It seems my ability to be consistent in blogging is nonexistent. So there's that.
However, it doesn't mean I don't live with the highlights and lowlights (peaks and valleys?) of Aspergers every day.

This weekend the Aspie princess is on a beach trip with her youth group. This is a GOOD thing. My girl feels at home in and near the water, so the ocean is a good place for her to be. Do I worry? Not really. Water, even the ocean, really is her friend.

New this year for her is swimming with the local high school's swim team. She willingly goes to a a gruelling swim practice four days a week. Another first for this year is actual competitive swim meets. She's been swimming with a recreational swim team every summer for the past five or so summers. This fall she does actual timed events and uses the diving block.

About that first swim meet . . .
We did prepare her for it by talking about the noise, stimuli, etc. We forgot to talk about the confusion  that might occur, at the exact time of the event, that might send her into a tailspin. And it did. She imploded and ran off to face the fence, cry, breathe . . .

And she came through it. Yes, we endured stares of other adults who didn't get it. Other teens who didn't get it. But you know what? I ignored them. I helped her. And when it was time for her to swim again, even though she was the last swimmer to come in, some of her swim team members cheered her in, and even some of the competitor team's members cheered for her! Yep, I cried. Tears come to my eyes even now, thinking about it.

So, do I worry about her at the Ocean? No. God has her and watches over her when I can't. I know He watches over her always. As He does you and me. He has given us unique and special children. Kids that would change our lives in ways we never thought possible. And for the better!

May you be encouraged, Mom and Dad, as you do your best each day to raise these unique kids. Is it easy? No. But is it a blessing? Absolutely! Consider yourself chosen - not everyone has the wherewithal to raise such interesting people!

-Noble