Monday, August 2, 2010

Enjoying The Boating Life

I Heart Faces is having a Random Acts Of Kindness link today. This blog is really about my struggles with raising a child with disabilities. A big struggle for us is experiencing and enjoying life as other families do. With the issues of behavior, the inability to wait and lack of formal communication - the ability to go out and have fun and enjoy life has been a challenge.

This past weekend friends invited us to their lake house for relaxation and boating fun. My first response was not to go. My son is obsessed with being on a boat, movement and large bodies of water - I know this sounds weird. The bigest problem it is not so much being on the boat, but getting off the boat when we are finished. Transitioning is not easy for my guy.

The act of kindness came from our friend for spending endless hours on the lake riding us around on his boat. My favorite moment was when he took him on his lap to help steer the boat!

All in all we had a great time. There were a few moment of distress for my son, but the joy he experience for the day was wonderful. I was glad we decided to go. I can't say it was relaxing as I always feel on edge anticipating when it will all fall a part.

Here is what was going on behind the boat.


Hanging on for dear life!






7 comments:

Niki said...

I have two children who are perfect in every way. I cannot imagine the daily struggle of patience and time you must give for an amazing child like that. There is no greater service in my mind. God bless.

Unknown said...

I have a son that is in the same BOAT. Doesn't do will with change at all. Great that you have good friends that are willing to take the time with your son and let him enjoy life to the fullest.

Jacki said...

My daughter has triplets, almost 3, and one of the boys is diagnosed with autism but many of the traits he experiences are the same. Every day is a challenge for her. She is an amazing Mom, just as you are. I have forwarded your blog to her. This is hers http://myhope-myeverything.blogspot.com/
Your blog is great support for many people, we are all children of God and need to help each other in many different ways.

SarahinSC said...

Amazing story! My son has bipolar disorder and I have yet to find anyone at all who would be so selfless as to try and understand his condition, much less "put up with him" on a boat for several hours. I know that must have meant a lot to you! Hang in there and take every day one at a time!

Anonymous said...

What a BEAUTIFUL day! I am so glad that God gave you a little bit of peace on that day. I can't imagine how difficult it must be on some days.

Have you contacted Littlest Heroes to have portraits done in your area? What a wonderful thing for your beautiful family!

Ami Allison said...

What a beautiful fun day!! I'm so glad y'all got to enjoy it together. I was an Auntie of a terminally ill nephew. It was VERY VERY hard to take him anywhere or have him enjoy things. He had Metachromatic Leukodystrophy. He passed away last Oct just 7 days after his 10th birthday. I miss him terribly but am so happy he is in a better place where he can do all the things he could never do here. I'm really glad you decided to go. :)

Susan @ Oh My! Creative said...

Thanks for all the kind comments...they really means a lot to me!