"There is a tornado watch in the area.  Circumstances are favorable.  Go to your basement.  If you have no shelter, lay face down in a ditch or a low area.  Stay away from windows.  The winds can be in excess of 70 mph....." On droned my weather radio. We sure have had our share of inclement weather warnings this year!  I feel like I am in Florida dodging hurricanes or something.

"Seth, come on!  Get your clothes. The storm is coming.  We need to go downstairs!"  He remains sitting on his bed reading his Bible chapter.  He is reading a chapter a day.  Nothing stops him. I take the Bible from him and hold it out like a carrot in front of his nose so he would follow.  It worked.  He was soon sitting at the bottom stair, still in his PJ's, reading once again.  Totally oblivious. 

Storm?  Tornado?  Hail?  So what! I am in the middle of reading and here I sit.  There is no thought.  Just basic, childlike trust.  No fear.  I think he could be in the middle of a tornado, twirling around, land in a treetop and still keep reading!  Really! Hence, our Autism friends really need us caretakers.  They are precious, naive, trusting, secure.  It reminds me of the story of Jesus on the boat.  The storm is blasting all around.  His followers are afraid for their very lives.  Jesus is sleeping in the boat.  Totally oblivious.  His friends holler for him. Finally he wakes up in His own good time and is not at all fearful.  He knows His Father in heaven is all powerful and will take care of them.  He uses that power and says "Peace be still."  The storm halts. All is calm.

The wind came blasting upon us, the trees tossed and turned, the birdfeeders swung and nearly flew off their hooks. The chimes are clanging and banging.  Two of them lost their hook and landed.  I found them later. I was not afraid, just cautious. Soon it all ended.  The peace came.  All was well. Seth took off up the stairs when he was done reading.  "I think I would like to take a shower now"  He announced. Ok, sure.  Go ahead.  Peace be still. Maybe he is all right after all!  Maybe I am the one that needs the caretaking.  I do.  I need my Savior to protect me from myself! Arrgh!

I looked at Seth as we took an evening walk, in the sun, in the warmth and in the calm after a stormy day. Wow!  He's a handsome dude!  If he grew like normal and matured out like normal, he'd be a fantastic catch for some young lady!  It struck me just yesterday, however, that after all these years of longing for him to be "normal," It just is not in the cards.  Truly a miracle would have to take place.  I just can't go there.  I have to be so proud of who he is, of the good decisions he makes and appreciate how much he loves me.  Too bad for the special young lady who missed out!  We get to keep him!

Until Next Time,  Start reading your Bible, a chapter a day.  Food for the soul.  Be thankful for the blessings you have. Don't dwell on what you don't have, it will only crush you.

Nancy Lynne!

PS, my webmaster says that The Puzzle Boy book is nearly ready for download.  Keep watching!