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July 6, 2017
Silver Lining
So, two nights ago the outside of our house caught on fire.
And I worried I wouldn't have anything to write about this summer.
A little bit after nine o'clock on the fourth of July I had put the kids down, gotten into my pjs, and was preparing to watch the DC fireworks with my hubbie and honor our tradition of talking about our glory days when we used to actually go to the capitol to see them. As I was making my way to the kitchen to celebrate our nation's birth with ice cream and wine (they go great together, try it!) I heard a loud explosion between my house and my neighbor's. I had enough time to think what the hell that was as I ran to the door, which slammed open as my lovely neighbor screamed in my face that my house was on fire and to get out. I stepped outside to look and saw our huge spruce tree go up in smoke, and the side of our house, the outside wall to Justin's room, ablaze.
And I swear to you, time stopped.
I looked next to me to see my other lovely neighbor leading my youngest son out of the house. I could tell you as I ran for the stairs that a little "life flashing before my eyes" thing occurred. I could tell you that I thought about the fact that Justin can't scream for help. I could tell you that I prayed that smoke wasn't already overwhelming him. I could tell you I prayed for no fire to have insinuated its way into my son's bedroom. I could tell you those were my thoughts, but it wouldn't be true.
All I could think was a primal, "get Justin."
I want you all to know that generally getting Justin out of bed when he's asleep is a Herculean task that requires a great deal of chocolate prior to my getting him every morning. He only weighs fifteen pounds less than me now and is an inch taller, and our morning routine of excision from slumber is comical. I literally build in ten minutes just to get him out of bed, an act which requires me dragging his legs over the side, body rolling him, cajoling, begging, and occasionally cursing about the damn bus coming.
I never said I was a perfect mom.
I'm going to tell you moms that if you're ever worried about getting your severely autistic child to do something they completely do not want to do in a life-threatening situation, let your worries go. Those stories about moms lifting cars off their babies are true. As I ran up the stairs I felt a huge adrenaline rush go through me, and I swear that from the time I got to his room and got him out of the house no more than thirty seconds passed.
Wonder Woman has nothing on any of us.
We were all alive. My house didn't burn to the ground. Ironically, only Justin's room sustained real damage (figures!) and all will be fixed inside of a month. A terrible accident ends up only inconveniencing us.
We are lucky as hell and we know it.
This post will be a bit rambling today as I swear my brain is still processing everything, but so many things came out of that night. Our neighbors are amazing. Our town's police and fire workers are incredible, compassionate professionals. I learned that while waiting to see if my house would burn down that I have irreverent thoughts, like wondering if Justin thinks firetruck Santa is at our house and is pissed that we're not hosting him.
Sarah Silverman's "bygones" flitted through too.
I remembered that sometimes shit happens.
I remembered that when you can, it's important to forgive.
But the most amazing thing that happened that night was my children.
Both of my boys are on the spectrum. One has OCD as well, the other ADHD. Both love their routines, although my high-functioning kid can go with the flow.
I will share with you that going with the flow is not my eldest son's favorite thing.
When we got to my neighbor's house, my youngest son asked for tv, plopped on the couch, and said he couldn't wait to tell the kids at acting camp about this.
To Zach, life is always an adventure.
But the kid who stole the show was Justin. I will tell you as we made our way across the street to our neighbors' house, after knowing we were all safe and out of the house, that the first thought I had was "how the hell am I going to keep him here." And at first, I was right. Justin takes medication that makes him sleepy, and all that kid wanted to do was go back to sleep in his own bed. We had entered the house through the garage, and all he kept doing the first five minutes was lead me to that door, and put my hand on the knob.
Who needs words?
After several minutes of this (and realizing this could last for several hours) I lead my kid to the front door . I shifted him to the side windows, pointed to the fire trucks, and said "Justin, our house is on fire, it's not safe to go home now."
He stood there for another minute, walked over to the couch, and laid down.
This may not sound momentous, but it is. Even a few years ago there would have been a meltdown of epic proportions, with me body blocking both exits until midnight or until he wore himself out. The thing is, it's not that my boy doesn't understand what we're telling or asking him. It's that Justin wants what he wants when he wants it, and until fairly recently trying to explain to him why he couldn't have a sixth soft pretzel just didn't work because he didn't give a crap.
I secretly think he's just an exaggerated version of me. That is just how much I love carbs.
But this time my boy simply stopped protesting, and the kid who barely sleeps anywhere other than his own bed conked out beautifully on the couch.
And later, just to be super amazing, when we got back in the house and he went to his room and we showed him the damage and told him he couldn't sleep there, damned if that kid didn't turn around and hightail it to our bedroom and throw himself under the covers.
We'll just gloss over the fact that at 5:10 AM he decided it would be super fun to play on the computer.
So if you're wondering what my point is (I warned you this was rambling, it's your fault if you're still reading), there are several.
My kids are awesome.
All the hours of Early Intervention, the amazing school practitioners, the outside therapists, our insisting that Justin try new things and learn to accept "no" paid off.
That despite this work we wouldn't have had the same outcome even a few years ago- he was developmentally ready to accept his favorite pastime after eating was denied him, and he got over it.
I'll say it one more time- my kids are awesome.
They surprise me, move me, and make me proud every day.
I couldn't be more proud.
I love the hell out of them both.
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June 27, 2017
Try Something New
Ah, so much to share…
We're in week two of Justin's first summer hiatus, and there have been regressions and challenges. For the first time in years I've had to employ the angel guard on his seatbelt, as he was trying to get out of his seat to rearrange my CDs while I was driving (super fun, I know!). We went back to the days where he's perseverating on the DVD player by pushing the buttons over and over and over (and over) to the point where the poor thing is going to break. There's even been a bit of regression with toileting.
I'll spare you the details on that one.
But throughout the chaos, there's been light too.
About four months ago I got the crazy idea that Justin should try two new camps this summer. The truth is over the last five or six years Justin has not been big on trying new things. I am grateful that early on we got him out to places, because I believe that only since they're now in his repertoire he enjoys time at the beach, Great Adventure, the boardwalks, and a few other locations, even if they're for minimal amounts of time. To be fair in the last few years options for taking him places have dried up, so there haven't been many opportunities to stretch him.
But then I heard about these two camps, which coincided with finding out his current camps weren't running this year. So his momma decided to go for it.
The one camp I wasn't too worried about was his week of horseback riding, although I knew it would be with totally different people and in a different location from his usual Saturday stint. His first day he hugged me really hard when I said goodbye, but I just knew it would be okay, that he'd acclimate.
He loved it, and they loved him.
Our second attempt into camp world gave me more hesitation. Its activities included soccer, stretching, arts and crafts, all things Justin has traditionally shunned since he turned five. I wasn't sure he wouldn't be clutching his aide and plaintively saying "Mama" in an effort to be saved from yoga, but again, he surprised me. They told me he participated in everything, that he loved it.
And again, they loved him and were disappointed I'd only put him in for two days.
Justin is fourteen now, and entering his transition phase. In seven short years (and I've been told they go fast) he will be graduating high school, headed for the big unknown. I don't know what the future will bring for him, if I will be able to find a good day program for him, maybe a small job, eventually a place to live.
But I do know this.
No matter what his adult life entails, he will be asked to try new things, to go to new places, to adjust his routine and acclimate. He will be pushed and stretched to accept a new life, one that does not include his school, or one day living at home with his family.
And the best way I can help him to do that is to push him to stretch his limits now.
So I will continue to do this, even if the paperwork kills me (try applying for a Performcare aide, I dare you.) I will take chances for him, make the zillion appropriate phone calls, fill out the twenty page applications (by hand of course!) and keep trying to give him opportunities to grow. He deserves the most full and rewarding life possible.
And I'm going to do everything I can to see he gets it.
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June 12, 2017
The Secret
I saw you in the parking lot this morning. To be honest, I noticed you and your son while we were both checking out at the pharmacy, and given that I believe your boy, like mine, is on the spectrum, you were probably picking up medication like I was (I'm on a first name basis with all the pharmacists). I saw how you struggled to keep your possibly five-year-old son from running away, watched as compassion chased frustration across your face. When my boy let out a loud "eeee" I saw your head snap over and look at us. Our eyes met briefly- I offered you a smile, you returned it with gratitude.
