Wednesday, February 11, 2009

That Long, Long Road

Anyone reading my blog for any length of time now knows I've been on a long, long road -well, for the past six months, I've been on two long, long roads.

The shorter one -a six-month stretch -was one involving my blog and Google Reader. My reader, with respect to MY blog, stopped functioning properly back in July, on that Friday when so many bloggers had their masterpieces marked as Spam and had a difficult time getting back on track again. I wasn't THAT unlucky but since my reader stopped updating my blog then, that was bad enough for me. I have endured this all this long, trying desperately to get it fixed so my blog would update on the readers of those who had subscribed to it.

Well today, something happened -I'm not really sure what -I messed around with the reader thing again, got a little help too from a tech person at my ISP -and now, I think all is healed with the Reader! I heard from one blogger already telling me my blog updated on her reader today -with 25 new posts showing there!

Am I happy? You betcha!

The other road I'm on -have been for a number of years now -is not one that I -or my family will ever be able to leave though.

That road is the Autism Highway and we are all traveling that road, all the time, because my two younger grandchildren, Maya -age 5, and Kurtis, who will be 3 i April both are autistic.

It is indeed a long road. It is often a very difficult road to maneuver too as there are not many signs that give directions on how best to reach your destination. And that destination sometimes differs greatly too from one traveler to the next.

It's a road with lots and lots of curves, many hills too that must be climbed. Some of those hills are tiny knolls, while others make seem more like climbing Mount Everest without a trail guide!

But, regardless of the way this road wends on and on, it is, in my opinion, still one of the most beautiful highways one could ever travel. The scenery along my road is gorgeous because Maya and Kurtis make it that way. Each little accomplishment one or both of them masters makes that leg of the journey absolutely breath-taking and magnificent.

Right now though -after six months on the rocky reader road and the two nights in a row with Kurtis keeping me up and wake for most of the night, trust me when I tell you this, but I sure could use a chance to escape.

Maybe some weekend getaways would be just the ticket for me about now. I'm thinking if I could pull this off, this one in particular would be great cause then I could also stop down and visit my cousin Ken and his wife, Laura, who I haven't seen in over two years now!

9 comments:

Mary said...

Jeni,

I think that anyone who lives with autism needs a break now and then. Tonight, Brandon and I took a break. Him from his family and I from Dakota. We were both feeling a little overwhelmed.

I went and picked him up and took him to the video store so he could use his rent one, get one free game coupon. Just being out and about was a break that we both needed.

If it's at all possible, a weekend getaway would be great for you, my friend. If you go, remember to take your camera so we can join you.

Have a great evening. I do hope Kurtis sleeps tonight.

Blessings,
Mary

Linda said...

What a pleasant surprise to find 26 new posts of yours in my Google Reader! I don't know what you did but it worked! Woohoo!!

And I agree with Mary, I think that anyone who lives day in and day out with the stress of autism needs to take a break and give him or herself some breathing room every once in awhile. After all, who is going to take care of them if you don't take care of you?

And like Mary said - take your camera! I keep forgetting to grab mine lately and I've been missing some great shots.

Maggie May said...

Glad you are back in the land of Google Reader! Have to get you back on my blog roll now!

The Autism thing is exhausting. My daughter is STILL waiting for grandson to be statemented.

Kanani said...

Hey Jeni,
I married into a family of high functioning autistics. They're very difficult people and none of them will admit to it. But I didn't figure out what they were until we had our son --and lo and behold I knew something was very off with him. It took a dx from a university many years later to get it (back then, Asperger's was new, and so they tended to dx all kids regardless with ADHD).

Anyway, hang in there and do take time for yourself. Sounds like you NEED to get away. Also, go over to the library by yourself and just get some sanity. That's one of the places I go.

As for Kurtis keeping you up all night --sleep disorders are fairly common with Asperger's children. You might ask the doctor if you can give him Dimetapp if he's struggling, or if he can't sleep through the night (ours didn't sleep through the night until he was 11). There are also homeopathic remedies such as Calms Forte, but they never worked. I took one once and it absolutely made me "on edge." But, warm baths and a regular routine of bedtime will help a lot!

Sandee said...

Well, yesterday this post didn't show up when you ask me to look, but it was in my reader this morning. So, it may take a while for it to appear, but I think your reader is going to treat you nicely.

Have a terrific day. Big hug. :)

Smalltown RN said...

Personally I think a break away is good regardless of the reason...we all need to to suck back reload and rejuvinate every once in awhile....I hope you find your little break time...

Jocelyn said...

I think your Google Reader is telling you to take a weekend getaway. Go have some fun.

It is such a joy to read of the love you have for your grandkids. I read a couple of blogs written by women who are mothering autistic children. You might find them interesting (if, um, you're looking for new things to do...cuz you're not nearly busy enough and all). If you see any comments on my posts by Maddie (she has two autistic sons) or Casdok (she has one profoundly austic son), you might click on them and check out their blogs!

Rune Eide said...

That you have time to blogg at all is unbelievable - two small children with autism is more that most people would have been able to manage. Hats off for you!

At least you now have the pleasure of an Internet-system that is working.

PS Thank you for the nice comments!

terri said...

Yes, I got the 25 new posts update too! Surprised the heck out of me. Now I get two feed readings on your blog. That has happened with one other blog that I subscribe to as well. I'm not sure what that's about but better too much than not enough.

I love how you describe the autism road as a beautiful one. You have such a positive attitude about it. Those grandkids of yours are so lucky to have you.