Christmas Surprise

Seven days before Christmas and the presents are still not wrapped; they are hidden somewhere around the house, beneath duvets and coverlets, underneath beds and sofas, behind cabinets and drawers, stuffed in small nooks and crannies where they are least likely to be found. I am beleaguered with the constant thought of Alphonse finding them, [...]

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Thanksgiving

I woke up this morning to the rustling of the sheets. It was still dark out; there was no hint of light in the sky. I felt a movement in the room, and as I tried to focus my eyes, I saw Alphonse, sitting in the darkness, making happy, little noises. He didn’t even notice me [...]

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Fifteen Candles

Happy 15th Birthday, Alphonse, child of our hearts.
You weren’t like other children
and God was well aware
You’d need a caring family
with love enough to share.
And so He sent you to us
and much to our surprise
you haven’t been a challenge
but a blessing in disguise.
Your winning smiles and laughter
the pleasures you impart
far outweigh your special needs
and melt the [...]

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Guided By Angels

I asked permission to repost this article in my blog. I wanted so much to share with you an uplifting story of love within a family living with autism. The author is a junior in high school and a friend of my son Alex. She also happens to be an excellent writer. I read this in her Multiply [...]

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Sunday…Father And Son

It’s a rare Sunday that we find time to be together these days. Household errands that we don’t have time to do on weekdays get squished in with weekend chores, making our already heavy weekend schedule even heavier. Between shopping for groceries, paying the bills, and ferrying a son to and from his activities (be it [...]

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Baby Blues

I was digging in my plate of tempura and maki when I felt little hands touching my back. I turned around very slowly. Behind me, a little girl, probably around two years of age, poked the hello kitty figures in my shirt, mumbling “one, choo, chee, one, choo, chee.” She counted as she touched them, [...]

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Birthday Bonanza

This

was supposed to be my birthday cake. All 12 by 8 inches of soft, moist butter cake topped with a 10-inch fondant and royal icing Hello Kitty Chinese Empress in red. This was a surprise birthday cake A had especially made for me.
 
 
And this
was all that was left of Hello Kitty, ten minutes after she arrived in [...]

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Anyone Can Dream

Overheard last week in our home:
Mama (noticing Alphonse watching American Idol on television): Hey, Alphonse, do you want to be an American Idol?
Alphonse nods “Yes”
Alex: But you can’t sing! 
(Big deal! Alphonse doesn’t talk either. )
Alphonse nods “Yes” again.
Alex: Do you want to sing?
Alphonse shakes his head. “No. No.”
Alex: But you still want to be an American Idol?
Alphonse: “Yes. Yes.”
Alex [...]

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Back Home

We’re back home and back to our everyday routines. Yet, before the last weekend fades into distant memory,  I want to thank all those who wished us well – Doc Mark, Casdok, Megamom, Leirs, Doc Ness, Beth (FXS Mom), Mari, and Odette — your prayers and well wishes are very much appreciated. :-)  Thank you, dear, [...]

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Road Trip

We’re taking the kids on a weekend getaway, only this time, Alphonse’s nannies will have to be left behind. I think of this as some sort of a test we have to pass as a family and the only criterion for passing would be surviving without help for at least 48 hours. I’ve noticed how we’ve all become a [...]

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