Sometimes, when I'm having a tough moment with Justin, my severely autistic non-verbal boy, seeing someone else from our "tribe" can make all the difference.
I left a little bit after you, and saw you across the parking lot working to get your kid in the car, full-on meltdown in progress. I wished I could help you, but couldn't risk my boy wandering away, so I stowed son and meds in the car and left. When I glanced behind me I saw you get into your seat, hopefully crisis averted.
I want you to know I was once you.
We're in a much better place now. And because you're one of my tribe, I'm going to tell you our secret to getting there.
Not too many years ago I'd take Justin out, my body on full alert, never knowing how he'd respond to our errand or outing. Sometimes the event went beautifully- sometimes I was struggling to even get him out of the car. I kept at these trips though, believing that getting him acclimated to the car, to waiting, to sometimes having to make a change in plans would pay off down the road, offset the bruises and bite marks that often bore witness to my grand plan to get him out in the world. Some days I wondered whether or not it was worth it.
It was.
Back then, around the kindergarten/first grade years, everything seemed hard. Potty training took over a year and two separate attempts. Eating anything other than a carb was hit or miss. Crying and meltdowns were a staple of our existence.
Sleep was an elusive dream. I really, really missed it.
As stubborn as my boy can be his mother is even more so, and we perservered. I continued to take him out, and over time, he'd come to me with sneakers in hand begging to go somewhere. Using meds and different techniques we learned how to soothe our boy to sleep, for which I am eternally grateful. A couple of years ago I even got my kid to like lettuce and broccoli (my crowning achievement, it will go on my tombstone).
Eventually, his primary emotion was happiness.
We still struggle. Justin has an ancillary diagnosis of OCD, and while medication defuses it, the disorder is a bigger challenge for us than his autism. When enmeshed in the throes of it he is almost manic, impossible to divert, unhappy. Fortunately medication has alleviated some of the symptoms, and when he's free of its shackles, he is joyful, engaged with his family, at peace.
We try to help him be in that place as much as possible.
About eleven years into our autism journey our boy seemed to relax, and we found ourselves not having to watch his every move, follow him room to room, always wonder with a little panic in our hearts where Justin was. It took a long time to get to this place. We prefer to dwell here.
And I know, although your boy may be only five, it may seemed you've already lived a lifetime with him.
I never promise anyone things will get better. But as I watch you speed away I wish I'd had the opportunity to tell you that the landscape of my life, the ease with which we generally get through the day, is nothing I could have predicted would happen all those years ago when I struggled multiple times daily with my boy.
I promised I'd tell you our secret, so here it is.
First, get help when you can, from your child's school, or from an ABA therapist if appropriate. Tackle one issue at a time, be open to trying different approaches, you never know what will work. Take care of yourself, take a break from your child when you can.
Admit defeat at times, and go on to tackle something new.
And the secret? The reason my non-verbal severely autistic son loves his life, and my mildly autistic son is shedding his 504 and running for class president? It's this- don't miss it.
The secret, my struggling friend in the parking lot, is a tenacious grip on hope that things will get better. It's being relentless in chasing after happiness, peace, and a safe world for your child and family.
The secret is never giving up.
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June 5, 2017
A Good Life
I want you to know that I see you. You're the mom sitting with your daughter as she does yet one more task for her Early Intervention provider who is gushing over her accomplishments. You're the dad sitting in on the IEP meeting hearing about all the progress your son is making, listening gratefully to how proud they are of all the goals your son has attained. You're the parent whose child is young, so very young to carry those letters around, and things are so much better since she started therapy or he entered school. Your child is often happy and engaged. After months of evaluations and long waits for doctor's visits, you can finally breathe.
But that voice inside that's been a constant companion for months tells you that your daughter is doing great, but will stay on the severe end of the spectrum. The voice is telling you that despite potty training and those few precious syllables, your son will need lifetime care. It's the voice that despite all the lovely Early Intervention reports and school progress reports, refuses to go away.
That voice was my constant companion a decade ago, and for my eldest son, it was right.
I have two boys on the spectrum. My eldest is fourteen and on the severe end of the spectrum, and my youngest at ten is only mildly affected. I became pregnant with my youngest when my eldest son was three, and watched my typically developing toddler lose all his words and the light in his eyes when he was eighteen months old. In the space of two months he lost a year's worth of milestones in all domains. I later watched in wonder as he entered therapy and regained his words, once again mastered those milestones, and recovered his spark. It didn't happen overnight. There were no miracle drugs, no unproven therapeutic interventions. The truth is he got less attention than his big brother had when I was doing thirty hours a week of ABA with him myself in Virginia because Early Intervention options in the Old Dominion in 2004 sucked. My youngest simply improved monthly, weekly, daily, to the point that he's now in double digits, and we just rescinded his 504.
And somewhere, maybe a year into his amazing improvements, I knew my eldest's severe symptoms were here to stay.
There wasn't one lightbulb "Aha!" moment when I knew Justin would need lifetime care. The realization just slowly came over me, particularly as I watched my youngest defy many people's expectations (some of his doctors were completely doom and gloom, we ditched them) and once again return to the ebullient boy we had known. Justin certainly made progress, but communication was minimal even after having tried a variety of devices, words were nonexistent, and his meltdowns and sleep issues and eating constraints were slow to dissipate.
At some point I just knew his progress would never reflect his little brother's. And I will tell you the truth; it was a realization I mourned.
I am a "suck it up" kind of gal, but I will tell you there was a period of time where I was simply distraught. It's either a blessing or a curse that I'm a big picture person, and I was unable to envision a version of adult life for Justin that did not encompass any of the things I thought he'd need to be content- college, friends, a career, independence. I truly grieved the loss of those events for him, honestly felt he could not lead a joyful, fulfilled life without them.
Ten years later and after a lot of soul-searching as to what truly makes my son happy, I no longer feel this way.
My fourteen-year-old son with limited communication skills, intellectual disability, and accompanying OCD, is happy. When I say happy, I mean that when not immersed in the throes of OCD he is affectionate, engaged with his chosen few, and exuberant. He loves his school. He loves his house. He loves salted pretzels (who doesn't?). He loves his life, without the promise of the neurotypical path his parents took. He is, in his own way with his DVDs and Baby Einstein clips on YouTube, fulfilled.
I realized that all those expectations I had, those requirements for a happy life, were mine, and mine alone.
I want to be clear that this realization that my son didn't need my life plan to love his life comes coupled with the knowledge that I will most likely not be here to protect him for his entire lifespan. Honestly, it is a constant source of distress for me. I often envision living to one hundred sixteen to his eighty and going out in one great sigh together, but I know that won't happen (although if I could will it, I would). Over time I've learned to compartmentalize this sadness, but not deny it. It's just that I want to be here, present, to enjoy my sons' collective progress, their indomitable spirits, their joy in their unique lives.
There is so much good here. I don't want to miss a minute.
So I see your smile, the one you've plastered on because it's the appropriate thing to do even as your heart hurts from the weight of a future you just don't know yet. I see you. I won't promise it will all work out okay, because no one, not even the most brilliant professional, can do that for you.
However, I will say this. Mourn when you need to. Talk about your fears to people who live what you're going through. Get it all out, and take care of yourself while you do.
And remember this; even in the altered landscape of your lives, leave yourself open to hope, and to the possibility of happiness.
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May 30, 2017
Ten Things to Do After Your Autistic Child's Program is Set
It seems impossible, but somehow you've crossed everything off your initial to-do list, and your son or daughter is set. Maybe he is now firmly ensconced in an Early Intervention program, and you've already booked the eight million school evaluations required to get him into a pre-school program. Perhaps your daughter is older and has just entered a classroom, spent a few weeks there and is doing well. You've dotted your I's and crossed your T's, and for once there's no phone call to make, no appointment to schedule. You've gotten the help your child needs.
And perhaps as you're enjoying a latte (which I hope you are, you deserve it), you wonder what's next.
First of all, make sure you savor the moment. Take the time to celebrate your successful navigation of your state's Early Intervention system or your school district's IEP team, and give yourself about twenty hugs and buy yourself a little something fun.
