overheard at our house

I haven't felt well all day. Not really sick, but headachy and yucky all day. And likely because of this I was particularly perturbed by Luke's habit of not returning Wii games to their cases. I declared there would be no further Wii play AT ALL until all games were returned to their appropriate cases. We had one box we could not find the disk for and I was insisting Luke actually look for it, rather than just stand there and pretend he's looking and declaring he can't find it.

I said, "You need to find ________." (I'm not being secretive about the games we own. I just cannot remember which one was missing.)

He said, "Oh Mom, do you think what happened?"

Me--"What?"

Him--"I think someone took it."

Me--"Really?!" (We'd had cousins at our house last night. He could have loaned it to them. And it wouldn't surprise me if he loaned it sans box.)

Him--"Yes, Mom the police came to our house and they TOOK it!"

***

So remember I'm not feeling well so I let Luke watch a few game shows this afternoon. Deal or No Deal had a green theme or something. I was drowsily watching with him and Luke said, "Hey Mom, is Paris coming on?"

"Who?" I said.

"Paris, that green frog."

Yeah, he meant Kermit, whom we saw in the previews. I corrected him and he thought his mistake was so funny. Laughing at yourself is a pretty important skill.

Cousins Camp

I have spent an insane amount of time getting all the photos uploaded for this post. I hope someone enjoys them.


We spent last week in the lovely city of Lynchburg, VA, hanging out with a couple of grandparents and a bunch of cousins.


There was a lot of this. (If you've never seen a Wii, surely you recognize the remotes from our blog photos by now.)

Savannah (the redhead) and Maddie were so fabulous to play with Luke. I wonder how many times I heard Luke call their names during the week. Hundreds, maybe thousands.

Big buddies.

And Luke explained some Deal or No Deal strategies. All the cousins are big game show fans.

Luke referred to the group as "the cousins" all week. It began right before we arrived at Grandma's house (Luke always refers to it as HER house. I'm sure she agrees.), Luke said, "Are all my cousins waiting for me?" I told him they were and he said, "I love my cousins."

Jonathan turned 16. I was in charge of making this cookie cake. I added eggs and butter to the mix like a pro.

More than once Luke came charging into the kitchen looking for a spoon . . .

Ice cream thief.

Lots and lots of silliness.

And lots of tickle fights. Thankfully they didn't destroy Grandma's newly refinished basement (at least I don't think they destroyed anything).

It was extremely hot and humid while we were there. Just as miserable as it is here at home. But we played mini golf anyway.

They really did have fun. Isn't it obvious? Lamar played mini golf on this very course many times as a child. And last summer Luke played his first ever mini golf game there. I posted about 100 pictures of that event.



Cute moment with Luke and sweet Haley.

Luke really loves trivia games these days, though his trivia knowledge is not exactly impressive. Doesn't stop him from answering and making up his own questions. He was thrilled that cousins love some trivia too.

He's kinda hoping Caitlin picks him.

He was just a little excited to give his answer. It was very late when they were playing and I laughed so hard my sides were aching. The kids were absolutely hilarious.

We also went to VBS at Grandma and Grandpa's church in the evenings. Luke had a good time but I didn't get many photos.

He was happy, he knew it, and he tweaked his beek.

I went Luke's VBS class with him. I doubt he would have done it without me. But still a good experience for him.

On Friday we planned to take everyone to the zoo. But it was so unbearably hot that we had to find an indoor activity. We headed to Amazement Square, thinking the older cousins might be bored. We were so wrong. Everyone had a blast at this super cute museum/play place.

Everyone enjoyed these cool exhibits that I'm sure demonstrated some physics principals. They loved sending the golf balls flying down the ramps.

Lamar and Jonathan in a bike race. I think this was right after Jonathan slammed his knee on the bike and nearly had to file an incident report with the museum. He was able to convince them a bandaid was all he needed.

They were fighting aliens, I think, on the monitor using this fun green screen.

This simple exhibit using ping pong balls, hair dryers, and basketball goals was a big hit. Jonathan is super talented and balances two balls. Maddie's impressed.

The steps illuminated as you climbed them. The kids agreed to one posed photo. But don't think I didn't get some smart comments about my obsessive photographing.



The kids favorite exhibit by far was in the handicap room. Exhibits showed how people with differences interact everyday. There was even a sensory processing exhibit (not as popular with our crew but I was impressed). Here is their very favorite exhibit, the voice transmitter. It was great fun to type insults about your cousins and listen to the computerized voice say them.

