Christ-Centered Healing from Depression

I listen to this talk every once in a while and it is worth a re-listen at least once a year. Profound. http://byutv.org/watch/76dec84f-0d69-4f60-90fd-38cc41bb51aa#!page=3&season=2008

The Power of Food

A very compelling presentation by an MD who cured her MS with diet. A must-watch. http://www.drfranklipman.com/dr-terry-wahls-on-minding-your-mitochondria/

Article on Understanding and Treating Self-Injurious Behavior

http://www.autism.com/index.php/symptoms_self-injury

My Cup Runneth Over

This morning I was cleaning poo off the floor from my son's morning explosion, feeling so much gratitude for how much I am loved. Yesterday I vented to a few friends (see first post from yesterday) and received generous offers of support, help and dinner. I had just finished cleaning the floor and wrapped my foot in a plastic bag (don't ask) when I heard my phone's text message alert. I went to check it right away thinking it could be a time-sensitive appointment cancellation, and it read, "I am at the front door." Huh? In my bathrobed-plastic-bag-footed loveliness, I answered the door, and there was my friend who I mentioned in yesterday's post (the one with neuropathy in her legs)! "How did you know?" I asked her. I had deliberately NOT emailed her because I didn't want to burden her with one more thing. But I had completely forgetten that she reads this blog. (I didn't think anyone was reading it!) So there she was! She said she was going to come over every school morning from 7-8, no ifs, ands, or buts. She smiled about my foot-in-the-bag.  At this point I started weeping in earnest. It is people like this who teach me what it really feels like to be loved by God. http://youtu.be/zq7JPVPz9os Each life that touches ours for good Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord; Thou sendest blessings from above Thru words and deeds of those who love. What greater gift dost thou bestow, What greater goodness can we know Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways Strengthen our faith, enrich our days. For worthy friends whose lives proclaim Devotion to the Savior's name, Who bless our days with peace and love, We praise thy goodness, Lord, above. By Karen Lynn Davidson

Thank you!

Thanks for the love, friends! I needed to get that out but I was already feeling better by the time I finished writing it. There was a question about why I believe the chance of molestation is 100% in a group home. The answer is that I just read about Carly being molested. It's fresh in my mind and the possibility is unthinkable. I can hire help at home before institutionalization would be a worry. Here is what our naturopath wrote to me. (For people who don't know, she has two children who had an autism diagnosis. Now her daughter is 100% normal and her son is talking and no longer violent.): Your son will continue to make progress. I have been through this. Life gets better. People with autism recover all the time. I hope someday to say, "People with autism lose their diagnoses every day." We can't do it all but we can do what we can. You are doing a great job and a year from now the payoff will be worth it. He may still have a ways to go but you never know. It has only been a few months. It is hard for me to hold back but I pace myself with what I think you can handle based on what you are telling me and how I did it. It is a huge undertaking making food, laundry (3 loads daily I know just for your son); I have been there. Getting supplements in, going to all the different appointments. Pace yourself and hire what you can. You are doing great but you do not need to do it all yourself. I have hired a house cleaner and it is the best $10 ($400) a month spent. It ensures that I do not get burnt out and I do not get angry doing all of the extra work. In addition to your email support I have received an offer of help and dinner by a local friend, and am going to swallow my pride and accept the dinner. I am heading off to do some makeup shopping because I am having a makeover tomorrow! Thanks again for the love!!