Then take a deep breath, gird your loins, and move on to the next phase of your life with an autistic child.
I remember being at that phase, with my eldest son who is severely autistic being enrolled at three-and-a-half in a full day pre-school program and pregnant with my second child. While part of me wanted desperately to sit in bed all day and watch "Sex and the City" re-runs, I knew there was still a lot to do that I'd put off while trying to get the appropriate services for my child and dealing with our move to a new state. Here are ten things I did (or wish I'd done) after the ink dried on my son's IEP.
1) No matter how exhausted you are, get your child out in the community. It was a struggle with us with Justin (I have the tiny little bitemarks on my body to prove it) but getting him out so he could have a repertoire of leisure activities was crucial to his happiness and to our family's. It set him up for a lifetime of being able to try different things, which will set him in good stead when I'm no longer here to take him places. Yes, I'm always planning.
2) If you haven't already done so, join a parent group and/or your school district's special education PTA. You will make invaluable connections at both. Try to find parents of kids with your kid's level of autism as you're making friends. These people will be a wealth of information for you and a lifeline.
3) If you can afford it, hire an advocate to check out your child's school program. A fresh set of eyes may see areas that need to improve, or may reassure you that they are doing all they can for your son or daughter. It's always good to know one in case you need an advocate at an IEP meeting. If you've already met you won't be scrambling to find one.
4) If possible, volunteer at school functions or offer to be a class mom. This is a great way to get to know your child's teacher and your school's administrators better. You may also make friends with other parents too.
5) No matter how difficult your child can be, take any offer of babysitting you can and get out. You need a night off from autism once in a while. Even if it's for a few hours, a break will help.
6) Now that your child's program is set tackle the big issues one at a time- perhaps it's sleeping, or eating, or potty training. If your child is in a private school there may be a BCBA on staff who can help you. If not and you can afford it, consider hiring a BCBA from an agency. Pick an issue and prioritize.
7) Educate your friends and family as to what's going on in your household. Perhaps you've been too tired up to this point to talk to people not in the "tribe" about what raising an autistic child is really like. It's time to tell them and ask for the support you need, even if it's just an ear to listen. My husband and I kept too much to ourselves, and if I could go back in time I'd be more open with everyone in our lives.
8) Make those doctor appointments for yourself that you've been putting off. Just do it.
9) Get involved in an autism walk in your community. It is so powerful to meet so many families like (and unlike) yours. It will give you strength.
10) I can't stress this one enough- take care of yourself, not just your kid. Autism is a marathon, not a sprint. You owe it to yourself and your child to be whole, healthy, and happy. Do whatever it takes to get there.
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May 22, 2017
An Act of Kindness
A few weeks ago my mom and my eldest son, who has severe autism, went on one of their favorite outings- a movie and lunch. My mom is an old pro at this by now, and Justin revels in the routine, the same movie theater, the same restaurant, hell, the same lunch. I know he enjoys these days, as does my mom, as he's always well-behaved (except for the occasional grab at a customer's lunch, but we've found people are remarkably nice about losing a fry or two). This last outing, in truth, was nothing special.
Except this time, it was.
I've been noticing on the news and on my Facebook feed that my fellow countrymen seems to be more prone these days to random acts of kindness. Just a short time ago my mom and son were the beneficiaries of one of these acts of generosity, as a couple a few tables down from them paid for their lunch and left before my mom was even made aware of it.
A true act of generosity is when you don't stick around for the accolades.
I asked my mom if she'd had a hard time with Justin that day, if perhaps his behavior had prompted the couple to feel sympathy for my mom, but that wasn't the case. Justin was an angel as usual. I'm guessing our lovely benefactors simply saw a grandma and a disabled teen eating lunch together, and were moved to show their support. Perhaps they were impressed by my son's behavior. Perhaps they have a family member on the spectrum.
Perhaps they just felt like doing something nice.
I understand the anonymity, but I wish I could thank them in person. The truth is if this had happened to me and Justin years and years ago I probably would have bawled my eyes out as I really needed some random acts of kindness back in the day. My mom said the waitress teared up as she told my mom what they had done, and mentioned she had a nephew on the spectrum.
It seems everyone has a connection to autism these days.
I love that someone did this for my mom and Justin. The truth is, I don't even need to know why. It's just another sign to me that there is not only increased awareness of autism, but also an increased acceptance of autism. It just seems to me it's another sign that my boy is okay exactly the way he is.
And to that couple out there who made my mom's day, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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May 15, 2017
Birthday Boy
My dearest Justin,
Last week you turned fourteen. It happened to be field day at your school, and your smile when you saw me waiting for you to perform was magnificent.
That smile carries me many days.
I usually have a variety of emotions on your birthday. I always take time to remember the first moment I heard your cry and held you in my arms- my firstborn, bright with promise. It took about three years and a lot of doctors to get you here, and your dad and I were beyond ecstatic when you graced us with your presence. Your arrival made us a family. It launched me into the role I was born into (if you believe in such a thing).
The reason I'm ambivalent on your birthdays has nothing to do with your "label," or even the dreams I had for you when I was still hosting you. I am mostly past feeling sad that you will never go to college, marry, or enjoy the trappings of a more "conventional life" (whatever that is these days), because in my mother's heart I know you don't miss these things. You are truly happy with your DVDs and your YouTube videos of Baby Einstein. When not in the throes of an OCD episode you are blissfully happy.
Most days, it is enough.
No, I'm not ambivalent about your birthdays because of your "now." I'm ambivalent because of your future. You see, birthday boy, your mom reads a lot, and talks to lots of people about what's coming down the pike as you enter your transition years.
By the way, just yesterday you were snuggled into a perfect fit in my arms, so how did this happen?
Some people call post-21 the cliff.
Some say they've been able to create fulfilling lives for their adult autistic children.
I want you to know with every inch of my soul I'm shooting for the latter.
I also want you to know that last week I did something different- I pushed the ambivalence down and lived in the moment (!) and just reveled in who you are, did not imagine who you will be or what will happen to you.
I'm very, very proud of myself.
You are strong, mercurial, funny, kind, smart, and abundantly affectionate.
Your hugs are the best thing in the universe.
I love you at every core of my being, and I will fight for you with my last breath.
You are my heart.
Happy birthday to my not-so-much-a-boy anymore.
I love you.
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May 8, 2017
Mother's Day Love Note
Dear Justin and Zach,
This coming Sunday I will celebrate my fourteenth Mother's Day as a mom, and I thought it would be nice if I wrote you both a little note to say thanks for making me one.
I'm not quite sure how it happened that I have a teenager and another kid in double digits when I still feel (inside!) like I'm twenty-five, but here we are.
Time happens.
I always wanted to be a mom. Although I wasn't so much into Barbies and dolls when I was little I was into your uncle (until he could move around and get into my stuff), and I just naturally gravitated toward babies and kids. Actually liking children was one of the reasons I ended up being a teacher (there were others, the phenomenal pay was not one), and from an early age I knew I wanted two. One of the things that cemented my relationship with your father was that he knew he and his wife should never be outnumbered by their progeny.
He was a keeper.
If you haven't realized this by now your mom is a planner, and I admit I once had a different idea of how things were going to turn out. I learned a lot from being an educator, as in only hope for happy and healthy, which, despite autism, I got.
And for that boys, I am eternally grateful.
I admit, that twenty-something year plan I had in mind did not include autism. I did not think I'd have two kids with the disorder, one mildly affected, one severe. Autism was just not on my radar. I'd had a few students with Aspergers in my career, and occasionally there'd be something about an autistic savant on tv, but autism wasn't really a household world at the turn of the century.
Although I'm certain that for those families with kids who have it, it was.
So when I was carrying you Justin I never often entertained that any of my kids would be autistic, or would have anything more to worry about than possibly being very short (a gift from me) or a bit clumsy (a gift from Dad). I really felt like if I gave both my kids a five star womb hotel it would all work out. I thought I had some control.
But the truth is the universe had a different plan in mind for all of us. Justin, you really showed signs from birth, signs like not sleeping and awful reflux that we attributed to colic and being a difficult baby. Zach, you developed typically until eighteen month when following an illness you lost all your works, developed a rash along the entirety of your body, and most distressing, lost the light in your eyes.