Very cute waterway exhibit. I think this floor mostly dealt with Virginian history. I really love the clouds.

Cute house in the play area.

We went the bottom floor last. And Luke discovered a stage setup and RockBand projected onto a large screen. Kind of Luke's nirvana.

Luke's first time on stage. Luke on guitar. Maddie on drums.

Luke really wanted to play drums on the next song. But other children wanted a turn so he waited, planning how to play drums next. Well, another boy got to the drums first. The museum employee stationed at this exhibit (God bless this woman who spends her day supervising RockBand) told Luke he could not play drums. Luke went after the drumsticks. I said, "Lamar, run!!! He's going to attack that boy." But Luke apologized when prompted and quickly agreed to sing when we told him that was his only option. Not perfect, but pretty good coping.

He even looks excited. Probably because he just learned the singer gets to select the song. He was disappointed he was not allowed to change his on screen character. He had already backed to the character selection screen before the museum employee stopped him and said, "I guess you've played before huh?"

Belting it out.

Showing off some dance moves.

The other cousins decided to perform next. They did a fab job on Ghostbusters.

Friday night Haley tried to curl my hair like all the cool kids are doing. (As if I've ever known what the cool kids are doing.)

Luke took a picture of us. He said, "Mom I love that hair!"

Such a fun week. The cousins are so great with Luke. Just listening to their conversations warms my heart. Even their arguing makes me happy because Luke has real relationships with them. I really hope he has lasting memories of the good times he had with them this summer. I still have memories of playing with my cousins in my grandparents front yard when I was about Luke's age.

The older kids and I spent some time talking about my early memories of them. They were all little children when Lamar and I were dating and first married. They loved hearing about the funny things I remembered them doing. They've all grown up so quickly. And Luke told me just last night he is not a little boy. He said, "I am growing up, Mom!" Break my heart. But he wants to be like the big kids. That's an important milestone I think.

Caitlin and Savannah's parents came to get them just before we left on Saturday. Their brother Jesse came too so I got this photo of all the cousins, minus the oldest who had to work. I'm pleased with it, and happy the kids were once again willing subjects.

It was an experience sharing a house with this crew for a week. And sharing a bathroom with 3 teenagers and 2 preteens was reminiscent of dorm life. But the smiles and laughs from my boy, and all the kids, were worth every moment.

Just before we left Luke sat in Maddie's lap, hugged her and didn't want to let go.

Since we've been home Luke's been singing a song I didn't recognize, something about shooting stars and an airplane. Then I heard the song on a movie preview today. Teenage music I guess his cousins taught him. Tonight he was playing Wii swordplay and said to his opponent "You're gonna get a piece of meat." When I laughed he said, "You say that when you fight. 'You want a piece of meat?'" Not quite ready to be a teenager. But close.

Brutal Honesty

I don't exactly know why I'm blogging about this, other than it's my only real outlet of expression. I should probably rectify that. And I feel kind of called to blog today, so perhaps one of you six readers can relate.

Summer is kind of wearing me out. It's a million degrees outside. I don't love being outside even in perfect weather. The heat just about does me in. I think Luke handles it worse than I do. He turns bright red and gets lethargic just walking to the car in the hot parking lot.

I want so badly to hold onto this summer and these last few "carefree" days, as if there are any carefree moments living with autism. Not to take away from the God's amazing work through Luke. He is amazing. But we've never had carefree days and I doubt we ever will.

But I'm worried sick about kindergarten. He's as ready as he could possibly be. I could keep him out of "real school" (I'm into quotes today apparently) until he's eight and I wouldn't feel he's really "ready" (more quotes). He's reading great and progressing nicely with his writing. Of course my biggest worries are social issues. But I think he's as ready as he could be for school.

But can he do it? I just don't know. Can he learn in a regular classroom? I think so. I really do. But if he can't, we need to know now.

And perhaps he's picking up on my anxiety. Since our return from South Dakota he's been especially clingy to me. He's cried in Bible class lately. I've stayed with him the last two weeks. This maybe a bad idea, but I can't leave him upset for his teachers to deal with.

Anytime I mention kindergarten he tells me he wants me to stay with and "watch me do all my things from the window."

So as much as I want to relish these last few days on "preschool Luke", I kind of want to get started with a routine. I believe Luke will be a great kindergartners. I'm trusting he'll have a great year with a super teacher and lots of new friends. But I'm anxious to see it with my own eyes. I think my whole life is a big fat lesson in trust.

