Today I'm thankful for my dad's drive to always do something fun. It doesn't matter if it has any rhyme or reason; if it's fun, he'll try it.
Running concessions.
Shooting a potato gun.
Bowling on the Wii.
Planting tomatoes in 5 different gardens to see where they grow the best.
Bee keeping. :) Click here to see his fun.
I suuuuuuuuure luv muh daddy, and I sure appreciate his drive to come home after a long day at work and play!
What are you thankful for, today?
Big Love,
Sarah
4.29.2010
4.26.2010
4.25.2010
CARE Walk Pics
Sorry it's taken me awhile to get these on here! Hope you're all well!
I hope these pictures will proxy as a reminder to keep Dominic in your prayers. More specifically, please pray that God will continue to intercede and protect him each and every time he "bolts." It's becoming an every day occurrence, and I can't begin to explain how hard our hearts pound and how fast our stomachs crawl into our throats every time he runs out into the road. Today in church I was playing piano, and I just happened to look up and see him running out of the pew. I figured he was just running back to the nursery as he usually does, but when I saw him go past the nursery and head for the stairway, I knew someone better get to chasing him...fast. Thankfully, Dad was in the nursery with Gus and Maya and saw Dom run past the window. Dad rushed out and caught him before he made it out the back door and into the street. And that was just the first instance. He did it again about 10 minutes later.
To tell Dom that a car will hurt him or he will have to go the hospital only brings an ornery grin with lots of laughter. The comprehension just isn't there. So please, please, please throw any extra prayer time his way! ;)
I gave Steph some papers today from the Canine Assistance Rehabilitation and Education Services, so hopefully a therapeutic service dog will be in the works soon. So get ready for some fundraisers, okay?! The service dog is approximately $2,500, but that is SO much cheaper than a hospital bill! :)
Lots of love,
Sarah
I hope these pictures will proxy as a reminder to keep Dominic in your prayers. More specifically, please pray that God will continue to intercede and protect him each and every time he "bolts." It's becoming an every day occurrence, and I can't begin to explain how hard our hearts pound and how fast our stomachs crawl into our throats every time he runs out into the road. Today in church I was playing piano, and I just happened to look up and see him running out of the pew. I figured he was just running back to the nursery as he usually does, but when I saw him go past the nursery and head for the stairway, I knew someone better get to chasing him...fast. Thankfully, Dad was in the nursery with Gus and Maya and saw Dom run past the window. Dad rushed out and caught him before he made it out the back door and into the street. And that was just the first instance. He did it again about 10 minutes later.
To tell Dom that a car will hurt him or he will have to go the hospital only brings an ornery grin with lots of laughter. The comprehension just isn't there. So please, please, please throw any extra prayer time his way! ;)
I gave Steph some papers today from the Canine Assistance Rehabilitation and Education Services, so hopefully a therapeutic service dog will be in the works soon. So get ready for some fundraisers, okay?! The service dog is approximately $2,500, but that is SO much cheaper than a hospital bill! :)
Lots of love,
Sarah
4.21.2010
A Tough Day @ Nana's
Hey, y'all. Hope this post finds you having a magnificently wonderful day. We're a little out of sorts on Sheridan street, today. :)
Dom has been having meltdown after meltdown. Seems to be the norm for him on rainy days, but it never gets easier to accept it as just one of our facts of life. And, today, I'm personally struggling to sit back and watch it all happen.
It's funny because we all have our days that it just hits like a ton of bricks. Mom had a day like this a couple days ago...and I remember Steph had one last week...when it just slapped her right in the face and she wanted to bawl. While I'm certain that Steph has these days far more than any of the rest of us, we all have them. And it hurts. Deep.
I made him sit down to "relax" after he kept reaching for the burner on the stove while Poppy made breakfast. Unfortunately, there wasn't much "relaxing" to it, but rather extraordinarily loud, sharp screams, kicks, and slaps. And that was just the first meltdown of the morning. Since then, I've watched him work his way through about 20 more...with my amazing Mom right by his side, trying her best to calm him, soothe him, and just love him.
