Almost 3 a.m.

[earth2mars]

I should be sleeping considering how busy tomorrow (or should I say later) will be, but Aidan is crying in his crib and I can't quite tell if something is wrong and I need to go in there (and thereby possibly wake up everyone) or if I should wait it out to see if it gets any better

Comments

[hiddeneloise]

Dearest! Hang in there! (I am sorry to keep this reply short -- I am running late for work), but I am composing a long and detailed reply to you to be sent later). I am very familiar with Autism. That is, I am familiar with one part of the specter. Because it's "Autism" is a broad term that covers so many things. When you get that re-evaluation, you will know better where you stand. I will tell you the whole story in the longer letter, but for now: my cousin (she is really a sister, we are very close, grew up together, etc.) raised an autistic son. Daniel was diagnosed when he was 5. Way late, but it was a long time ago, and no one yet knew or understood Autism properly. He is almost 21 now, and Lucy has a lifetime of resources to share. She is a wealth of energy, fight, knowledge, and precious contacts in that world, and I want to put you in touch with her, so you can ask questions, get support that you will need, and just generally not feel so overwhelmed. Anything you are going through she has been through. At the very least, she

[earth2mars]

Is Lucy your cousin who lost her husband about a year ago? If so, my gosh she's had a lot to deal with, huh? I'd love any connection you can foster. Someone to help me navigate this new world would be appreciated.

Thanks as always for your support.

[hiddeneloise]

Yes, Lucy is the one. Though David wasn't technically a husband. They weren't married. And it was 2 years (wow, I cannot believe it's been that long!). But yes, it's her. She is a rock. She's been through so much, she has boundless energy, and she is a very smart, tough, optimistic person.

I will talk to her and get back to you. The main point, dearest, is that you don't have to be or feel alone. There is a vast network of support out there. Hugs you and stay tuned.

[be_cool_bec]

I'm so sorry you've been going through all this. But of course you can handle it and i'm certain that you will. Dont doubt that.

I hope Aidans evaluation goes well, even if its just to give you all the information you need to move forward and help him.

[earth2mars]

I hope it goes well and I hope you're right that I will manage, somehow. :)

[lapdogdesign]

I think that you will be surprised at the strength you have inside of you.

I'll be keeping you and your family in my prayers. :)

[a_h_c]

See? Sharing can bring good things. You can only take what you get one day at a time and figure out a plan for how to cope and make things work for all of your family. I still stand by the fact that that X-mas picture showed a happy boy and that is it's own accomplishment, no matter what is going on with your kids. As always, here if you need to vent or just moan. You'll make it. I have faith in you.

[earth2mars]

Okay, now you've gone and made me cry. Thanks though. :)