Sorry for the rather somber post. I'll be back soon with a funny story and photos.

License Plates

I've enjoyed the past two lazy days at home (most of the time) with Luke. But I've felt like kind of a slacker mom. We've played some games, read some books (I cannot believe how much Luke is reading), made a card or two. But we've watched some TV and played some Wii too. I sure am going to miss these lazy days once school starts.

But to make myself feel a bit better, and because I forgot to add this to my South Dakota trip post (though I can't imagine that post being any longer), I thought I'd blog out this little project we completed on our way to and from SD. Of course this was Mimi's idea, so I can't be too proud of myself.

Luke is really into license plates and states. He loves spotting different states and even notices the counties. And he's learning to read many of those words. I had planned to keep a list of all the state plates we saw on our trip. Mimi suggested taking our United States puzzle and placing a little sticker on the state when we spotted it. And Mimi just happened to have some perfect little dot sticker. Mimi rocks.

Luke LOVED this the first day of travel. And day 1 was definitely our most productive day. On Day 2 I lost the stickers somewhere in the van. We had to stop at Walmart for more. And we ended up buying a Buzz Lightyear that talked (not that giant one on display in Target. We aren't THAT indulgent).

While we were in Sioux Falls Lamar found a cute book of travel games that had a picture of each state's plate. We thought that would be fun for the drive home, but I think we were all a little over travel and I couldn't really gather the enthusiasm myself to attempt to get Luke excited about it. And a lot of the plate photos were out of date (including our home state). I digress. So here's our map:

We saw 39 states and 3 Canadian provinces. Luke learned lots of state names and some geography. If you should ever do such a project, do NOT use a puzzle. I lost New England more times than I can count. I can't believe we made it home with all the pieces. We may try this again with a paper map.

Luke wanted to pose with the puzzle. I told him to look happy. He said, "I am happy!" and made this face.

A Card, Cousins, and a Hard Drive

I was recently talking to my mom about the death of a friend's daughter. We were talking about her amazing heavenly transformation, finally freed of her handicaps, and her family's grief. I thought Luke was paying us no attention when he asked, "Who died?" When I told him he said he wanted to write her. I thought he just wanted to see the spelling of her name (he's really into spelling, you know). But he actually wanted to make a card for my friend. He wrote, "I'm sorry Lydia died. Love, Luke." I was honored to mail the card to my friend. I wish I'd photographed the card.

***

And we were honored to have some cousins visit us a few days ago. Luke was so excited he nearly made himself sick. Seriously.

Luke loved playing Wii with the big kids. And I loved not having to play for one evening. Here he is rocking out on "Life is a Highway."



The cousins are obviously amused by his performance.

It's interesting to see Luke's relationship grow and change with his cousins. He still adores them, particularly Miss Maddie. But as he becomes more comfortable with them, he voices his opinions more. And as they become more comfortable with him, they don't always comply with his wishes, as they shouldn't. It's interesting to see the competing motivations playing out in his mind. (As in, he wants to play Wii with them, but they don't always play the game exactly as he wants--because surprise, surprise, he has a specific way every game should be played.) It is so good for him. He usually handles it very well, until after 10 p.m. or so.

***

And this weekend I transferred 4 years of digital photos from this beast:

Luke's in the photo for perspective. He is either exhausted or getting sick. Look at those eyes!


To this:


My how the technology has changed in 8 years. This little box has 4 times the hard drive space of our old pc.

And I'm coming to you today from our brand new computer, connected wirelessly for the first time in our home. We like to be right on the cutting edge of new trends. Any day now we'll get a DVR.

The 4th and a 1st

The 4th of July with a child who is terrified of fireworks is tons of fun. But we survived it again, and even had a little fun this year.

Luke was not excited about our Sunday School class 4th of July party. He heard some fireworks the night before and he made it clear his hatred of fireworks continues. He was calm about it, but he was adamant.

When I listed some of the friends that would be at the party, he decided he would like to go, but did not want to stay for the fireworks. Deal.

He was cautious when we arrived and about 100 folks had gathered for the festivities. He looked around and asked lots of questions. When his little buddy Joshua decided to jump in the pool, Luke asked to change into his suit and join him.

They had a large time.

And they kept the fighting to a minimum. These two boys are crazy about each other but spend most of their time together wrestling each other.

