Category: gluten free

Nick and Cam On Their Own

Nicholas and Cameron are on their own this weekend.  This is the first time that they will be away from us parents for four days. They are travelling with their youth group, heading towards the coast.

They are excited about their adventure.  Being on their own–freedom.  Right?  With that freedom comes responsibility.  Will they eat the gluten free foods?  Will they follow directions?  I hope they’ll look out for each other.

I am both excited and anxious.  Problems could arise, and I won’t be there to help.  They have to figure things out.  Of course, if an emergency arises, they can call.  I prepared them about situations that could happen and how to handle them, but how do we really know what can happen and how they’ll react?

I worry, but we all need to know how they do on their own.  The only way to know is to let them go.

Autism and Scholarship: Party Time

Now we’re at the reception following the scholarship recognition ceremony.

Ryan and I hightailed it to the coffee line as the food line led to wheat laden food.  (Ryan is gluten free except for wheat that I grind–unprocessed/unheated wheat.)  At the coffee bar, we chatted a bit between ourselves and then with a few others we knew.  Out of nowhere, Ryan announced, “I’m going to talk with that girl.”

I reacted casually (?), “What girl?”

“THAT girl, in line.”

Wow!  OK.  I recognized her from elementary school.  When Ryan was home schooled, she made the effort to talk with Ryan.  Ryan always answered her questions, but never ventured to initiate his own line of conversation.  Well, today he did.  He held a conversation with her.  They included me.  I was impressed.  It was not too long when they walked away.  Without me.

Too cool!