As 2015 comes to an end, I look at my kids with both happiness and sadness. Incredibly happy because of how proud I am of them. They have grown so much and continue to make the right choices. The fact that they are growing up so quickly makes me sad. Of course my #1 worry is Chandler. As he continues to get older, his Autism continues to impact him in so many ways. Sure he has made huge gains. He has handled a major transition into his new school and doing so well. He has managed the Holidays and all the festivities the best he ever has. He seems more "with us" then ever before. All this sounds amazing right? What we experienced getting to this point was anything but easy. We went through a pattern of NO sleep, moments of sadness, meltdowns due to frustration, and medicine changes. I always say it's a roller coaster raising a child with special needs. This year, I will say we rode the "SheiKra". If you have been to Busch Gardens in Tampa, you will understand what I'm talking about.
Sleep deprivation is no joke and can cause so many issues. Not just to your own health but it impacts decisions, relationships, and happiness. Poor kiddo was struggling while my husband and I would take turns on who would sleep all while managing our family and careers. When it was my turn to stay up, I would just stay up and think. I would think of how much longer I could do this. I would research medications and group homes that would take him. I honestly felt like I could not do this much longer. I know that if I get enough rest, I can handle it all but I was so afraid that I would not see that day again. I decided I needed to take it day by day and we needed to come up with a plan. We made some adjustments and we are in a better place today. I'm just hoping this lasts!!!!
I am constantly thinking about my son’s future and mine. My kids are at that age where it should be easier for us as a family but it's not. Why? Because of his Autism and his limitations. Autism is a part of the Heim Family and it will be forever. I am continuing to learn as he gets older but I must admit that it sucks sometimes. Raising children is beyond difficult and its forever! As parents, your worries never stop and your support is always needed. Our family will have to make sure that Chandler will be taken care of forever as he will never be able to take care of himself. This is real and this is what some families go through. All while making sure that no burdens are left on any one family member. It's not easy.
For 2016, I will continue to work towards his future. I will continue to help my clients and grow my advocacy work. I will continue to manage it all and handle any and all challenges that come my way. We are warrior parents and this is what we do! There is nothing in this world that a Special Needs Parent cannot handle. We need to find that support and surround ourselves with people that get it. Our family and friends should be there to support us, not to cause any unnecessary stress. The older Chandler gets, the wiser I get. The older I get, the more I realize what is really important in life. For the New Year, we should all reach out and support those that need it most.
Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy 2016!
Sleep deprivation is no joke and can cause so many issues. Not just to your own health but it impacts decisions, relationships, and happiness. Poor kiddo was struggling while my husband and I would take turns on who would sleep all while managing our family and careers. When it was my turn to stay up, I would just stay up and think. I would think of how much longer I could do this. I would research medications and group homes that would take him. I honestly felt like I could not do this much longer. I know that if I get enough rest, I can handle it all but I was so afraid that I would not see that day again. I decided I needed to take it day by day and we needed to come up with a plan. We made some adjustments and we are in a better place today. I'm just hoping this lasts!!!!
I am constantly thinking about my son’s future and mine. My kids are at that age where it should be easier for us as a family but it's not. Why? Because of his Autism and his limitations. Autism is a part of the Heim Family and it will be forever. I am continuing to learn as he gets older but I must admit that it sucks sometimes. Raising children is beyond difficult and its forever! As parents, your worries never stop and your support is always needed. Our family will have to make sure that Chandler will be taken care of forever as he will never be able to take care of himself. This is real and this is what some families go through. All while making sure that no burdens are left on any one family member. It's not easy.
For 2016, I will continue to work towards his future. I will continue to help my clients and grow my advocacy work. I will continue to manage it all and handle any and all challenges that come my way. We are warrior parents and this is what we do! There is nothing in this world that a Special Needs Parent cannot handle. We need to find that support and surround ourselves with people that get it. Our family and friends should be there to support us, not to cause any unnecessary stress. The older Chandler gets, the wiser I get. The older I get, the more I realize what is really important in life. For the New Year, we should all reach out and support those that need it most.
Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy 2016!
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