Good times.
Honestly, you two really made me work for that mom title. I initially thought I'd have a leg up on parenthood after teaching all those years, but as John Snow would say, "I knew nothing." For years, I worried you two would never sleep (that worry was for me and your dad too). I worried you'd never eat anything other than a carb (and while I get that urge, it's not always the healthiest path to take). I worried you'd never have friends. I worried we'd never be close (I could have ditched that one early). I worried you'd both never be happy.
I always worried.
Years passed (some required more chocolate and wine than others), and somehow, without my noticing it, life became easier. Justin, when you are not in the throes of an OCD obsession you are productive, happy, content. Zach, as you've matured it's become so much easier for you to navigate school, social situations, and those ever-increasing life choices. I still carry the worry, don't get me wrong. Every single day I worry about creating a stellar life plan for your adulthood Justin. Zach, I still worry sometimes about your life plans of a wife, kids, college, and owning the rights to Minecraft (it's good to have dreams).
I still worry. I always will. But I can honestly tell you at this present time I no longer carry around the dread.
I want to thank you for giving me this life-altering, sometimes frustrating, sometimes exhilarating, magnificent role of being mother to both of you. I want to thank you for these things, and for so much more.
Zach, I want to thank you for being such a help with your big brother (even though sometimes you don't want to).
Justin, I want to thank you for working so hard and for the stellar behavior you display for everyone at your treasured school.
Zach, I want to thank you for always challenging me to see things from a different point of view, and for widening my world.
Justin, I want to thank you for teaching me patience and the ability to open my mind to different kinds of happiness.
Zach, I want to thank you for your infectious laugh and for not making fun of me for having to google answers to all of your many questions.
Justin, I thank you for the glory that is your "nighttime self," for the satisfied grin and kiss you bestow on me every night, and the fierce hug I get before you slip into slumber.
Thank you for letting me share your worlds.
I love you both.
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May 1, 2017
The Weight of It
Today we ran into each other at the grocery store. We don't know each other well, but our kids have been in the same class together several years now, and once we were very compatible room mothers. We chat about our kids (of course), their school, how fast summer is approaching. It's the obligatory two to three minutes of conversation, but truth be told we both like each other, and despite our long list of things to accomplish that day we're happy to have seen one another.
I think in another lifetime we would have been friends. Hell, I like your daughter so much had she been born thirty years earlier we would have been friends too.
I have lots of acquaintanceships and friendships after living here more than a decade now. A number of my relationships have a great deal more depth to them (my cub scout wife comes to mind, thank God she volunteered to "be prepared" too), and a handful of them are moms to autistic kids as well. I made sure to make friends with moms of kids in both the severe and mild camps, as frankly while I know it's a spectrum (who doesn't now) my kids' "autisms" present as totally different entities, with so little crossover to call them both just "autistic" is laughable.
Okay, I'm not laughing, but you know what I mean.
The truth is, I really only unburden myself to the other autism mommies, in part because to explain what's really going on at home would take a lot more time than two to three minutes (understatement of the century), and in part because I need the people I vent to to just "get it." My mommy friends of "high-functioning " (a label I hate) kids get my angst when my youngest has a friend issue or has decided he'll never take care of his older brother when he's older because he's too much work (which I really, really get, but one can have hope). My "low-functioning" (another label I hate) mommy friends talk me off the ledge when I talk about sleep deprivation/potty issues/ his overwhelming need to hide my keys twelve times a day and know just to listen and not suggest anything, because I've been on the autism rodeo for fourteen years, and damned if there isn't anything left to try.
Believe me, I'm A type. I'm thorough.
I know, my grocery store friend, we see each other fairly often. I'm the one in the decent-looking blue t-shirt after school trying to interest seven boys in a scouting program that just got with the twenty-first century. I'm at PTA meetings (although I've backslided this year). I volunteer at school for various events I'm not sure my son cares if I attend anymore (he says he does, but perhaps he just knows how to work his mom). I usually have a smile on my face (I once won a scouting award which touted I was "Kim Happy Clown McCafferty," which was accurate on so many levels it was uncanny.) I look happy. I am happy.
But there's this too.
I won't even attempt to speak for other parents of autistic children here. There's not just a spectrum for our kids, there's one for the parents as well. I have read essays and even met parents of severely autistic children who literally wouldn't change a thing about their kids because they believe it might change the core of who they are. I have read pieces by and met parents of severely affected kids who would do anything for a cure, who would get them to take that magic pill no matter how many pill-swallowing programs their kid had to attend to get that damn magic down their gullet. For the record, I'm somewhere in between "autism is unicorns and rainbows" and "suck it out of him."
Where I am on that spectrum depends on the day. Hell, sometimes it depends on the minute.
The truth is I vacillate on many things that affect my beautiful, severely affected teen-aged boy. There are some days I am deeply sad about my boy never attending college, getting married, or driving a car (okay, maybe not that one so much). Some days my rational mind tells me he doesn't think about these things (yes, I presume competence, no, a child still entranced by Baby Einstein in puberty is not worrying about his ACT scores) and is mostly happy with his life, and I should just be grateful for that.
And I am. And despite the accompanying OCD that often threatens the fragile harmony of our family he is happy and thriving. It's just that when things disappear constantly on his fifty-year-old mother who desperately needs visual cues, sometimes I am not.
Autism mostly happens to the individual who has it, but it happens to the rest of the family too.
If I'm being perfectly honest with you dear acquaintance, I function, I present that smiling countenance to the world because I compartmentalize. You see, my son's age and impending adult have arrived, and that "future thing" I put on the shelf because I was trying to get him to pee in the potty for a year-and-a-half has come to call. This fall will be his first transition IEP, and while I know his amazing, "Disney World-esque school" (I know it's not a word but it should be) will do their best by my boy, the reality of post twenty-one is scary as hell.
The truth is, contemplating his future, is, well, impossible. You see, even if his dad and I can figure out something worthwhile and safe for him most days after twenty-one; even if we can find a safe residence he'll actually stay in when technically he's old enough to drink; even if we can fashion a world that will never be as wonderful to him as his school placement but will hopefully keep him happy enough the problem is, his dad and I will die.
And planner that I am, even I can't get out of this one.
I am confident that his little brother will play some role in his care-keeping, even if it doesn't involve living with him. His cousins are close enough to his age I'm sure they will check in on him as hubbie and I approach our dotage, and will do so after our deaths. I'm hopeful I can figure out what the hell to do with him, as the "group home versus "buy a place with our last dime and staff it" options are a constant melody in my mind. Frankly, I mostly block out the statistics on his chances of being sexually assaulted or left in a van to die (and no, I'm not being dramatic) because these issues are too painful to contemplate, and even I can't help him from beyond the grave.
But damn, I'd give it my best try.
The truth is, the weight of his future world is always there. It's there when I slink into the back of a PTA meeting fifteen minutes late because I had to help my husband get my son upstairs for bed. It's there when I'm hoping for forty-five minutes of solitude at my youngest's karate class because that afternoon was soul-grindingly hard. It's there when things are actually good and I'm just directing kids through an obstacle course at field day.
It's there when I run into you in the produce section, the products of which are still considered an abomination by both my kids.
That weight, that tangible weight, is always there, no matter how deep my smile, or if I remembered your name. Please know that's why I might have forgotten what you do for a living, or why I halved my volunteer services this year because I'm just too damn tired. Despite the beautiful, vindicating, soul-strengthening moments I have with my family, that weight, that uncertainty, that impossibility, is always there too.
So please, just know.
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April 24, 2017
Dear Future Daughter-in-law
Dear Future Daughter-in-law,
For the record, I'm planning on still being around when my son marries you, but I was pretty damn old when I had him and I'm a "planner," so just in case I thought I should write down a few things I had to say to you.
First of all, and I hope you know this already, you hit the jackpot.
I know, you're probably thinking this is just the opinion of a loving mom, but honestly, you have. You see, since the age of ten our boy has been talking about getting married, settling down with his four or five kids (yup, hoping you two make some money,) and being totally devoted to the person he presently calls his "soul mate."
Trust me, your man is not a player.
