Life As We Know It

Life As We Know It

     

     I have made some great choices in life, but if I didn't have the proper guidance and discipline I may have turned out just awful (like some of my friends).  There are some people I grew up with that had parents that were there for them, but for all the wrong reasons.  I wonder now if those parents regret the decisions they made in regards to their parenting skills.  My brother and I always knew growing up that if we screwed up, that phone call would be coming to my mom.  My mom was one of those parents that are known today as a "helicopter" parent.  I believe I am one of those helicopter parents, which is NOT a bad thing.  I have friends that have now died due to drug addiction, suicide, or just made bad choices, simply because they had parents that thought about themselves before their kids.  I now see some of these "friends" that I grew up with who are now parents, and I just wonder if they are making the same parenting mistakes their parents made.  One of my best friends I grew up with is no longer one of my friends, simply because she didn't know how to keep her mouth shut.  She tried to be a good friend to me, but I think in all honesty, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  I would say to my friends (who are really aren't my friends) that I grew up with, PARENT YOUR KIDS.  Don't be their best friend.  Don't try to be one of the kids.  Discipline your kid and their friends.  They will appreciate it in the long run and you are doing yourself a favor. My son has one of those friends that needs very strict parenting, but I can't do it because I am not his mother.  He needs guidance, but most of all, he craves that attention from his mom.  I look back on my life and I thank God every day that I had a mom that was always there for me, simply because I think I am a pretty awesome mom due to her parenting skills.  I am eternally blessed that I also have the most wonderful Mother-in-law too, simply because she gave me the most awesome husband!

     We have eight days until school is out!  I am counting down the days with Cole until June 5th gets here, simply because I am ready for summer.  Cole has the best life and amazing friends.  We are ready for middle school, but most of all we are ready to move onto greener pastures.  Many of you know the disdain I have for the Principal at Merriman Park Elementary.  She is not worthy to be our Principal, simply because she doesn't get it, and I don't think wants to get it.  Book knowledge isn't everything.  Living your life to fulfill God's word is what I always try to live by, but sometimes this is hard.  I know without my faith in God, I wouldn't be where I am today in life.  I have a great life, full of joy, happiness, but most of all unconditional love.  I was shocked to find in my mailbox this weekend a really nice blinged out shirt (I love shiny and blingy everything!) along with one of the sweetest hand written notes.  This friend is so amazing and we met a little over two years ago at Merriman Park Elementary.  She sent me one of her custom-made shirts with a heart on it.  Once I read the card I was in tears.  The shirt was a heart with the autism emblem inscribed on it in bling and she said she thought of me when she saw it.  The card is personal, but it basically said that I was an incredible parent and loving person who loved and nurtured so many kids.  I had no idea I had made that impression on her, simply because I think she is a wonderful mom, wife, and friend.  The little things mean a lot, so I am thankful for Andrea and her friendship.

     There are many people that come and go in our life, but one of those families that have become a part of our life are Josh and Sheridan.  I adore their three girls, Avery, Kenzie, and Shelby.  Cole was blessed yesterday by these three girls because we ran into them at our local Memorial Day event.  I made it a mission seven years ago that my son, even though he has autism, would have a normal life.  I made sure Cole had friends that weren't in special education (even though we have made some wonderful friends in special education), simply because I wanted him to understand what the real world was like.  I couldn't have imagined my Cole having the entire student body at Merriman Park worship him, treat him like a king, but most of all love him for just being Cole, but it has happened.  I am a little teary-eyed writing this blog, simply because our time is ending at MPE.  We have been beyond blessed by so many families and parents, that I really don't know where to start to thank the families that have loved Cole and nurtured him.  One of the very first families that I met at MPE were Chris La Vigne and Meredyth Childress.  This family welcomed us into their lives when they didn't even know us!  Meredyth is one of those moms that is simply amazing.  Meredyth just gets it, simply because she puts her kids first.  When I first met Meredyth, she had very long hair with a few streaks in it, so I knew we would be instant friends (because of the streaks).  Meredyth and Chris are advocates for all kids and we are lucky to call them our friends.  There are certain people you meet that you know are going to be there for you:  Meredyth and Chris are those people (along with a number of other parents).  

     I must wrap up this post today, because it's time to start breakfast for Cole, but if I could leave you with one bit of information, it's this:  PARENT YOUR KIDS.  Don't let your kids become complacent, simply because you won't discipline them.  Cole has autism, but that doesn't mean I don't have rules.  He appreciates those rules, even if  he thinks I am a bit harsh at times.  I want Cole to grow up and understand how much I love him.  Please leave your mark on this world, simply by showing your kid or any kid unconditional love.......