The gracious hosts of our 4th party live very close to a community park and their yard is a great spot for watching a rather impressive fireworks show. But before the show started neighbors began shooting off fireworks of their own. And Luke stood firm in his decision that he did not want to stay for the show, though he did seem a bit intrigued by the light display. The noise, and I think even more the surprise of each boom, was more than he could take.

So we headed home. If you leave before the show starts, you really beat the traffic! As we drove Luke could hear distant booms. I sat next to him so he could put one ear to my chest and I covered his other ear with my hand. As we drove he reminded me with each boom he did not like fireworks. And then he said, "I don't love fireworks. I love Mama."

We came home and stretched out on our bed and watched a little TV. Luke saw Freaky Friday (Lindsay Lohan version) and asked to watch it. I'm certain he's never seen it. After watching a few minutes he said, "Hey, they switched! Mom lets do that. Mom you be Luke and I'll be Mom." I was shocked he picked up on the plot line, especially since we had tuned in after the actual "switch" moment. And that was our 4th.

On July 5, Lamar and I were both off work for the day. We decided this would be a fabulous time to take Luke to movies for the first time. (We're not counting IMAX debacle.) Luke was pumped for Toy Story 3.

Apparently everyone else had the same idea. Despite arriving 30 minutes early, the noon show was sold out. Well, the 2D version was sold out. The 3D version was showing in 3 theaters, none of which were sold out. But every seat in the one small theater showing the 2D was sold. And 3D was not an option. I learned something from the IMAX experience--other than that we evil Americans over fish the sardine population and thus destroy the entire ecosystem--Luke doesn't do 3D. So we bought tickets for the 2:25 showing of Toy Story 3 in 2D. The 2:25 show sold out moments later.

So, we sat down with Luke in the lobby to explain we would have to leave but we would return later to see the movie. Luke was in an extremely agreeable mood and said, "OK! OK!" to everything I said. As we talked he peered across the lobby to the small arcade. When I finished he said, "Hey Mom, I have an idea. How 'bout after I do a great job watching the movie, then I can go play games in there?" pointing to the arcade. Only Luke would concoct a reward for watching a movie. I agreed to 3 games.

We arrived nice and early for the 2:25 showing to ensure we had an aisle seat (lesson #2 I learned at the IMAX). And we joined a line of folks waiting to enter the Toy Story theaters. After waiting a few minutes the usher separated the 2D and 3D lines. Luke asked which version we were seeing . . . about 20 times. About time #3 I explained that to watch 3D you had to wear those special glasses. I'm sure remembering the IMAX Luke agreed he did not care for the glasses. So from then on each time he asked me "Which one are we seeing 2D or 3D?" and I answered "2D" he would say, "Yeah, because we don't want to wear the glasses." Glad that helped. Normally I would have at least attempted to stop his reapeating the same question, but he was nervous so I just kept answering.

We settled in with our giant popcorn and Coke and at least $30 poorer. I suggested we head to restroom before the movie started but Luke didn't want to miss "any of the talking". We warned him the previews might be kind of loud. He was a little nervous but ready.

He watched the previews with his fingers in his ears. And we all thought the previews would never end. He wasn't thrilled about the short before the movie, but then liked it once it got started. He was very excited when his Toy Story buddies appeared on the screen. A few minutes into the movie I told him I thought he'd be okay if he took his fingers out of his ears. He tried it and success! Really freed him up to enjoy some popcorn.

He loved the movie. He seemed to really understand the plot. He hugged me during scary parts and did well anticipating the loud parts and having his fingers at the ready for plugging his ears. He completely cracked up at the Ken's wardrobe changes, tortilla potato head, and Spanish speaking Buzz.

So after Luke "did a great job watching the movie" we headed to the arcade. He made a couple attempts at the claw game, but overall was pretty disappointed with the game selection. He was pretty pumped about the photo booth though.

I don't know why I didn't crop out the duplicates from my scan. Oh well, too lazy to do it now.

So I think the his first movie in the theater was a success. He loves the Toy Story characters so much (we're already planning Halloween costumes) that I think he was motivated to tolerate the sensory overload he faced at times during the movie. Would we have such success with a movie he was more neutral about? No clue.

I think he dreamed about Toy Story Monday night. He woke up and said, "I want to see the real Buzz, Woody, and Jesse . . . and well, all the toys. But I don't want to see the fire." I told him maybe we could go to Disney World someday and he could meet them. He said, "Well, I don't want to see someone in a costume. I want to see the REAL ones. I want to hold their hands. I want to go into the movie." Hmmm.