And nobody gets it. Nobody gets how he feels. Nobody gets the hurt in Steph's heart. Nobody gets the pain we feel as we watch, time and time again, with no answers. Nobody gets the frustration, the anguish, the exhaustion. Yet...we have to move on. Despite the stares, despite the "oh, there's nothing wrong with him," comments, despite the tears. Move on to what we DO have answers for. Move on to help Dominic and millions of others marching alongside us in this unknown spectrum of Autism.
I have a feeling my mama is gonna sleep rather well tonight. :)
One day at a time,
Sarah
Dom has been having meltdown after meltdown. Seems to be the norm for him on rainy days, but it never gets easier to accept it as just one of our facts of life. And, today, I'm personally struggling to sit back and watch it all happen.
It's funny because we all have our days that it just hits like a ton of bricks. Mom had a day like this a couple days ago...and I remember Steph had one last week...when it just slapped her right in the face and she wanted to bawl. While I'm certain that Steph has these days far more than any of the rest of us, we all have them. And it hurts. Deep.
I made him sit down to "relax" after he kept reaching for the burner on the stove while Poppy made breakfast. Unfortunately, there wasn't much "relaxing" to it, but rather extraordinarily loud, sharp screams, kicks, and slaps. And that was just the first meltdown of the morning. Since then, I've watched him work his way through about 20 more...with my amazing Mom right by his side, trying her best to calm him, soothe him, and just love him.
And nobody gets it. Nobody gets how he feels. Nobody gets the hurt in Steph's heart. Nobody gets the pain we feel as we watch, time and time again, with no answers. Nobody gets the frustration, the anguish, the exhaustion. Yet...we have to move on. Despite the stares, despite the "oh, there's nothing wrong with him," comments, despite the tears. Move on to what we DO have answers for. Move on to help Dominic and millions of others marching alongside us in this unknown spectrum of Autism.
I have a feeling my mama is gonna sleep rather well tonight. :)
One day at a time,
Sarah
4.14.2010
The 100/0 Principle
What is the most effective way to create and sustain great relationships with others? It's The 100/0 Principle: You take full responsibility (the 100) for the relationship, expecting nothing (the 0) in return.
Implementing The 100/0 Principle is not natural for most of us. It takes real commitment to the relationship and a good dose of self-discipline to think, act and give 100 percent.
The 100/0 Principle applies to those people in your life where the relationships are too important to react automatically or judgmentally. Each of us must determine the relationships to which this principle should apply. For most of us, it applies to work associates, customers, suppliers, family and friends.
STEP 1 - Determine what you can do to make the relationship work...then do it. Demonstrate respect and kindness to the other person, whether he/she deserves it or not.
STEP 2 - Do not expect anything in return. Zero, zip, nada.
STEP 3 - Do not allow anything the other person says or does (no matter how annoying!) to affect you. In other words, don't take the bait.
STEP 4 - Be persistent with your graciousness and kindness. Often we give up too soon, especially when others don't respond in kind. Remember to expect nothing in return.
At times (usually few), the relationship can remain challenging, even toxic, despite your 100 percent commitment and self-discipline. When this occurs, you need to avoid being the "Knower" and shift to being the "Learner." Avoid Knower statements/ thoughts like "that won't work," "I'm right, you are wrong," "I know it and you don't," "I'll teach you," "that's just the way it is," "I need to tell you what I know," etc.
Instead use Learner statements/thoughts like "Let me find out what is going on and try to understand the situation," "I could be wrong," "I wonder if there is anything of value here," "I wonder if..." etc. In other words, as a Learner, be curious!
Principle Paradox
This may strike you as strange, but here's the paradox: When you take authentic responsibility for a relationship, more often than not the other person quickly chooses to take responsibility as well. Consequently, the 100/0 relationship quickly transforms into something approaching 100/100. When that occurs, true breakthroughs happen for the individuals involved, their teams, their organizations and their families.
Excerpt from The 100/0 Principle, by Al Ritter
Big Love,
Sarah
Implementing The 100/0 Principle is not natural for most of us. It takes real commitment to the relationship and a good dose of self-discipline to think, act and give 100 percent.
The 100/0 Principle applies to those people in your life where the relationships are too important to react automatically or judgmentally. Each of us must determine the relationships to which this principle should apply. For most of us, it applies to work associates, customers, suppliers, family and friends.
