I saw this bumper sticker today, and it made me smile:
My Autistic Kid Will Lick Your Honor Student
Speaking of a Family Resemblance
After reading this post, several people wrote to tell me they found it amazing how much C looks like me at the same age. Here's a photo of me and M (C's twin) when we were both about two years old.
Breathing Easier?
An update to yesterday's post: after this morning's three-hour ABA session and one hour off O2, C's oxygen level was 80%. This is very low (read: not good). So, while his progress is positive overall, it's clear that any extra activity is still over-taxing his pulmonary system. Small steps, small steps.
Breathing Easier
On the advice of our pulmonologist, we've been taking C off oxygen for short periods every day, gradually increasing the duration of these O2-free periods. We're currently up to 60 minutes, after which we measure C's oxygen levels using a portable testing device.
His oxygen levels are holding steady at 98-100% each time we test. For perspective, that's how well an individual with very healthy lungs would do!
Our little jester is full of surprises.
And that, to me, is the real point. Whenever I get down, something happens to remind me how lucky I am, how great C is doing. Sure, he has strikes against him, but he has a resilient spirit.
My good friend Sean often says, "C is going to surprise us all, you watch." I believe he's right.
Brotherly Bonds
Though I only knew my younger brother for a very short time, I feel his presence in my life even now, nearly four decades later.
I was reflecting on this tonight as I was bathing C and M. While it sometimes seems as though autism has put a wall up between these boys, I know they share a bond unlike any other. They will have each other always.