Legacy

Thanks faithful SIX readers for your comments. And thank you anonymous commenter. You made my day! I absolutely plan to print the blog and will do it soon. But we've been a little busy the past couple of weeks.



We left last Wednesday for the great state of South Dakota. In a week and a day we drove about 2000 miles. It really was fun and the drive wasn't bad. I'm just not ready to hop in the car again any time soon.







Luke on night one in Columbia, Missouri. He was really loving hotel living. This was room 223. Luke still remembers all our room numbers.




The end of day 2 in the car. Stellar packing in view there in the back. At this moment, a DVD was playing, Buzz was repeating, "To infinity and beyond!" and Luke was playing the kazoo from his kid's meal lunch.



We arrived and checked into hotel #2, next door to Mimi and Papa (Room 219). We enjoyed dinner at a great cafeteria/buffet (I seriously love a good cafeteria. I'm getting old.), a quick trip to see family at Grandma's house, and back to the hotel for some pool time.



Friday morning we stopped by Grandma's church to check out the setup for Saturday's party and to join the little party her fellow bulletin folding volunteers threw for her birthday.




Apparently I didn't have my flash on for the this photo of my grandmother, my dad, and my boy.



After a little last minute party planning our family of three headed to the mini golf course.




Here's something we don't see much a home--a Viking motif.



We attempted the go karts next to the mini golf course, but at the last moment Luke decided he was scared. He enjoyed go karts at the beach last fall. No clue what happened this time, other than Luke's uncanny ability to keep us guessing.

After a marathon day of traveling, Erik, Jeanie and Maggie arrived in South Dakota Friday night. Luke excitedly waited up for them. He had a lot of late nights on the trip.


Saturday morning we had Grandma Margaret's 90th birthday celebration.



Luke's banner was on display in the church fellowship area.

Luke gave Maggie a little credit too.

We all enjoyed some cake.

And did some sitting and talking.

We had fun.

The excitement was more than we could stand at times.

Thankfully Jeanie brought the overwhelming popular Toy Story 3 sticker book. I purchased a similar one this weekend that kept Luke very happy and quiet during church this Sunday.

All the Tryggs at the party.

All the Tryggs make a crazy face. Or most of them.

I was kinda nervous about how Luke would handle the party. Unstructured time is still a challenge for him. And lots of adults he doesn't know talking to him is sometimes unsettling. And then sometimes he handles it beautifully. He was shy sometimes. And when he met another five year old who was attending the party with his grandmother, he had no interest in playing with him, until about 5 minutes before he left. I came equipped with DS and portable DVD in my emergency bag. And when Luke lost me the crowd and Jeanie helped him find me, he retreated to the corner of the kitchen. I offered him his DS and he told me he did not want to take it into the party. And I let him sit on the floor in the corner of the kitchen for about 20 minutes and play DS. He voluntarily put it down after that and asked to go find his cousin Maggie.

After the party ended some family hung around for photos and chatting. Luke loved being a photographer.

I'm so glad Erik got this shot of the photographer in action.

After the party we gathered in the hotel, waiting out a storm so we could go to dinner. Luke continued snapping photos.

I think I may have taken my "expressive face" parent training a little too far.

Luke's photo of Maggie playing on the bed. She and Luke had the best time jumping on the bed. My apologies to Room 224.

Sunday morning we all headed to church. I was curious what Luke would say about a different worship style than he's accustomed to. But I shouldn't be surprised his only comment was about a more lengthy sermon than we normally hear. Mid sermon he said to me, "Every time he is STILL talking."

Grandma treated us all to lunch after church.

We took a quick four generations photo outside the restaurant.

The kids enjoyed lots of time in the pool. Though the hotel was pretty full, the pool was almost always empty.

Maggie was so thrilled with the water and repeated, with great enthusiasm, "LOOK AT ME!" Luke's still imitating her.

Luke made great strides swimming on the trip. I think the consistency of being in the pool every day really helped him gain confidence and he began to understand how to propel himself through the water. So I guess mom needs to quit being lazy and get this boy in the water more.

The basketball goal in the pool was big fun.

And we took the Wii. It seems indulgent I freely admit. While I really don't feel the need to explain our reasoning to anyone, I still kind of need to justify it to myself. Because I never thought I'd be a parent that drags a video game system on vacation. But the Wii is how Luke recharges and unwinds. And after days filled with family he's never met and no semblance of his normal routine, I needed for him to have a way to relax. And Maggie enjoyed pretending to play with him. Luke is so looking forward to the day Maggie and can really play Wii with him. If we had a princess game, I know she'd be game.

