Nothing Has Changed; Yet Everything is Different
slightly unbalanced
a single word rocks my world
that word: autism
a single word rocks my world
that word: autism
Something About Me
- Jenn in Holland
- The story begins like this: A couple of years ago my husband got a crazy notion in his head that returning to school after years in the professional world might be a good idea. So he and I along with our three children left our suburban life in the U.S. and traded it for a new adventure in The Netherlands.
The saga continues like this: A year of post graduate study was so much fun, we figured we'd stay a while longer. Working in a new field, attending new schools and living in a new city, I dare say we have settled into a rhythm in our expat lives.
This blog is the record I keep of our experiences here; good, bad and hilarious. Intended as an outlet for my expression, this is the place for me to say my something.
I welcome you warmly.
Something to See
A joint venture photoblog.
Come. Take a look.
Something For You
Something I Do
Something I Did
Something We All Did
January 10, 2008
January 8, 2009
Something I Support
Something for my Writing
Something I Joined
Something to Count On
Oh, Jenn. I don't even know what to say. I wish I could see your face and give you a hug and just be there to listen to everything you want to say about this.
ReplyDeletePlease know that I am thinking of you.
Oh, sweetie! Major, big, HUGE (((HUGS))) to you and to everyone. You are all in my thoughts. And if you need it, ask.
ReplyDeleteIt's trite, I know, to repeat all the platitudes but you HAVE to know that I - and everyone here - means every one of them from the bottom of our hearts.
You did it. Your way. Well done.
ReplyDeleteWendy, I came by to ask if you were feeling meme-ish. If so, I have tapped you for one. "Loves meme, loves meme not" can be found here:
ReplyDeletehttp://bonniesbooks.blogspot.com/2008/01/loves-meme-loves-meme-not.html
And then I read that one word: autism. I am so astounded by the prevalence of autism these days and, even though I'm reading and trying to understand a bit about it, I feel so ignorant.
We, your readers and friends, are here for you. We are holding your hand and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Like Leslie, I'd give you a hug in person, if I were there. Meanwhile, here's a cyber-hug:
{{{{{{ Jenn }}}}}}
Sent to you with love and caring.
oh, hon. big hugs. and thoughts. that's all I can do at this moment from here, but if you need more just ask.
ReplyDeleteJenn it's such a big word for a little one to carry on his shoulders. My nephew is also autistic.
ReplyDeleteWe're here for you.
Roseanna
Wendy? I said "Wendy"? Don't I know your name? Apparently not. Maybe, here in the "barefoot kind of gal club" we are allowed to pretend to be someone else, occasionally? Okay ... your turn ... call me a name.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, Jenn.
ReplyDelete(((((Jenn))))) Sweetie, I wish there were something I could say or do to help you. As trite as it sounds you know my email and how to find me on IM. If you ever want to talk on the phone I'm game for that too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a hard bit of news to get, but at least now you know and can plan a way to move forward. A single word does not change who you are, who he is or who your family is. Just remember that.
you're not alone
ReplyDeleteLove you.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it helps for someone to just say "Everything will be ok."
ReplyDeleteAnd everything will be ok.
You have more power than a word does, Jenn. Knowing the word gives YOU the power.
ReplyDeleteoh gosh, this is a message that I didn't expect in my feed reader.
ReplyDeleteI know feel the need to say something really meaningful, something to cheer you up, to support you and to encourage you, to make you laugh.
But it's silly to search for the perfect words as a reaction. I just hope you are ok.
Out of all your posts I got to know you as a great person full of energy, humor and love for others. It always seems to be so fun to be in your family.
Always realise you are a great mom and a great partner and this news does not change anything as you stated. Nothing has changed! You can only get more informed and get more specific help for supporting your son. The only thing that has been changed is that now you know and this knowledge can help you to even parent him in a way that is more effective for him. But the most important part is your love for him...that is a constant :)
I wish I could give you a big hug, that is so much better than all my ramblings up here. give me a call if you'd like that or search me on skype or so (my nickname there is 'myfirstnamemyfamilyname'1000)
Oh and if it matters, only you could break this news in such a concise sensitive moving way! I am jealous for your writing skills.
Like you said, nothing has changed--that's the same gorgeous, precious wee boy...everything is different--you'll see the world differently, but it's a wonderful world.
ReplyDeleteLots of hugs from another mama who heard that word and felt the world spin one day in 1996...lots of hugs.
~~
Oh, Jenn - huge, huge hugs. As others have said, though, the field of research is increasing exponentially - and with you for a mom, Andrew's going to be just fine.
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough word to face, and my heart is with you today. I can't imagine a more loving and supportive family, though. And remember, he's a DANCER!
ReplyDeleteThinking about you...
Oh my, I really don't know what to say, I can only wish you a lot of strength and I hope everything will be okay.
ReplyDeleteOntzettend veel sterkte, ik hoop dat alles goed komt. Niets is anders. Een naam verandert niets.
I wish you and your family all the luck in the world. Please continue to post on this difficult subject so others know that they are not alone.
ReplyDeleteHi Jenn,
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of you and your family,
Your new Colorado friends,
Jody and Jeremy
I have been not so around lately..and just read this...you're strong!
ReplyDeleteSending happy thoughts...
and a huge
(((hug)))
Jenn I love you!!! Hold on to every moment! Please let me know when you are ready to talk and how I can help - you KNOW I am here and I will find you every bit of help I can!!! Please remember, he is and will always be - your boy!!!
ReplyDeleteWe'll hold a close thought for all of your family to find your way successfully, together. All our best wishes for you.
ReplyDeleteJenn,
ReplyDeleteBeing British these things are hard for me to say face to face but here in cyber space i can let it flow.... i couldn't agree more with the person that wrote "you have more power than a word"
getting to know you and Andrew has been such a privilege for me you have touched my life in the best most precious way, now i know the inner you i know what a wonderful life you will give your son. There are no walls you cannot and will not climb and no fights you will shy away from no child could ask more from their mum. Drew is a blessed child in so many ways.
All this diagnosis does is give you fuel to make your fires burn more ferociously then ever!
It is an honour for me to teach your son and for that i thank you.
Sending as much love as it is appropriate for a british person to express!! (oh hell lets go all american.... GEEZ I LOVE YA HONEY!) ;)
Kate xxxxxx
Jenn,
ReplyDeletesam was diagnosed twice and yet life is great...he is great. So, remember that Andrew is the same as he was before....you are right. It is what helped me with Sam.
Oh Jenn, we talked about this privately, an you know I support you 100%.
ReplyDeleteI can only add my own virtual hug and comfort to you.
ReplyDeleteJenn,
ReplyDeleteLove you much. Thinking of you.
Jenn, I agree 100% with Kate. Andrew was blessed to be given such an awesome mom, awesome as in, I'm in awe, not in "radically awesome". (though you are that too.)
ReplyDeleteSince we met I have known you to take on a challenge and come out the other side head high and no regrets.
YOU ROCK JENN!!!
And as far as my little friend Andrew...What can I say? I love that kid! Blessings and gifts come in all shapes, sizes and diagnosis.
Hugs and kisses to the family!!!
What? Did I miss something here? When did you find out? I remember you talking about concerns with his speech development but the last I remember reading he was doing well with that?
ReplyDeleteI don't know what to say...hugs to you and your family. Although I have not walked this road, there are many, many out there walking it so I am sure you will have lots of support! I love hearing your stories about Andrew - he is such a cutie!