nature displays)

Co-Sleeping Offers The Building Block For Trust and Open Communication

As some of you know, I am an advocate of the family bed. We happened upon this the evening of the day we brought Emily home from the hospital. I couldn’t tolerate that my tiny new baby lay in that cage of crib all alone after spending the first part of her existence within me; my maternal instincts screamed at me to pull her into the bed with us. As soon as I heeded this urge, I felt my anxiety melt away and fell into an innate rhythm of nursing and sleeping through the night.

In The Mother Consciousness I discuss how this prompted me to research the practice of the family bed around the world. I discovered that we were one of the few countries to displace their infants and children from the vicinity of the sleeping quarters of the mother; most infants of the world sleep within the close proximity of the mother in order to beckon the needs of her off spring. So, with my innate yearnings and the realization that this was only taboo in my backyard we ventured into the realm of co-sleeping.

Today, we live in a world where children are disconnected from their mothers & fathers for the majority of their day. Working parents send their younglings to daycare and nursery schools leaving them with a couple waking hours to spend together. If older children are not in school they are off with their friends or absorbed by all of the technology the 21st century offers them. My conclusion is that if you spend time sleeping together at least you have the opportunity to energetically connect.

Recently, I observed some teens that have both parents working out of the home. Now, I am not against the working mother. I was a working mother for the first 6 years of my motherhood, but I am against the parent that takes mothering lightly resulting in unsupervised children or children left with no moral development. A few of the things I saw these kids doing alarmed me... like lighting bottle rockets at their neighbor’s home and lying in the street during rush hour.

That evening during one of our twilight conversations my daughter and I discussed the behaviors we had observed. We talk about the safety issues, the lack of self control and even the boy girl dynamics we witnessed. We were able to have this discussion in the quiet of the night without contempt or the lecturing that typically follows such incidents; at an angle of respect, unconditional love, and self-empowerment.

This is just one of the many times that I understood that the family bed offered a sanctuary to my budding tween. Somehow over the years she has been able to disclose feelings and experiences in this setting that she hasn’t been able to process during the height of the day. It had become a safe haven where all judgment lay behind and it is understood that no matter what she discusses with me regardless of the topic is met with openness.

Could co-sleeping have prevented such deviant behavior in those teens? In and of itself…probably not, but it could have set the stage to reduce the need for attention seeking behaviors that could harm oneself or others. When an infant cries it is cueing the mother to respond, when the infant's needs are responded to appropriately and in a timely manner, the child learns that they can trust the primary caregiver which generalizes to all adults.

When children are displaced and forced to sleep in a separate room and cries are not satiated, they are being hardwired that they cannot trust the adults around them. I believe that when this occurs they learn early on that they have to have dramatic tantrums (lying in the street) in order to get the attention they deserve. In this case, negative attention is better than no attention at all.

I understand the need for independence and self empowerment, but I believe this can be achieved through other means than displacing our children from the close proximity of the mother during the sleeping hours. I also understand the concern of the marital bed, but let me reassure you that in no way has this inhibited our relations. In fact, this has created the opportunity to become creative and spontaneous in our connections. More so, the flirting and quiet sexual innuendos between my husband and myself during our daily activities has created a greater sense of romance; something I see missing from many couples that are far beyond the honeymoon phase of their marriages.

All in all, I have no regrets for the decision we had made in regards to our sleeping arrangements. In fact, I believe that one of the reasons that our youngest daughter (whom is diagnosed with autism) easily displays affection to us and people outside the family construct is because of the foundations laid by attachment parenting practices; co-sleeping and extended breastfeeding. I believe that each of my children have gained positive attributes that have been fostered through these practices.

Last night, however, after creating the perfect sleeping space, Emily decided on her own accord to sleep in her new room. It was a long night for us all… we could hear her toss and turn among her surrogate mothers (stuffed animals) trying to find that perfect nesting space. Then her little sister tossed and turned with the absence of her big sister.

This, too, is a task that I am sure we will all adjust to. And in the mean time, I will have to make a conscious effort to continue to connect with my daughter and offer opportunities for open communication based on trust and respect.

6 Steps to Achieving Our Goals Through Animal Guidance

When choosing a personal goal and the course of action, seek the wisdom of the animal kingdom.

Step 1: The Moose - Have Authority over your life; decide what is best for you and ask for it. Each individual has their own unique set of standards, desires, and experiences in which guide us on our own paths. Quiet yourself and meditate on the desired outcome and let your inner voice guide you to the optimum path that is best for you.

