Can I just say that, sometimes, I hate being right?
That being said - I was. Oren is officially with William as part of the spectrum of autistic disorders. He is very high functioning, which I knew. The ADHD combined type diagnosis still holds, he has periods of both hyperactivity and is easily wound up, and inattentiveness. One of his original diagnoses was also ODD, oppositional defiant disorder. That was also right. Not severely, just enough to really tick off certain personality types and at least try the patience of his parents on a fairly regular basis.
I don't know why I put this off for so long, even with the gut feeling about what was really wrong. We just adjusted to how he is I suppose. And once it's official, there's no turning back. But with him being a relatively mild case - it's just combined with some other fun things... his prognosis is excellent. If we can just get him to understand the rules of the game well enough to play it when it matters, then he can be his quirky self when he needs to be.
Over the last year, there have been more times than I'd like admit that I questioned why these particular children were mine. Oren and William with their disorder. And Nathan with his palette, processing issues, and physical weaknesses. While taken separately, it doesn't seem to be that big of a deal, right? But trying to work with all of their needs, especially when they each deal with things so differently, while making sure that Daniel isn't taking the brunt of the accommodations? That 's where I wonder if I'm doing a good job.
There are so many people who are patient with my children, even though they don't have to be. So many people who are rooting for them and trying to help them achieve their best. People that truly love and support my children, and their parents. I can never thank them enough. I notice you, and I am grateful. Everytime you talk to me about how you can help them, has the potential to bring tears to my eyes. And often does, when I am recounting the situation to others.
Someday our home is going to have a sign on the wall that says "I am a Child of God". Only he knows why my children are the way they are. And only he knows the best way to lead them, guide them... I pray that he continues to offer me little glimpses into the souls of these wonderful spirits that he has blessed our family with. Even though we have a lot of difficult and trying days, I am grateful for all that they teach me, and others, about unconditional love.