If you're planning on walking down that long aisle with him I'm assuming there are some things about him that you already know. Clearly, he's handsome (yes I'm biased,) intelligent, and funny. He loves technology and little kids (he begged me for a little sister but the store was closed.) He is passionate about everything he is interested in, and that includes you and your future progeny. He can't cook but he cleans up after himself (you can thank me now.) He loves you fully and utterly, your perfections and your imperfections equally. Frankly, he is a catch.
He is also mildly autistic.
I don't know if this has caused you any anxiety at all, but I think we should talk about it. When our boy was little he definitely struggled with his disorder. There were sleep issues (a gift to his entire family,) eating issues, and some anxiety about the world around him too. Just know that me and your future father-in-law and about a million other people worked our butts off to help alleviate these problems (yup, you can thank us again,) all of which eventually resolved themselves with time. With hard work on his part, and equally important, maturity, he evolved into the confident, kind, amazing adult that he is today.
He is still autistic. He'll never "outgrow" it. And for him, it's been a gift.
Honestly, if any other parents ever read this missive there may be some eye-rolling at my last statement, but it's true. Granted, in his early years I needed a lot more chocolate (and wine) to get through the day sometimes, but the difficulties presented by his autism were more than outweighed by the abilities that came with it- that prodigious memory, his ease with reading at age three, and his unique world view which continues to surprise and delight those around him even now. I literally can't separate him from his autism, and I wouldn't want to try.
And I hope, if you love him as much as you say, you love all of him.
There's a saying that when you get married you marry the family too (so true by the way, an aphorism right up there with "It is what it is" and "one day at a time,") and I know you might be a little concerned about your brother-in-law, who is severely autistic. I want you to know that your man told me very clearly at age nine that while he loved his brother he didn't want to take care of him when he grew up because he was a lot of work (yup, he's perceptive too.) His father and I are planning on never having you two take care of him in-house. That said, I hope you'll respect him and check up on him, and hopefully love him too. Because the truth is he is eminently loveable, and has been instrumental in teaching compassion and kindness to the father of your future children.
Yes, I know I'm laying it on thick here, but I really love this particular kid too.
You may also be worried about your kids being autistic, and I think we should talk about this too. They're still figuring out the causes (I'm hoping if I make it to one hundred they'll have it figured out, it's a goal,) but genetics definitely plays a part. If you look at our boy's family tree there's enough quirky but bright individuals to lead me to believe that genetics is in play for this family, and I know this may concern you.
I know it concerned me when I was pregnant with your boy.
The truth is hon, while your chances of having a kid on the spectrum may be elevated, there's a chance that even if he was in the "neurotypical crowd" you two would make an autistic kid anyway. The truth is life is full of surprises, twists and turns. Having two autistic kids was definitely not in my life plan (understatement,) but it happened, and your father-in-law and I handled it. I won't lie to you. Some days, it sucked. There were times when they were young that we were literally hanging on hour to hour, wondering if things would ever get better, looking for help (hence the wine and chocolate.) Sometimes, if I'm being quite honest with you, our home life was brutal.
But the truth is, we got through the dark days, and both kids grew to be immeasurable easier, and so did our lives. I wouldn't go back to those days for any amount of money (hell no!) but I will tell you they made us stronger, and made our marriage stronger too. Having autism in the house made me more compassionate, and definitely more patient (a struggle for me.)
And I promise you this. I will always be honest with you about autism, and anything else.
I want you to know if any of your kids are in the "autism club," me and your father-in-law will be there by your side through everything. We will help you.
Maybe even more importantly, we will get it.
You two will not be alone.
I can't tell you how happy I was when our boy told me he put a ring on your finger. You are kind, compassionate and loving, you "get" our boy, and most importantly, you make him deliriously happy.
Which makes me deliriously happy too.
We love you.
We're thrilled you chose our boy to love.
Welcome to our family.
Follow me on Facebook at Autism Mommy-Therapist


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Author: G.V. Davane
A distinguished scholar who has had a lifetime engagement with Sanskrit studies: ranging from the Vedic samhitas to contemporary literary criticism, Professor Davane here offers at once insightful, highly stimulating perspectives on diversely varied themes from classical Sanskrit literature, poetics, linguistics, dramaturgy, history, mythology and legendary narratives. And, these apart, brilliant reinterpretations of the Vedic views of the moon, samudra (ocean), dreams and deep sleep.
Reviewing the gamut of kavya definitions and its scope, in terms of the literary genres it encompasses, the book critically examines, for the first time, Rajashekhara's view of shabdaharana (verbal borrowings), kavisamayas (conventional poetic ideas) in Sahityashastra, and the progression of rasanishpatti in classical Sanskrit literature. It also seeks to gauge Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. P.V. Kane's contribution to Sanskrit poetics -- rather than his oft-appraised work on Dharmashastra.
Dr. Davane marshals an astonishing mass of original literary sources to highlight the all-expansive influence of Kalidasa's unparalleled Iyric: Meghaduta, on classical writings, the richness of Banabhatta's utprekshas (poetic imagination), the emergence of Sarasvati as a pantheonic deity, and how Sita, the epitome of ideal womanhood, has been varyingly portrayed by over twenty Sanskrit playwrights. Also shown, in addition, are the legends/myths about Samudra-manthana, Amritamanthan, Rahu-Ketu, Udayana, and Dhanvantari, in their altogether fresh perspectives.
This composition of Prof. Davane's writings is an essential reading for the scholars/researchers of Vedic and Classical Sanskrit literature.

subset: commoncrawl


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It looks like the blue brand WWE Superstars won't be "talking smack" about each other late-Tuesday nights any longer.
According to a report by PWInsider.com, WWE has cancelled their weekly SmackDown Live post-show, "Talking Smack," effective as of this week.
The final episode of the show, which was hosted by Renee Young and often featured Daniel Bryan and/or Shane McMahon, and featured the return of "free agent" John Cena.
WWE Talking Smack has been airing on the WWE Network dating back to August of 2016.


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Since the days of the early Greeks, Romans, and Chinese, when, archaeologists believe, ice and snow was stored in caves for use during warm weather,1 man has been practicing thermal-energy storage (TES).
TES is achieved through two mechanisms: sensible-energy storage and latent-energy storage. Sensible-energy storage is accomplished by decreasing the temperature of the stored medium. Latent-energy storage is accomplished by changing the phase of the stored medium. F
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A Child's Christmas
NOOK Book(eBook - Original)
There's a stranger at the door on Christmas Day
Single mother Paige Summerville wants to give her seven-year-old son the Christmas of his dreams. Jason needs surgery to beat the illness that's plagued his young life, leaving Paige desperate to make ends meet. So she turns to a charity that grants the wishes of sick children
Then a stranger arrives bearing gifts for Jasonand for her. He's Daniel Kinsley, a lawyer who's grown cynical about family. But his kindness in making Jason's wishes come true offers him more than he ever imagined. Is there room in Paige's heart for a man who could fulfill all their dreams? And not just at Christmas!
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About the Author
Kate spent much of her childhood abroad before attending university in Canada. She built a successful business career, but her passion has always been literature. As a result Kate turned her energy to her love of the written word. Kate's goal is to entertain her readers with engaging stories featuring strong, likable characters. Kate has been honored with numerous awards for her writing. She and her husband, Ken, enjoy traveling and the outdoors with their beloved Labrador Retrievers.
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I received A Child's Christmas for a honest review. This was a heartwarming story that captivates you from the first page. For me personally this story was a tearjerker. As the story hit closely to home, on the pages I didn't have tears in my eyes I was mopping them up. I think Kate did a great job portraying some of the everyday struggles and worries a Mother has when they have a child with underlying health issues. Paige has been taking care of her son for years on her own, but this Christmas year after her neighbor talks her into accepting some help. Having been so touched by Jason, Paige's son, Daniel a businessman decides to sponsor them as a Christmas Angel. Daniel is a cynical man who finds he wants to get into the spirit of Christmas for Jason's sake. Paige and Daniel the both of them so fearful of being hurt and having to rely on anyone, struggle along the way trying to find their way together. This is a definite read for Christmas time. It's filled with hope, friendship, and love.
~Received For Honest Review~ All you need is a blanket, comfortable place to relax and a box of tissue before you start reading this book. Get ready to start an emotional journey while you read this story. Heart felt emotions. Realistic character and a heart breaking plot.