Monday we headed to the Great Plains Zoo. And hooray our local zoo membership got us in for free!

Checking out the flamingos. They were stinky, but really pretty.

Luke loved the carousel. After this ride he told me "I want to ride the other thing you can ride." We finally determined he'd seen the sign for camel rides (he's reading so much lately). I just laughed and assured him he would not be interested in riding a camel (since we still have to carry him if there is a dog within sight).

We rode the train through the African Savannah exhibit. And Luke kept talking about the camel rides. We finally agreed we'd let him look before we left, certain there was no way he would ride a camel.

We approached the camel rides and he informed us he would be riding. And he had the, "I can do this" look on his face. The very kind man encouraged him on board and told me not to worry about going to the ticket booth. I could pay for the ride when they were done. (Seriously the kindest people in South Dakota)

And off they went.

And then he reached forward and petted the camel.

So maybe we need a pet camel. Or maybe I should rethink horseback riding therapy. I've never considered it due his intense animal fear. But maybe he's just afraid of small animals.

And we panned for "gems". Something else I've never seen in Tennessee.

Monday night we headed to the falls park.

It was really beautiful.

Obligatory family photo. I love that Luke is always with Mimi in family photos. He adores her.

Grandma Margaret and her two great grandchildren.

While at the falls we made a last minute decision to stay for the laser and light show. Here we're enjoying the music before the show. Luke insisted we clap.

The show was about 45 minutes long and was a rather detailed lesson of Sioux Falls history. It didn't start until 9:45 and ended about 11. Luke did fabulous. He was so proud of himself and I was so proud of him.

Luke was very upset the falls park observation tower was closed Monday evening, like very near meltdown upset. We promised to return Tuesday, and we did after a morning of shopping downtown and lunch at a cute diner.

Here we are at the top of the tower.

Another lovely view from the tower, Morrell's. Papa worked at this meat processing/packing (not sure the correct term here) to put himself through college. He will be so happy I posted this photo. And the smells from this plant that filled the park made me seriously consider becoming a vegetarian.

Our last night in Sioux Falls the kids enjoyed some more bed jumping and giggling.

Maggie telling everyone's favorite joke. Erik taught Luke the "interrupting cheese" knock knock joke from the Cheezit commercial. Luke told it about, oh, 2000 times. Maggie decided to get in on the action and told it about 200 times herself, though she never delivered the punchline. She just cracked herself up mid joke every time.

A great trip and a great time family. We had some challenging times. Some days I felt like all I did the entire day was correct Luke, correct again, and deal with Luke's defiance. At times I got discouraged. And forgive my candidness, but bad days with autism are really bad. Based on my observation, they're worse than "typical kid" bad days. I'm sure I'm biased, but I need a little venting every once in a while. And bad days discourage me and make me tired. I give bad days more importance than they deserve, I'm sure.

But when I consider all the challenges we threw his way on this trip and how he pretty enthusiastically accepted each one, I'm pleased.

I learned that some family members follow our blog. I had no idea! I did put the website on our Christmas cards a year or two in the past (Shameless!). I'm honored to know they keep up with us.

And during the Grandma's party, I commented to my mom and my aunt Bobbi that the fellowship room was really a great space. They had restaurant style round tables and chairs that are setup all the time. I commented how much time our church staff spends setting up and tearing down tables and chairs for events. How great to have a room that's always setup! Bobbi told me that was my grandfather's idea. She said he also suggested there be window in the room that looked into the worship area, so that if church members could not be in worship for some reason, they could see and participate from this room.

I thought of my late grandfather, an elementary school principal. And I thought of all the times I couldn't be in church with Luke. And though Luke and my grandfather never met, I think Grandpa would have understood. And I think he would have been really proud of Luke.

Like on trips in the past, Luke always wanted our entire group together. It was challenging for him when we had to separate. He was SO much better this trip, but it was still a challege for him at times. During one time, when he was trying to decide whether to stay with me and Lamar or go with Mimi, Grandma Margaret quietly observed. She later said, "Well, that's just hard for him. He loves his mom and he loves his Mimi." My 90 year old grandmother, who has seen Luke twice in his life, got it. And then I was reminded that my grandmother was a special education aid for years.

So I share of this (bless you if you're still with me) because many times I feel like an alien in a strange land as I stumble my way through parenting a child with a disability. And I found some comfort in thinking maybe my grandparents left me a bit of a legacy of understanding.