STEP 1 - Determine what you can do to make the relationship work...then do it. Demonstrate respect and kindness to the other person, whether he/she deserves it or not.
STEP 2 - Do not expect anything in return. Zero, zip, nada.
STEP 3 - Do not allow anything the other person says or does (no matter how annoying!) to affect you. In other words, don't take the bait.
STEP 4 - Be persistent with your graciousness and kindness. Often we give up too soon, especially when others don't respond in kind. Remember to expect nothing in return.
At times (usually few), the relationship can remain challenging, even toxic, despite your 100 percent commitment and self-discipline. When this occurs, you need to avoid being the "Knower" and shift to being the "Learner." Avoid Knower statements/ thoughts like "that won't work," "I'm right, you are wrong," "I know it and you don't," "I'll teach you," "that's just the way it is," "I need to tell you what I know," etc.
Instead use Learner statements/thoughts like "Let me find out what is going on and try to understand the situation," "I could be wrong," "I wonder if there is anything of value here," "I wonder if..." etc. In other words, as a Learner, be curious!
Principle Paradox
This may strike you as strange, but here's the paradox: When you take authentic responsibility for a relationship, more often than not the other person quickly chooses to take responsibility as well. Consequently, the 100/0 relationship quickly transforms into something approaching 100/100. When that occurs, true breakthroughs happen for the individuals involved, their teams, their organizations and their families.
Excerpt from The 100/0 Principle, by Al Ritter
Big Love,
Sarah
2 Prayer Requests
1. Gabriel...that his fever will break. Going to Dr. at 1:45 to see what's up.
2. My uncle...in the hospital with serious heart condition...possibly congestive heart failure & enlarged heart.
LOL,
Sarah
2. My uncle...in the hospital with serious heart condition...possibly congestive heart failure & enlarged heart.
LOL,
Sarah
4.10.2010
GO TEAM DOMINIC!!!!!
The CareWALK has arrived! THANK YOU, again, to all of you who have graciously donated towards this cause that is so near and dear to our hearts. And, THANK YOU to those of you who continuously keep Dominic in your prayers...he continues to amaze us every day with his progress.
A full report on the CareWALK and pics to come soon...
Big Love,
Sarah
A full report on the CareWALK and pics to come soon...
Big Love,
Sarah
4.07.2010
4.06.2010
Easter 2010
What a fun Easter we had this year!!! Maya and Gabriel were so much fun...it did my heart well to see them actually "dig in" and get excited about everything. Children are such a blessing.
I kinda had a neat little thing happen on Easter. I got a text from my special 'little brother,' Uzzie, asking me if our church was on 53rd street. I responded, but after many failed attempts at trying to get him to come to church, I've learned not to get my hopes up. :) So you can imagine how I about fell off my piano bench when I looked up from playing "He Lives" to see Uzzie walking into church with his girlfriend, mom, brother & sister! lol
Now, I'm assuming most of you are aware of everything I went thru with this kid...as well as his mama, Yvonne, and siblings, Allister and Destiny. For those of you who don't--well, you can ask and I'll fill u in. lol But, let me just say that the minute I laid eyes on him, all kinds of emotions hit me at once...sadness, anger, happiness, affection, joy, guilt, curiosity, disappointment, gratitude, rage, worry, anxiety, and peace. It was kinda bittersweet, I guess. And, I won't even begin to write about how weird it is for him to see me...with my Sam, my Maya, and my Gus. Or for Sam...to finally meet this family that was such a huge part of my life and partly responsible for who I am, today.
At one point, he was my priority in life...and my head was instantly flooded with memories...the person I spent HOURS on my knees praying for...the hand I held...the hair I combed...the nails I clipped...the medicine I gave...the washcloths I put on his head...the songs I sang...the food I fed...the walks we took...
I could go on for hours. And then one day, it all came to a halting stop. Nonexistence. A huge piece of my life, my time, my love...completely vanished..all ties and all hearts broken.