4 stars I love the cover it fits the book. I was afraid this might be too sad, but it was not. Sure parts were emotional and it tugs on your emotions. It is a good Christmas story. It is full of drama, joy, loveable characters and a clean read. Paige Summerville is a single mother. She lives in a apartment with good neighbors. Her son's cancer is back and if the treatment and surgery is not done he won't live till next Christmas. Paige really wants to give him the best Christmas she can. Daniel Kinsley is a lawyer who is asked to help give a seven year old his Christmas wish. Daniel is a divorce attorney. He decides to help give Jason everything he wants. The train he ordered was not ready till the last moment so he took it right to Jason's home against the rules. Jason is seven year old battling cancer for the third time. He has not seen his dad since he got cancer the first time. He is a fun loving talented artist. Daniel ends up sharing Christmas with Jason and Paige. He feels happier than ever. He wants to stay in their lives and asks Paige out. Jason has the cutest personality. I laughed and smiled while reading A Child's Christmas. I am already thinking of ways I can be like Daniel and help where I can. I would read more books like this one from Kate James in the future. It is really a heart warming story. I was given this ebook to read from Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give honest review of A Child's Christmas.


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I knew right away it wasn't just one defective phone. Restart the Phone If the problem persists even after removing the protective covering of your device, try to restart it. Now you just need to fix the "broken" multitasking/memory/task management and we will be very happy... 0 4 years ago Reply AfroDude99 Instead of fussing, and crying over a manufacturer's 'mistake', Sign in 43 Loading... http://virtualthought.net/not-working/htc-one-home-button-not-working.html
Could you clarify how it should be positioned? The Possible Causes of the the HTC One Problem in Home and Back Keys The most probable cause of this particular HTC One problem is that there might be an obstruction I'm disappointed. 0 4 years ago Reply Impulses Personally, I think this is the best solution by far... HTC has it's own multitasking issues, plural, there's the over aggressive memory management and the funky WebOS style card menu for app switching... https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/201484/Capacitive+buttons+not+working
Next day I realize my camera will not focus on anything further away that two feet. If you also want to delete media and other data on HTC One, select Erase all data. 5. Bottom part of the screen was unresponsive to multi touch. TheHandheldBlog 138,443 views 9:13 HTC One Camera: Everything You Need To Know - Duration: 11:02.
But mine drove me nuts. We have a few ideas that might help. I managed to dry the motherboard and everything. Htc 10 Back Button Not Working Workaround: If you tap lock and then unlock, or tap on the touchscreen and then try the buttons again, you might find that they are more responsive.
For a few days i noticed that all the 3 hardware buttons become less and less responsive and then yesterday they suddenly stopped responding completely. Htc One S Bottom Buttons Not Working Issam A.F 18,346 views 5:34 20+ Tips and Tricks for the HTC One - Duration: 14:46. If you have trouble sending messages then go to Settings > Bluetooth > Advanced and make sure that Message access is on.
There have been several reports of build quality problems with gaps between the plastic and metal, strange bulges, mysterious scratches on the body, and edges that feel rough to the touch.
And some new devices work like old devices." Confused? Capacitive Buttons Not Working Android Glitch: Camera won't work If you find that the camera on your HTC One refuses to load then you are not alone, and there is a potential solution. You can enter Safe Mode as well to determine whether recently installed apps are causing the lags or the unresponsiveness of your HTC One keys. Now you will find that the Back and Home buttons are little more responsive than before. Source - www.guidingtech.com3.
I dunno why anyone would prefer a locked in option (Samsung) rather than the choice to have it set however you want. $20 says if manufacturers are still using capacitive buttons Adam I had the same problem with HTC One X. Htc Desire Home Button Not Working You should also start up the Play Store app and access the menu from the top left, go to My apps and make sure everything is up to date. Htc M8 Home Button Not Working Reply 05-15-2012,08:21 AM #2 theroar Posts 2 Posts Re: Bottom buttons not working but touch screen is fine Same issue...
I could live with it I thought, but it bugs the heck out of me sitting in the dark. I'm really hoping they drop that for Jelly Bean, it's the only part of Sense 4.0 that stays too far from stock Android (UI-wise). I am struggling to get it fix. http://virtualthought.net/not-working/home-button-iphone-not-working.html Sound Systems - Auditory Research in Sound Enhancement - Deuteronomy 2.3.3 15th May 2016 Android Software Development
Not all apps are updated to 3.x< APIs 2. Bottom Buttons Not Working But Touch Screen Is Fine I have a 14 day return window from the 19th of April. CiDhed Same here, mine has been perfect.
As soon as I told the clerk why I wanted to swap she said "that's a known issue". It's sad really as I've owned just about all of the HTC phones on Sprint (EVO, 3D, LTE). Before it goes crazy with non-working buttons, i just start to use a Bluetooth headset (discovery 975), after pairing with it for a time i use normal both device. Htc One S Capacitive Buttons Not Working With the Galaxy Nexus you're constantly giving up screen space for the buttons.
I even flash 5.1 on HTC with no problem. I read that replacing the screen might solve the problem, but after looking at the process for that I'm not sure that I can attempt that repair, are there any other Got Android Questions? © 2016 TheDroidGuy.com Back to Top Skip to main content Android Central Forums Ask a Question New Posts Trending Discussions Android Nougat Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Honor 8 http://virtualthought.net/not-working/android-home-and-back-button-not-working.html Report shows Motorola is the fastest to roll out updates < > Pixel Galaxy S7 Galaxy Note 7 Honor 8 Best Android Tablets Best Smartwatch Best Chromebook Honor Best microSD Cards
I know right. I like the removable battery, repair-ability, better camera pics. Elizabeth Kartini — November 14, 2016 Lifestyle10 Ways To Promote Your Music The music industry is inundated with successful musicians and it can be difficult to promote your music. Google+ | Twitter | More posts by John | Subscribe to John's posts Fifth313ment Exactly why my next phone will be a Samsung Galaxy S4!
Does downgrading the android from Lollipop to 4.4 work? Love it or hate it, time saved is money saved, so the folks at Twitter or Facebook (as well as smaller development teams) just let it ride. We do not have any information as to the date the update will be released since it will be released via Sprint your network provider, and it is currently being worked This is the first phone I've rooted, definitely won't be the last.
Samsung troll perhaps.. Annoyance: Takes a long time to charge The HTC One does have a bigger battery than many smartphones, rated at 2,300mAh, and some owners have been complaining that it takes a Look forward to this pushing through to the non-AT&T One X's and the Evo LTE. Galaxy S7 edge: The best phones battle it out!
Forums News Reviews Apps Virtual Reality Help & How To Question & Answer Contests Podcasts The Best Wallpapers Videos Shop Accessories About Android Central Tip Us On News Download our app! Are you a developer? -- XDA Classic -- XDA 2010 -- XDA 2013 ---- XDA 2013 Beta - 1024 -- XDA 2015 ---- 2015 - Dark Theme More info Contact Rules I installed it from there to my phone. Problem: Gaps, rough edges, bulges, or scratches It seems that some HTC One handsets shipped in less than perfect condition.
Go Cell Phone Repair 461,709 views 14:51 HTC One X Touch Screen Glass Digitizer & LCD Display Repair Replacement Guide - Duration: 12:41. Was this answer helpful? Loading... There have been quite a few people that don't like the integrated menu buttons and a great deal of Samsung's 'average' customers would not like it.
You should now find that the Home and Back keys are a little more responsive. But if **my** HTC continually effs up like **my** Samsung did? The sound through the speaker remains unaffected.
© Copyright 2017 virtualthought.net. All rights reserved.


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We are thankful to the Colorado community for their generosity this holiday season! With their help, we were able to provide holiday gifts to more than 580 HOPE students or their siblings who needed assistance.
HOPE's annual student Talent Show is right around the corner! The event will again be sponsored by CU Denver.
This school year throughout HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op Learning Centers, students are benefiting from the wisdom of special group of individuals. Several HOPE Learning Centers have welcomed HOPE alumni to join their staff. This is not a new trend as many HOPE alumni through the years have found a way to stay involved with the community that gave them so much.
HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op is very honored to be working with the Mexican Consulate in Denver this school year. This partnership is opening doors for many of HOPE's students and their families. In fact, one of HOPE's students, Hector from HOPE's Parkhill Academy in Denver, was recently selected as the first-ever Consul for a Day.
Copyright 2017 HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op - All Rights Reserved
p: 720.402.3000 firstname.lastname@example.com
HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op
373 Inverness Parkway, Suite 205
Englewood, CO 80112


text: Votes for best place to get a (whole) cheesecake. I usually go for good old dense ones, but am open to variations on the theme. Quality is top priority. Location could be Boston or Allston. I did do a search (god bless you dear poster by the name of cheesecake...you are quite prolific!) and only found mention of a Hoff's in Medford. No car, so that won't do. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!


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Last year on the 12th of December President Yahya Jammeh had declared the Gambia an Islamic State. With the pronouncement, he had once more projected himself as a devout Muslim.
See Also: High-Level Delegates From The UN, AU & ECOWAS Visit Gambia To Convince Jammeh To Step Down
The President is very frequently photographed carrying religious books and once pronounced that he would rule for "one billion years" if "Allah says so." President Yahya Jammeh had been defeated in the recently concluded Presidential polls in Gambia which he had dubbed fraud-proof prior to the elections.
When President-elect Adama Barrow was announced as the winner of the polls, the President had conceded and earned the cheers of many Africans, who had expected different.
Barely a week later, the President had done an about-turn, calling for fresh polls when a little error, announced by the country's electoral commission, reduced the lead of President-elect Adama Barrow. This came after the new ruling coalition promised to prosecute President Yahya Jammeh within a year of taking power.
The United nations and fellow African leaders had condemned his refusal of the results calling on him to once again concede. President Yahya Jammeh has so far stayed unmoved.
That may change with the involvement of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) who have made their own petition to the President to accept his electoral defeat.
See Also: Gambia's New Rulers Make A Vow To Prosecute Outgoing President Jammeh
The 57-member organisation, which exists to "safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world," and has been funding projects in Gambia for years, issued a statement today calling on Jammeh to "fully respect the results" of the Dec. 1 election.
Initially, the OIC had issued a statement expressing its "profound satisfaction" with the peaceful and democratic elections that had taken place, but that was before President Yahya Jammeh changed his mind about conceding.


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Please note that this particular table is sold, however, we have several very similar adjustable bases and we are happy to make a custom top that suites your taste and needs
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Kristin Brown, Center Director
Ages: 6 Weeks to 12 Year-Olds
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
The public school bus provides transportation from all Cromwell Schools: Edna Stevens, Woodside Intermediate, ECS and Woodside, East Berlin: Hubbard, Middletown: Lawrence and Moody
Hello! Welcome to Cromwell KinderCare's webpage. Please take a look at all the wonderful education programs we offer. I hope that once you explore our website that you will give me a call to schedule a visit to the center! We would like to meet you and your child and introduce you to our KinderCare Family! Please call the Center at 860-613-2263, Talk to you soon!
Kristin Brown, Center Director
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Babies grow and learn every day. Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing "home away from home" where babies can explore and make new discoveries. We know that learning through play is extremely valuable at this age and our Early Foundations® Infant program is designed to give babies the skills that will serve as the building blocks for a lifetime of learning.
Toddler Programs (1 – 2 Years)
As toddlers develop friendships, self-esteem, and curiosity, our Early Foundations® Toddler program will help them explore their world in a safe and nurturing environment. Our unique curriculum is based on the philosophy that children learn best through experiences. So each day is filled with fun activities that excite and develop toddlers, giving them the comfort and confidence to speak those first few important words, as well as make their first friends.
Discovery Preschool Programs (2 – 3 Years)
At this age, children are making new discoveries daily. And as two-year olds begin to exert their independence, our Early Foundations® Discovery Preschool program is prepared to open their eyes to a world of learning, sharing, and exploring. Our holistic approach in the classroom engages young minds with a blend of music, art, and movement, as well as the early education fundamentals they'll need as they continue on to preschool.
Preschool Programs (3 – 4 Years)
As preschoolers gain more self-esteem, they may feel ready to take on the world. Our Early Foundations® Preschool program enhances that confidence by providing activities to help children become problem solvers and lifelong learners. Through independent exploration, structured activities, and hands-on learning, children will work on early literacy, math, science, and social studies concepts. A healthy dose of running, jumping, and dancing keeps them active too.
Prekindergarten Programs (4 – 5 Years)
Prekindergartners are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime – school. And our Early Foundations Prekindergarten® program is designed to get them ready by teaching letters and words, math concepts, and valuable social skills. With small group instruction, independent play in an organized atmosphere, and whole-group activities, children will have all the right skills to hop, skip, and jump right into kindergarten.
Private Kindergarten Programs (5 – 6 Years)
As children reach school age, our comprehensive full-day kindergarten program helps them explore, communicate, and create – all in a nurturing, small-class setting. Our team of expert educators has created a unique curriculum of reading, language, arts, math, science, and physical fitness that's presented in a fun way to encourage a lifelong love of learning. Plus, our program is aligned with local and state elementary school standards, so children will be prepared to confidently enter first grade.
Before- & After-School Programs (5 – 12 Years)
Even after school's out for the day, children need to be engaged in a comfortable, yet stimulating environment. That's where our Catch the Wave® program comes in. This innovative before – and after-school program allows school-age children to balance learning and fun through a variety of experiences. From homework help to fun physical activities, our program is designed so that everyone goes home happy.
Summer Programs (preschool, prekindergarten, and school-age)
Don't miss out on KinderCare's Summer of Wonder: Six themed programs that will make summer exciting, educational and tons of fun. Whether your child is in our preschool, Pre-K or school-age programs, all of it is designed to help children learn while soaking up the fun. We offer flexible scheduling options to meet the needs of busy families like yours so we hope to see you there.
Participating Child Care Aware Center
KinderCare has partnered with Child Care Aware® of America in an effort to offer fee assistance for Active Duty military families and solutions to their child care needs when care at a Child Development Center on the installation is not available.
Learning Adventures - Enrichment Program
The Cooking Adventures program gives children opportunities to participate in fun, developmentally appropriate cooking experiences. They will learn about recipes, ingredients, cooking vocabulary, and the importance of a healthy diet. The curriculum includes lessons on picnics, pizza, and heart-healthy meals.
The Math Adventures enrichment program is designed to teach important mathematics concepts such as geometry, numbers, measurement, and probability. Your child will learn about length, height, and weight. He will learn about shapes and solids. He will learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and count money. Math is everywhere and giving your child every advantage now will add up to success later in life.
Ongoing research proves that early exposure to music helps children think, reason, create, and express themselves. Children will laugh and learn about rhythm, vocal melodies, and a variety of musical genres and instruments, which can lower stress and advance memory. Learning never sounded so good.
Phonics & Reading Adventures
Set your child up for advanced success with literacy through phonics, the study of letters and sounds. Reader books, games, and activity cards help your child understand the basics of vowels and blending syllables, giving him confidence and command of language.
Teachers & Staff
We have wonderful staff that have been here for many years! We would love to meet you and invite you to visit our center and meet the teachers. We invite all the visiting children to join in our exciting learning activities that take place throughout the day. See you Soon!
Kristin Brown, Center Director
Knowledge is power!
Kristin has recently transferred to the Cromwell KinderCare center. She has been with the KinderCare team for 12 years and feels fortunate to work with a team of people who's top priority is to create a fun and safe learning environment for all children. Kristin is a strong leader at her center and supports her team with guidance and direction. She believes in the quality programming that KinderCare offers and ensures the education of the children at her center. Kristin has a two year old daughter that is currently enrolled in the Discovery Preschool program. Her relationship with parents, children, and staff demonstrates the loving environment that Cromwell KinderCare has to offer.
- Favorite Children's Book:
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
- Year Started:
- 11/1/2002
- Tenure:
- 14 Years
- Years in ECE industry:
- 14 Years
- Education:
- Master's Degree in Psychology
Ms. Diana, Infant Classroom
I love to capture and engage the children's curiosity and interests as they grow and develop at their own paces.
