Sometimes I Forget

I hear about the self harm meltdowns of the children on the spectrum and I sometimes forget that was our daily life, too! I say was, because thankfully we found his outlet that helps him cope with the messy world around him. His swimming is his outlet. It gets him through his day.

I sometimes forget this because we go so long with out major meltdowns and self harm. We really forgot what life was like without swimming, so yesterday, we made the decision not to swim! We had plans to go after his party, but decided we were too tired and maybe he was warn out from the festivities. We didn't mention it to him. He was fine yesterday, but then this morning was meltdowns after meltdowns. Headbutting the floor at full force (shocked he does not have an egg on his head). So, even though I sometimes forget I am thankful everyday for finding his soothing outlet. I will try not to forget his 20 plus meltdowns a day for the autism parents who have not found an outlet. I will pray that they too find the outlet they need to reduce tantrums and increase sleep. I am so thankful to have found that ISR video on facebook (a baby in blue PJs gets out of the house and falls into a pool while his/her parents thing they are safe in the house). If it was not for that video and having income tax money available at the time we would have never taken ISR lessons. I would almost bet our first trip to the pool without lessons would have been a huge disappointment due to one big melt down and we might have not started swimming with him. I am thankful to his swim instructor who LOVED his job.

Josiah does not connect with people that much, but he did connect with him more then I could have ever imagined. Josiah LOVES that man! I mean he even dreams about him and ducks...I really do not think this would be possible if it was not for how much he loves his job. He is not just there to make money. He loves to see kids learn to swim. It saves lives and as I agree it is absolutely AMAZING how with just a little help it is instinct for a baby/child to learn to float or swim. So, although I sometimes forget our old way of life I am always thankful. I am thankful that we too can have a peace of mind that I am not completely worn and exhausted by the end of the day and of course hubby is super happy for that. It makes us both so happy, to see Josiah so happy.

Just maybe through our blog/page or just swimming at the kroc center we can help others in some sort of way find their little bit of happiness and peace of mind. I know we have become the talk of the pool by the life guards as the "Amazing floating baby!", so just maybe more people will  become familiar with ISR lessons too!