Do you remember this post about last year's pumpkin?
On Saturday, Mom and I went to a local farm to nose around. While there, I got my big pumpkin (okay, it's not that big; it's a pie pumpkin, but it's perfect for my little house). Once again, I just couldn't resist the little pumpkins. I sought out the tiniest one (believe me, it's small) and made my $0.81, with tax, purchase.
In case you're wondering, thus far, I'm not quite as firmly attached to the little guy this year as I was last year, but I think in general I'm also much less anxious.
But the new pumpkin got me thinking... that was a year ago. A whole year. Think about how much has changed.
A year ago, I was working in the photo lab, feeling no sense of purpose in my life. Now, I work at the animal shelter and feel much purpose in what I do.
I was working on my book daily. Now, said book has been published and is being read around the world, though not in great quantities.
I hadn't even found my church. I was driving the hour up to my college once a month to go to the Anglican church with Leigh. Now, I'm settling in with Mom at the new church... still trying to find a place where I belong, though.
A year ago, Leigh was just starting her senior year and was just an hour away. Now, she's 4 hours away, working, living at home. Those first 6 months or so after graduation are pretty tough, aren't they?
Mom hadn't even thought about me moving out yet. Now, I'm in my own apartment with Elsie P!
We hadn't even heard of the Autism Waiver. Now I'm about to start services.
I was between hospital visits (one was in July, the other in December). I haven't been in the hospital in 9 months now!
So, obviously, a lot has changed in a year. 525,600 minutes. A few hundred hours of medical transcription. About 150 blog posts. A couple of hospital visits. One apartment.
Makes me wonder what next year will bring! Also makes me think that I should have saved this post for December 31st...
You write your reflection posts when it means something to you. Sounds like you're looking forward to next year.
ReplyDeleteWow, what wonderful experiences.
(And, yes, the first six months after graduation are difficult!)
Good luck with the waiver and services.
Yep, I remember that post - helped me remember how important things can be to my two. I can't believe it's been that long already, but then I think about all that's happened and I'm thankful it is, so much has happened.
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show, good things happen to good people.
Not sure if people will see this, but Mom's also sending in the paperwork (including application for a full scholarship) for me to do therapeutic riding. I. Am. So. Excited.
ReplyDeleteThat is incredible!
ReplyDeleteHave you always loved horses?
How do you think it's going to help?
Hope you meet some horsey people.
Have heard good things about hippotherapy. In much of the Commonwealth there is Riding for the Disabled.
While I was researching about hippotherapy, I found this useful site.
ReplyDeleteThe Ohio woman who wrote it has it done for her daughter, and has a set of resources:
Autism in the Christian Home
There was also something about the "seven gifts", including researcher, administrator and teacher, as well as servant.
You will LOVE it!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm SO excited for you - a chair dance is called for!!
The girls get to go horse riding with school and it is so great for them - the balance stimulation, the vocal commands encouraging speech - FAB!
Got everything crossed for you
Adelaide,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the site :)
I've always loved horses, yes, all animals. I especially love horse noses. They are very soft.
I think it will help me process more quickly, help socially, help balance and muscle development (I have some trunk weakness), and Mom says it will help me to be more confident (though I never knew I wasn't confident...). I really, really, REALLY hope it works out.
Amanda,
Thanks for the crossings and please stay that way! Hehehe...
I really hope you get the scholarship! Riding is an amazing thing :-)
ReplyDeleteWow. The feeling of horse noses.
ReplyDelete(And I imagine they're wet too. Is that cows, though?)
These are all good ways.
I'll read the "fixing" post soon. I know you had written about the "fixing" issue earlier, and that it was one of the dynamics behind your self-injury.
Some of my favourite books when younger (some of the only horse books I read) were The Saddle Club.
Glad you like Autism in the Christian Home. It was probably a bit of a commercial recommendation; there was homeschooling and heart in there. So I let it pass.