Things That Go KABOOM!!! in the Night

Just when I think things are going smoothly, something goes kaboom. Or perhaps I should say someone goes kaboom. Specifically, Bear goes kaboom.

KABOOM!!!

These episodes come on suddenly, and we're never quite sure what causes them. We know from experience that there's always a trigger, but we also know that his out-of-control behaviour could be a reaction to something that happened hours before, something that Bear doesn't even realize bothered him.

Tonight's rage resulted in Bear putting a second hole in his door. Why? Because I said it was too late for him to go play in the backyard. Once upon a time I knew to steel myself for a meltdown when I denied a request, but those days are few and far between now. Maybe we have the meds to thank for that. Maybe it's a maturity factor. Most likely it's a combination of both.

The fact is that I used to know what was coming, and there was a certain amount of comfort in that. But now when these episodes occur, I feel as if I've been blindsided.

KABOOM!!!

Marvin the Martian wouldn't need to complain if he lived at my house.

Help from Unexpected Places

Having a child with special needs, whether physical or emotional, can be incredibly alienating. All too often since starting my blog I've heard from parents, mostly moms, who feel alone on this journey. They often have no one to talk to, no one to rely on for help and comfort, no one to laugh and cry with -- no one who understands. Friends drop away, family members judge, schools criticize, and marriages crumble. The stories are heartbreaking.

But every now and then someone comes along who reaches out to us, often unexpectedly, to tell us it's all going to be OK. Today's "reach out" moment is brought to you by Elizabeth Aquino, blogger at a moon, worn as if it had been a shell.

Just to warn you...I watched this video with tears streaming down my face.

Note: This video was shared with me by someone who has reached out her hand in friendship and support. Thank you, Kiki, for being my "help from unexpected places."