And though it felt wonderful to see him and his family, my final feeling as I told him goodbye on Sunday was awesome. I actually felt good about life and where I am right now. It's taken me awhile to get to that point. Six years, to be exact. Six years to stop hurting. Six years to stop wanting revenge. Six years to lose the bitterness and anger and regret. Six years to forgive. Six years...and it wasn't even his fault...but he was in the crossfire.
*big sigh* whew, glad I got that all off my chest. :)
Enjoy the Easter pics. I'll get more on the slideshow asap.
Big Love,
Sarah
4.02.2010
National Autism Awareness Day!
Hey everyone! I hope you're wearing your bubbly blue colors today to represent Autism Awareness.
Also, this is your last chance, if you haven't already done so, to sponsor me for my 2-mile Care Walk that will be taking place next week! Those of you who have already signed up and paid...THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! IT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME! Those of you who have signed up but haven't paid...please get your $ to me as soon as possible. I will be turning everything in next Wednesday.
Schmitts...THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Cartwrights....THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
Betty...THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
Go, Dom, Go!!!!!
~Sarah
4.01.2010
Thankful Thursday
Today I'm thankful for a very special friend. Writing about someone usually doesn't do justice in expressing how you truly feel, but I guess it's worth a shot.
I met her for the first time about 12 years ago but didn't really get to 'know' her until about 5 years ago. I remember sensing her gentle, loving spirit right off the bat...and that has never changed. You know those wonderful friends who you can be with, doing absolutely nothing, and still have the best time ever? Yeah, she's definitely one of those friends. And when I found out she was movin' away?...absolutely killed me...I still remember sittin' on the couch bawlin' like a baby. More than once.
We've cleaned some disgusting toys together, so nasty, in fact, they turned the Clorox water black. :) We've made and sold decorative soap together; that was kinda fun, but I haven't done it since then...I think most of the fun was in doing it with her. We used to exercise together...I haven't done that since then, either...lol jk...yes, I have...but it's no fun without her!!!! :)
Her gift of hospitality is amazing, always making you feel at home the minute you walk into her home. And, trust me; not everyone has that gift. I remember coming home late one evening to a gas leak (natural gas, that is lol), and I called her. Naturally, her immediate response was, "Come on over!" So there I went...to spend the night on a comfy futon.
She's quiet. (I know what you're probably thinking...just hush lol) And I love it...because when she does have something to say, it's always in your best interest to listen. I've learned that when she speaks, it tends to be something of significance and value.
I have to wrap this up because my angels are being brats right now. Hope y'all have a fantastic Thursday...what are you thankful for, today???
Happy early birthday, Carly...I love you tons and miss you like crazy!!!!
Sarah
(PS...Don't forget to wear blue tomorrow (Friday) for Autism Awareness!)
I met her for the first time about 12 years ago but didn't really get to 'know' her until about 5 years ago. I remember sensing her gentle, loving spirit right off the bat...and that has never changed. You know those wonderful friends who you can be with, doing absolutely nothing, and still have the best time ever? Yeah, she's definitely one of those friends. And when I found out she was movin' away?...absolutely killed me...I still remember sittin' on the couch bawlin' like a baby. More than once.
We've cleaned some disgusting toys together, so nasty, in fact, they turned the Clorox water black. :) We've made and sold decorative soap together; that was kinda fun, but I haven't done it since then...I think most of the fun was in doing it with her. We used to exercise together...I haven't done that since then, either...lol jk...yes, I have...but it's no fun without her!!!! :)
Her gift of hospitality is amazing, always making you feel at home the minute you walk into her home. And, trust me; not everyone has that gift. I remember coming home late one evening to a gas leak (natural gas, that is lol), and I called her. Naturally, her immediate response was, "Come on over!" So there I went...to spend the night on a comfy futon.
She's quiet. (I know what you're probably thinking...just hush lol) And I love it...because when she does have something to say, it's always in your best interest to listen. I've learned that when she speaks, it tends to be something of significance and value.
I have to wrap this up because my angels are being brats right now. Hope y'all have a fantastic Thursday...what are you thankful for, today???
Happy early birthday, Carly...I love you tons and miss you like crazy!!!!
Sarah
(PS...Don't forget to wear blue tomorrow (Friday) for Autism Awareness!)
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