Happy 12th Birthday!
Find a Conversation
| Wed, 02-13-2008 - 12:49am |
Mike is 12 today. Man there were many times I wasn't sure he would make it this far but he did.
I have to say 11 was an amazing year. I swear that boy has made more progress in the past year than the previous 11 combined. I am so proud of him!
Some highlights from this year:
-Received the presidents award for academic achievement and physical fitness from his school
-Had a solo role in a school production (wouldn't even get on stage before without a meltdown)
-graduated from the 5th grade (we weren't sure he was going to make it through. Nearly had to send him non-public a couple times)
-Was able to get on most of the rides at Disneyland which he always previously insisted on sitting out
-Able to get through an entire day at disney without a single big meltdown! (this is huge)
-has his first girlfriend
-became interested in how he looks and finally is taking independent care of himself AND wearing clothes that actually fit AND match!
-able to attend youth group AND sunday school without needing mom there as an aide or being kicked out or refusing to finish.
-Got his green belt in karate and does one AWESOME form.
and finally, is becoming a young man I am proud to call my son.
Happy birthday big man. We have made it.
There is still a REALLY long road a head. He is still autistic but man, I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. They will grow up.
and a belated Happy birthday to Mr. Dave as well. Never know whether or not to post the non-aspie kids birthdays.




Pages
Happy Birthday Dave!!
Happy Birthday Mike!!
That was a wonderful post, Renee.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!
I Know what you mean Renee! They grow up so fast and you just never know if and when things will click. I'm So happy that Mike had such an OUTSTANDING year.
Happy Birthday Dave!
Happy Birthday Mike!
reading this gives me hope. Amazing how far he's come and doing so well! Kuddos to you for all you've worked on and plowed through for him!
Betsy
Happy Birthday to both your guys!!
I'm so glad to hear that Mike has made such amazing progress this year.
Powered by CGISpy.com
12!?!
OMG how did that happen?
Renee,
I have "known" you and Mike for a long time know, and seen you guys go through a lot of ups and downs. I am really really happy he has had such a great year and made all this progress. Of course, his progress is hugely a function of having such a great mom, who had unfailingly and unfalteringly been there for him every step of the way.
You are an inspiration to everyone here.
Happy Birthday to Dave too! Of course post the other kids' birthdays. We can always use something to smile about around here.
-Paula
www.onesickmother.com
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
Thanks guys,
I can hardly believe it myself. I know many of the folks here weren't here years ago to know what we went through with Mike for so long. I honestly never thought to make it to this point ourselves.
Like I said, he isn't "fixed" but man it is so much nicer. Times like this I look back at those days in elementary waiting outside the classroom in the rain when Mike was in and out of restraints hoping he would be able to hold it together or we would find what it was he needed to make things better. Or the time when the principal of the school drove Emily and Dave home in her car behind me while his teachers were restraining him in my car because he was having such horrible self abuse for over an hour we couldn't stop.
Now he is never restrained. He had one aggression so far this school year and it was a minor one. And I haven't seen him slam his head into walls in over a year or more.
We have arrived. It is possible.
Happy Birthday Dave and Mike!
Mike is so handsome and now looks like a teen!
Happy Birthday to Mike and Dave! And congratulations to you for being such a wonderful mom to get Mike to this point. You deserve an award yourself, Renee!
Cheers,
Innie
Reading this post gave goosebumps Renee. Happy Birthday to Mike, Dave and Renee. One giant party for the family and a big pat on Renee's back for all that she has made Mike achieve.
Pages