Julian's Mom

"The Keys Of The Kingdom" is a good read. It is fictional.

Marianne Williamson wrote many books. "A Return To Love" is a good one. She doesn't subscribe to any one faith...just the core belief that love is the only thing that matters.

The impact of a solitary life is astounding. He certainly left his mark on the world. We should all be so fortunate....

A favourite book of mine (that was also a favourite book of my grandma's, whom I loved dearly) called "The Keys Of The Kingdom" by A.J. Cronin said,

"Don't think heaven is in the sky...it's in the hollow of your hand...it's everywhere and anywhere..."

I understand where you are coming from, Mary. I really and truly do. I like to think that there is a piece of God in everyone. I see God in the face of my children. I see God when Julian is gone to his world, blissed out and watching his fingers. I see God in the changing of the leaves at autumn. I see God in the friendships I have. And sometimes, when I look closely enough, I see God in myself.

My mother is fond of quoting Marianne Williamson who says, "if it isn't love, it isn't real."

Your post made my day.So glad you're having a good time and can't wait to read all of the details.

I am a Canadian.As a parent of a special needs child, I can't imagine what it would be like to be a Julian's Mom in America and not only live with the day to day struggles and battles of Autism but also have to pay, in one way or another, for his services and doctor's appointments, etc.

When he was born, he spent two months in the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit. (He was a preemie). We received a bill because of a clerical error for well over $100,000 from just one of the hospitals (where he spent about a month of his life). One simple call to tell them his health card number and the bill was cleared up. I have never paid a single cent towards his health care costs.

Have you tried Heroin? I hear good things from the folks in the ghetto.

I feel for you. Not sleeping sucks. I can't remember the last time I didn't have to get up in the middle of the night. Sometimes I get so tired I want to cry.

I've purchased things on eBay but never sold anything. I'm not sure I have anything that anyone would want!

I am having an emotional day so reading about Eric's sitting at the table is making me a bit weepy.

I'm jealous of your gardening abilities. My motto has reluctantly become, "I tried but it died."

Many individuals with Autism do respond well to animals, the theory being that animals are sensory reliant creatures who rely only on their senses to make their way in the world, like people with Autism, as opposed to us neurotypicals who rely more heavily on our emotional connections to other people. The theory doesn't apply to all people with ASD, however. Julian is not much of an animal person, either and he has had plenty of exposure.

We have been having a splendid fall, as well with warm days and nights cool enough to get cozy in bed and sleep well. So glad you enjoyed every moment.

Mary, I have never heard a story that started with, "I worked at WalMart and..." that ended well. That place is the pits and they were lucky to have someone as fabulous as you working for them and foolish to not have felt lucky. Good riddance.

And now look at what opportunities are around the corner! I am so happy and excited for you. You deserve this.

Sounds good. I always enjoy true life stuff.

Sounds like a fascinating read.

I hope that your reaction to the shots ease up. Poor girl.

Mother Nature never fails to impress.

We can't help but comment.

I never do anything important anyway.

Have fun.