15 Comments

  1. Lyle's Autism Diet
    April 27, 2015 @ 2:59 pm

    God, so much of what you say here is what goes through my head every day. At some point soon I have to make financial and legal arrangements for my son. But when I try to think about how he will live after his dad and I are gone, it makes me so depressed I can’t even talk to my husband about it let alone make an appointment.

    Best wishes….

    Reply

  2. Amy Richardson
    April 27, 2015 @ 4:03 pm

    My Jack will be 14 this coming Sunday! I don’t know how it happened so quickly!! I LOVE your blog – can relate completely to everything you write. Thank you for sharing your heart so beautifully!!

    Reply

  3. Rebecca
    April 27, 2015 @ 5:42 pm

    i know how you feel. I raised an autistic girl. We got through it. She’s ok and we’re ok. Its not perfect but it’s do-able. I just loved and repeated and trained and prayed and prayed. And never gave up. I know you will do the same. I will be praying for Jack and for all of you that he will find his place in his world and that you all will be ok. Because sometimes ok is good enough x

    Reply

  4. Lori OBrien
    April 27, 2015 @ 6:12 pm

    My son is now 18 and will be graduating this year. Your blog took me back to when he was in 5th grade…the first time we were acquainted with the word “Asperger Syndrom”. Denial took root over the next 4 years as we tried to account for his nuances with individual explanations. Fast forward and he can tie his shoes, ride a bike (though he still doesn’t like it), achieved Eagle Scout, he’s taking his first college course (computer intro, what else?), and has driven back/forth to school (20 min each way) for over 6 months without incident. So proud of my kiddo! They grow quick, but some things take a bit longer. He’ll be graduating H.S. next month, but will stay here while he goes to Community College, and if not ready for that, will find his first employment. We still have work to do together before he can maneuver in his world. It’s still a 2 steps forward 1-3 steps back…..But with God in his life, and parents available to assist (though not without mistakes!)….we have such hope! Thank you for sharing your journey!

    Reply

  5. NickyB.
    April 27, 2015 @ 6:26 pm

    So many similarities as my son will be 11 in a couple of weeks. I feel the same way. Time is running out. I’m doing my best to make the best use of the time I have left.

    Reply

  6. Carol Bruce
    April 27, 2015 @ 6:48 pm

    Happy Birthday to Jack.

    Reply

  7. Mike Idenden
    April 27, 2015 @ 8:58 pm

    First of all… Happy Birthday to Jack!! I’d also like to thank you for perfectly encapsulating everything that goes through my head every day… from the hopes & wishes to the mistakes & the frustrations & everything in between. I’m so grateful that I found your blog. My Nick will be 14 in June & you have repeatedly made me feel like you’re inside my head. Thank you Carrie.

    Reply

  8. Deb
    April 27, 2015 @ 11:11 pm

    What a beautiful photo of Jack. And you made me cry, just a little. My baby girl turns 23 in less than two months.

    Reply

  9. Tammy
    April 28, 2015 @ 12:31 am

    I look forward to Monday because I get to read your blog. I feel like I have a friend who understands the life we lead daily with our 9 year old Nash. It all seems to fly by….I hate this! I want the slow down button 🙂

    Reply

  10. oshrivastava
    April 28, 2015 @ 3:25 am

    Reblogged this on oshriradhekrishnabole.

    Reply

  11. Kim Landis Black
    April 28, 2015 @ 10:14 pm

    Happy birthday jack!!

    Reply

  12. Kathy
    April 29, 2015 @ 6:06 am

    Carrie, I love your blog!! But I have one question—and it’s been bugging me for a while—what exactly is an Orange Blossom?

    Reply

    • Carrie Cariello
      April 29, 2015 @ 7:27 am

      Haha…an Orange Blossom, according to Jack, is some kind of orange creamsicle on a stick. He loves them!

      Reply

  13. Libby
    April 29, 2015 @ 9:59 pm

    You lead such an inspiring life. I truly believe God only gives Special children to Special people. I can’t even begin to imagine what you, and Jack, and your family experience on a daily basis. It is as if the days go by so slow, but the weeks go by so fast. Not having children on my own yet, but having lots of experience and education with Early Intervention and Family Therapy, I can honestly say that I believe you must be the best and most perfect mama for Jack. As you said, he will do things…but he will do them on his own time. As humans today, we fret so much over time when really we must remember we have no real control over our time anyway. Continue to be encouraged and know that Jack loves his mama and Jack doesn’t see your shortcomings or failures. Ultimately, maybe Jack’s autism is a protection against certain aspects of the world and keep him from becoming jaded and bitter like the rest of us. God bless your family.

    Reply

  14. Mary Ann
    May 1, 2015 @ 7:07 pm

    Carrie, in the three months I have been reading your blog, I have always thought of you and Jack as my “crystal ball.” Thank you for your testament, it means so very much.

    Reply

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