Step 2: The Badger – Embrace perseverance and see it through to the end. So often, it is in our human nature to start a task and stop before we reach the desire outcome. Avoid procrastination, fear based interference, and commit to the conclusion of your goal.

Step 3: The Elephant – Commit to resolve and overcome any obstacles. Some obstacles are put in our path for higher purposes; stop, close your eyes, and meditate on the desired outcome and see how this obstacle can be used to your advantage; a tool to achieving this goal.

Step 4: The Hummingbird – Experience joy and lighten up. It is in our human nature to get too serious, too focused, too overwhelmed, too something… Remember that joy and love is what fuels our creative energy.

Step 5: The Buffalo – Be Open to abundance by becoming your own provider. Do not wait for others to solve your problems or fill your dreams; be your own provider of your own destiny. Abundance is not just a monetary source; nurture yourself in all areas of your life and abundance is yours.

Step 6: The Wolf – Know that you have a guardian and the Universe will take care of you. Let go of the outcome. Recognize that life is just as it should be with higher purpose and meaning. Allow the universe to give you the precise gifts you need to achieve your goal; be willing to except the many gifts of the universe.

It’s June!

June brings an explosion of festivities; the kids are out of school, summer greets graduates who are preparing for their next adventure, June brides have their marriages commenced, expectant mothers are pampered with baby showers, and father’s honored with a day of rest and relaxation.

June is referred to as the “door of the year”; a gateway to transformation. All of life assembles to create new opportunities and abundance. Not only do people experience colossal changes, but the earth as well; vegetation thickens, trees stand tall, and the sky glistens above.

June the month of many things:

Adopt a shelter-cat month
Children’s awareness month
Fireworks safety month
Gay & lesbian pride month
International men’s month
People skills month
Perennial gardening month
Accordion awareness month
Rose month
Rebuild your life month
Student safety month
Vision research month
Bless-a-Child month
Dairy month
Skin cancer awareness month
Entrepreneurs marketing month
Turkey lover’s month

A Year of Leap and Bounds

As the yellow school bus pulled up, I felt a surge of excitement… I couldn’t contain my childish smile!

All day I wondered if Sahara would get that it was her last day of school for summer break... Or would she wake up on Tuesday wondering why we were out of routine? As the bus neared, I could see this smiling little face peering through the bottom of the 3rd window back; a spark was in her eye and she appeared to be rambling on about something that she probably only understood.

As the bus came to a screechy stop, I swear my heart skipped a beat…. Summer was here! My girl exited the bus bare foot and ready for our summer adventures. She turned to the bus driver and aid to say, “Ba-Bye…. summer”.

YES, SHE KNEW IT!!!

We skipped across the yard to the house without any worries of the week to burden us. Once inside she dumped her red backpack and carefully went through each item; sharing memories of a year of huge milestones, growth, and companionship.

This year she was able to make her first meaningful friendships with her little classmates, Ray and Addie. They were true friends as friends should be complete with purposeful play & interaction, consoling of boo-boos, and the excitement of seeing one another tomorrow. I am so pleased that she can experience the satisfaction of having true social interactions – that alone will inspire the natural desire and shift to want more of the same.

This was a year of leap and bounds not only socially, but academically as well—She had learned to print letters and write her name; sing her ABC’s as well as other songs; match colors, shapes, and animals; follow routines, participate in circle time, art, occupational and speech therapy activities,; all of her goals on her IEP had been met or close to it! She had worked hard and we have seen the fabulous outcomes for it….

I say ‘she’ because the teachers, therapists, and I had given her the space and guidance to blossom while she did all of the work. Yes, I give kudos to myself and the staff; each of us offering our unique skills and patience… but it was Sahara who demonstrated her determination to succeed. I hope inside she recognizes that her efforts and willingness to enter our world are acknowledged and seen as astounding!

I am sure that there are children who do not have the support to come out of their perceived fog… I suppose it is easier for some parents just to turn on the TV and let their child be consumed by the electronic babysitter… Or some teachers who lose sight of the quite child playing quietly in the corner…Maybe the green therapists who just don’t have the skills yet to know what to do with the ‘child that is hard to crack’. But Sahara was (and is) fortunate, she didn’t have those obstacles at home or in this school setting.

Sahara has learned naturally how to begin to foster relationships and develop cognitively. This summer will be full of adventures and learning. Integrating what she has learned this year within her natural home setting will only foster further growth.

So, as we sat there with purple hands and bare feet, I realized that it wouldn’t be long before we were able to remove the labels that some have insistently placed upon this bright little girl. I look forward to that moment about as much (probably more) than waiting for the yellow bus to arrive bringing us summer.