Ms. Diana has been working at KinderCare Learning Centers for ten years; eight of those years have been in the Infant room. Ms. Diana use origami to create mobiles for the children. She also uses art projects from the older children for her Infants to look at. Another thing that makes her room special is that on the back of her classroom door in a piece of blue contact, it works like a chalk board for the older infants. This lets the children pretend that they are teachers. Ms. Diana values the trust that parents have for her so much.
- Previous Experience:
- Prior to starting at KinderCare Ms. Diana was a chemistry and home economics teachers.
- Year Started:
- 9/3/2002
- Tenure:
- 15 Years
- Years in ECE industry:
- 13 years
- Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Ms. Tricia, Preschool Classroom
Ms. Tricia started working with children when she was 17 years old. She always knew that she wanted to be a teacher for young children. She enjoys being a preschool teacher, working with three and four-year-olds is really fun! They are funny, intelligent, and bright! Each and everyday is rewarding to her because she enjoys teaching the kids new and exciting things that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives!
- Previous Experience:
- Easter Seals, Headstart, Kids Care, Stork Club, Kids r Us.
- Education:
- Child Development Associate, Cosmetology
Ms. Joy, Discovery Preschool Classroom
I enjoy working with children because they are always learning new things and love to explore.
Ms. Joy has worked at KinderCare for one year. She graduated with an Elementary Education degree in 2010 and enjoys working with & teaching all ages of children. he enjoys creative, hands on learning techniques and loves watching the children learn new things.
- Year Started:
- 8/23/2011
- Tenure:
- 6 Years
- Years in ECE industry:
- 6 years
- Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Early Elementary Education
Ms. Jody, Toddler Classroom
Receives what they need everyday.
Ms. Jody worked in childcare while going to college. Once graduated, she worked for the VNA specializing in geriatric home care. From there she went on to becoming the Director of an Alzheimer & Dementia unit. During that time she married and had a son. After having her son attend KinderCare for a year; she decided to change career paths back to childcare. She wanted to ensure a balance between her family and work.
- Previous Experience:
- Prior to starting at KinderCare Ms. Jody ran an Alzheimer and Dementia unit.
- Year Started:
- 3/10/2010
- Tenure:
- 7 Years
- Years in ECE industry:
- 7 years
- Education:
- Associate Degree
Ms. Jackie, Discovery Preschool Classroom
Kindness matters.
Ms. Jackie has worked with children for 20 years. She loves each child and always has a kind word to say about each one. Ms. Jackie loves to do crafts with them and teaching them new things. She shows so much love to her children everyday and she is a wonderful addition to our KinderCare family.
- Year Started:
- 7/31/2007
- Tenure:
- 10 Years
- Years in ECE industry:
- 20 years
Ms. Margaret, Discovery Preschool Classroom
I love seeing the children's smiling faces when they come to school.
Ms. Margaret is a wonderful and kind teacher. She has 19 yrs experience and it shows in the way she treats the children. Ms. Margaret will do anything to make a child smile and all the children love her! She reads to the children every day and teaches them to love books at an early age. She is a very well loved teacher and a wonderful person. Ms. Margaret is also certified to drive our buses to the local schools.
- Year Started:
- 2/18/1993
- Tenure:
- 24 Years
- Years in ECE industry:
- 19 years
- Education:
- Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Ms. Becky, Preschool Classroom
Ms. Becky has enjoyed her time at this center; she also previously worked at another KinderCare within the state. Ms. Becky is very happy to express herself creatively in her classroom, since she has an art background. She received her associate degree in 2011 and is looking forward to getting her bachelor's degree.
- Year Started:
- 8/13/2007
- Tenure:
- 10 Years
- Years in ECE industry:
- 18 years
- Education:
- Associate Degree in Fine Arts
Ms. Debbie, Prekindergarten Classroom
I love spending my day with kids, they remind me everyday how fun life can be.
Ms. Debbie has been with KinderCare going on 12 years. Debbie has been working in this field since she was 16 and there is nothing else she would rather do. Debbie's classroom is always full of music, smiles, laughter and of course learning!
- Previous Experience:
- Daycare
- Year Started:
- 1/9/2001
- Tenure:
- 16 Years
- Years in ECE industry:
- 17
- Education:
- Certified in First Aid and CPR
Ms. Jen, Preschool Classroom
I love having a job where something different happens everyday.
Ms. Jen has been working at KinderCare for 19 years. Jen has worked at various KinderCares, starting with Hamden and eventually landing in Cromwell. Jen has worked in a variety of age groups before going into the Preschool.
- Year Started:
- 1/26/1994
- Tenure:
- 23 Years
- Years in ECE industry:
- 19 years
- Education:
- Child Development Associate
Ms. Diane, Discovery Preschool Classroom
Each child is unique and it is a privilege to introduce them to the new things that interest them, to watch them grow and learn.
Ms. Diane is a married mom of four daughters. Before joining the KinderCare staff; she was an elementary school teacher for over 20 years. During Diane's four years at KinderCare, she has worked with several different age groups and is now the Kindergarten teacher. Diane especially enjoys introducing her students to letters and sounds, watching them open up to the world of words, reading and books.
- Previous Experience:
- 22 years teaching school
- Year Started:
- 9/4/2008
- Tenure:
- 9 Years
- Years in ECE industry:
- 4 years
- Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education
Upcoming Center Activities
Children 6 weeks to 3 years old: Spaces and Places and All About Me
As infants and toddlers explore the spaces and places around them, children in Discovery Preschool will learn all about what makes people the same as well as what makes them different. Infants will experiment with moving toy cars around, build block towers and then knock them down, and even take a tour of the center to see what things are like outside of their classroom! Toddlers will get all revved up as they take a closer look at different vehicles and learn more about neighborhoods, communities, and the jobs that grownups have. In Discovery Preschool, children will be learning about themselves as they play games that strengthen their five senses, discuss feelings and emotions, practice self-help skills, and work on learning the names of body parts.
Children 4 to 5 years old: All About Me and My Home and Family
It's the beginning of the school year—the perfect time to get to know each other better! Older children will be spending time sharing about themselves, their homes, and their families as they learn what makes people the same and what makes them different. Children will bring their own experiences to the drawing board as they create group stories and 3-D collages about families and homes, pantomime different home- and family-related activities, and draw self-portraits. With our curriculum's project-related learning component, children in Transitional Kindergarten work together to decide on an individual or whole-group project related to the theme. Past projects have included creating a class book about emotions or working together to build a small-scale home, but who knows—the children may come up with a unique idea that's entirely their own!
About Our Center
Our staff would like to welcome you to visit our center. The staff takes pride in keeping up to date with the latest trends in Early Childhood Education. Ongoing training is offered to the staff during the year at the center and through the various training opportunities in the community.
Languages Spoken at Our Center
- American Sign Language
- Lithuanian
Meals & Menus
Meals Served
- Breakfast
- AM Snack
- Lunch
- PM Snack
Holidays Observed
We observe the following holidays:
- New Year's Day
- President's Day
- Memorial Day
- 4th of July
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
Please note that because holidays observed may vary between centers, please be sure to check with your Center Director for specific closures.
Health and Safety
We have a keypad entry system for Security along with our fully fenced in Playgrounds. Our staff are CPR, First Aid, AED Trained.
At KinderCare, what families say about us means a lot. Read below some of the great experiences our families have had with us.
Share Your Story
If you have a story about your experience at KinderCare, please share your story with us.
See what's happening on the blog
Our staff would like to welcome you to visit our center. The staff takes pride in keeping up to date with the latest trends in Early Childhood Education. Ongoing training is offered to the staff during the year at the center and though the various training opportunities in the community.
Focus Pocus! 4 Easy Ideas to Help Your Child Stay on Task
Season's Eatings: Fresh Tomato Soup with Cheesy Dumplings
"Mom, I Lost My Coat AGAIN!" 4 Little Life Hacks to Help Your Little Person Stay Organized
Resources for Parents
Download helpful guides and other resources to make your child care decisions easy.
What should I look for when choosing a childcare center?:
- Childcare Decision Guide (PDF)
Enrollment Agreement:
- California (PDF)
- Washington (PDF)
- All Other States (PDF)