Friday, October 12, 2007

"His brain is all better"

Last monday Michael went bowling with my best friend's kids. When her kids got home they told their dad "We went bowling with Michael. He did so good. He even beat us. I think his brain is all better".

When these kids were little they wanted to know why Michael didn't talk and lined up cars all day. So, being that they were preschoolers at the time, we explained it like Michael had something wrong with his brain- kind of like a boo-boo and it was hard for him to pay attention or talk.

So, these children, 5 and 8 years old, thought Michael was better. The 5 year old even said "I love him". They didn't play together a lot as children (michael didn't play with many kids to begin with). But, they knew him back then.

It was just a great thing to hear.

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Pinstripes

Two more weeks until the BIG conference. As you can tell, it's all I do and think about for the months leading up to October 20th and 21st. Right now I'm watching the Yankees play the Indians in the payoffs (3rd inning) and getting depressed. Roger Clemens just walked off the mound for the last time. George said that it would be Joe Torre's last game too if they lose. Then I'm thinking how it might be my mom's last game. She LOVES the team and watches religiously. She started another round of chemo, but I just don't think it's working at all. Well, other than making her sicker.

I just hope they pull it out and give Yankee fans something. You know, it's one thing when someone around you gives up and another when it's yourself. I feel so empowered lately because I feel like It's so important to not give up (as I'm writing that the Yankees just scored).

I have this good friend, Danny. He's a Yankee fan like myself. He told me one day how there are 2 different types of people in this world. Yankee fans and Yankee haters. It's not about baseball really.

There are people in this world who WANT to win. They make no excuses and go out there like winners. I guess the main thing is they BELIEVE in themselves. I know, it sounds hokey. But, it's true. Yankee fans expect the team to be in the playoffs every year. For years, Red Sox fans were just waiting for the moment the team would crumble. I don't expect the Yanks to lose. And when they do, it's heartbreaking. But, they are the team in ALL of sports that has won the most championships. ANY SPORT! (OK, I heard of a high school badmitten team that won like 125 games in a row- so I guess I should say "all professional sports".) But, you get my meaning.

Next year will be the last year at the old stadium in the Bronx. The new one is under construction. I just can't imagine them playing somewhere new. I also couldn't imagine my son talking or being in a class with kid who weren't autistic- but it happened.

After watching my mom get sicker and the Yankees crumble (please prove me wrong guys) I'm more empowered to help my son. Because it's something I can do. I pick his supplements or decide on how long he does chelation. Yes, I have regrets. But, I'm really happy the way things are going. Michael just came in here and asked for "the new bread". He's eating store bough rice bread. In the past he would gag and throw up on it. There are so many little things he's doing lately.

I made a list of things I want Michael to be able to do at 18 years old.

Graduate High School
Go to College
Drive a car
Play Piano
Be able to hit a baseball
Have friends
Read on his grade level
Ride a bike
Dress himself
Do his own laundry
Brush his own teeth
Make his own food


I'm learning that I have to set the bar a little higher. I have to be like the Yankees and New York City and expect GREATNESS!
But, regardless of where Michael is at 18 years old- he will always be a superstar and my most valuable player.

Go YANKS!!!!!!!!!!