It's hard to believe that the summer came so late and went by so fast this year...almost like a blink.
Thanks to my Aunt Doreen and my Uncle Mike from Maine helping us out, last year while on vacation there, we brought home a 32' travel trailer because our little pop-up just wasn't cutting it. Adam and I talked about the possibility of trying a season with it somewhere, but just weren't sure where to go. After countless hours of online searching, we discovered Whispering Pines Campground in Hope Valley, RI. As I write, my eyes are welling up with tears. These are tears of sadness because I never thought...ever...this would be the best summer. Not only for myself because I'm once again back in my childhood roots of spending summers at campgrounds, but for Adam, Sam & Gabby as well. And I must add that it's been great having my sister and brother-in-law right next to us to enjoy the summer as well...Just like the old times!! We've all in some way bonded with many people there, especially our family on W Road, who have taken our children in like their own and have shown much patience and love to Sam & Gabby. Although there have been many times when BOTH kids have had outbursts, tantrums, meltdowns, etc., everyone has been more than understanding and are often trying to help us out when a situation arises. I will miss WP while we are in hibernation for the winter and I know for certain Adam, Sam & Gabby will too. For now, I will reflect on all the wonderful, fun & exciting memories made this summer, and look forward to next Spring when we get to do it all over again. I truly believe that WP has made a huge positive impact on the progress Sam has made, especially in the social aspect of Autism. Thanks for the BEST SUMMER EVER 2009!!!
We had another PPT with the Town of Tolland last week to decide what's going to happen with Sam. Thankfully, he's staying at River Street at least until next June. Their intent is to hopefully have him start kindergarten in the fall of 2010 here in Tolland, but honestly, I just don't know about that. You know me, if I don't believe he's ready, he's not going anywhere!
Oh yes, the progress he's made...let me start by saying he's doing great!!!!! He's a smart mouthed, funny, an eating machine and so on! If you haven't seen him in a while, you would be amazed at how different he is...in a great way. So often now he says something that any typical child would say and will even play like a typical child. You wouldn't even know he has Autism.
Adam and I have made progress as well! We have accepted the fact that Sam is now riding the bus to and from school!!! That's a very big deal for us!!! Sam loves it and gets upset when I pick him up from school. He wants to ride the bus.
I want to add something personal to this post, only because it may be the only way to reach out to some people that have for whatever reasons, have chosen to distance themselves from us. The past 5 years have come and gone so quickly for Adam and I because everything is always a rush around here, and often nothing ever comes easy. It's very difficult for us to talk on the phone to anyone without kids yelling and screaming in the background. So if we don't call, it's not because we don't think of you, it's because it's an impossible feat. We forget birthdays and anniversaries of one's that we DO care about, so please don't take it personally. Some may think that we are selfish for being away all summer and leaving CT behind. But honestly, this was a risk we took with Sam not knowing which way it was going to go. And it turned out great for our kids...and for us too. After everything that we have been through for the past 5 years, we feel we deserved some kind of break and this is what we chose to do. Adam and I STILL haven't had one night away from the kids since they've been born. If what we chose to do this summer as a family is selfish, then so be it. We miss certain family members and friends very much who we hold dear to our hearts that won't talk to us. As far as the family members go, there have been many, many instances that we could have turned our backs because of the lack of communication and for times not being here when you were needed, but we brushed it off and moved on. An invitation is never needed to visit here nor is it needed at the campground. That goes for everyone. We do love you all and care very much. Enough said and I hope I made some kind of point.
I hope that everyone had an enjoyable summer and look forward to catching up with everyone over the fall and winter. We do miss our CT friends and family!
