Autism  is never invited, it just shows up at your doorstep, like many of life's challenges and demands your attention. Autism came to us packaged in an 8lbs 15oz little baby boy on November 8th, 2002.

 

     Cameron's birth experience had complications, so we knew after bringing him home there could be developmental delays, and there were. His first smile crossed his face at 5 months old...only a few months late. From there we took life one day at a time, trying to avoid comparison at playgroup with the other babies, who could practically read and write right out of the womb. We had a smile and that had to count for something! 

 

     Over the next few years he seemed to be developing well. Walking by 15 months and talking. We were going to be fine. As Cameron approached school age, we placed him in a regular classroom, but from there the concerns for Cameron's developmental progress only began to grow. We have spent countless hours in IEP meetings; charting his ability to bounce a ball more than once, write his name with some form of legibility, and tie his shoes. All of which by 8th grade were deemed practically impossible. So...we don't play basketball, we wear slip on shoes and write our name with a scribble (no one's signature is legible anyway.)

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     But here's the catch...he's growing up and as much as some things are manageable and improving, some just aren't. Socially, mentally, and physically, Cameron at a glance is just a regular teenage boy. But beneath the surface is a child who's life is complicated and as time goes forward at a pace faster and faster and the years add on, the gap between the boy and the man he "should" be growing into grows farther and father apart. For all parents the daily grind can wears us thin. Managing the emotional and mental welfare of our most beloved teenagers can be enough to consider putting a "free to good home" sign on them and placing them on the sidewalk. But they aren't round faced little cuties anymore. They are lanky, smelly, and awkward looking... so the chances of that working out well aren't looking too good. 

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    My life took a turn 14 years ago in a direction I had never planned on or anticipated and maybe I'm being Debbie Downer, but I'd like to be think that being transparent and real accounts for more than saying all is glorious and well.  I could go as far to say Autism Sucks, but it's my son I would be referring to and we don't allow the word "sucks" in our home. But, yes, honestly its does. It SUCKS! My son, however, does not. He's much more than the autism that dwells within him. He is joyful, inquisitive, and kind, but when this sydrome rears it's ugly head, it rules the day and has no mercy. It shows up in tantrums that last hours, meltdowns that are inconsolable, conversations that are one sided, and so many more complicated rituals that we partake in day after day.

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    Life is complicated and we all go though times of trial. These Pages and Spaces are where I will be vulnerable and share the reality of my wonderful, messy, crazy crafting, designing MOM LIFE.

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We all need to recharge our batteries. Life's challenges come in many forms. Family, work and relationships can bring us our greatest joy and our greatest difficulty. Design is my way of recharging my batteries. Taking the time to be a creative resource to others by helping them have success in their pursuits is what I love to do. Whether it's making your home a beautiful sanctuary to relax and regroup, getting your new business launched and ready to promote, or planning a special event for a loved one or friend, working together we can make the Pages and Spaces of your life a reflection of success. 

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