Friday, May 18, 2012

Life lived normal

So we had a friend from church come stay with us for a few days.  "Mr. T. " falls on the autistic scale, has Asperger's, and possible RAD.  After I had said yes to having him stay I started hearing all the horror stories of things he had done at other houses.  I panicked, "What had I agreed to?".  I had anxiety for days.  Having my car rear ended didn't help any.  So, he shows up.  He runs constantly, set off the alarm at our YMCA because he ran through a door that was off limits (he's extremely impulsive), knocked all the cereal boxes off of the shelf at Target, refused to put his seatbelt on until I pulled over, and stopped, and refused to drive anywhere, he sat on Trouble #1's head, blamed EVERYTHING on my kids, put our cat in the dryer (twice), and then proceeded to teach said cat how to jump on the trampoline, he banged his head on the floor for self soothing so hard it literally shook our house.  And this was just the first day.  But you know what?  We had a great time!  The first night he stated he didn't hug, kiss or any of that (but I could say prayers...if I wanted).  By the end he was letting me carry him around, come up behind him and hug him, and kiss him goodnight along with our prayers.  Did he drive us nuts?  Yes, occasionally he did.  Don't all kids on occasion?  Bottom line...he's just a little boy who needs to be loved.  He needs patience, forgiveness, love unconditional.  That's how I am with my Heavenly Father.  Boy, am I obstinate at times!  Yet, Jesus loves me.  He's patient, He forgives me, and He loves me unconditionally.  Even when I run away not listening through the door with the big red sign that says DO NOT ENTER.  I can see the angels now, all having anxiety attacks because I've set off yet another alarm due to my impulsiveness and stubbornness.  Yet God gently guides me back, calms those heavenly hosts whose wings are all aflutter, and points me in the correct direction.   Mr. T., you are welcome back to my house anytime.  You are a joy.