"Wow! Look at the high up water falling down, exclaimed Seth!" I love how autism expresses itself.  It is either how they learn to express, or Seth just liking to be quirky, I don't know, but this is how he decribed beautiful Yosemite Falls as we neared it.

"Seth, make sure you are drinking your water, I hollered!"  "I did already." Came back the usual answer.  The weather was hot and dry.  When we first got our Camelback water reseviors, I figured it would be a great way to carry plenty of water.  They hold 3 liters each.  After our Arkansas hike in the spring, we found that Seth had only gotten a cup of water for the whole day!  Not good!  Evidentally he did not get the hang of it as we thought.  In order to get water, you have to bite down on the hose and suck.  A bit of coordination is in order here.  On this trip, we wanted to make absolutely sure he was drinking plenty.  Mark and I kept checking his water pack.  He was getting the hang of it this time.  By the end of the day he had nearly drank all of it!

Look ahead!  There is a large gathering of people!  I bet they are looking at a bear!  Sure enough, as I ran ahead, I spotted a small cinnamon colored bear bebopping along through the woods.  I grabbed my camera and turned it on.  By golly, I was going to have a bear hunt!  I stepped my way towards him.  He was non chalant,  just being a bear in the woods and doing what bears do.  Oh, please hold still so I can get your picture!  He scratched his behind on a tree, then lumbered along over to a log where he scratched looking for grubs or some other good treat to eat. That is when I got my best shot.  Whew!  After that he crossed over the stream.  I was not going to follow any further.  The Ranger might lock me up instead of the bear!

Seth thought the bear was neat.  Now he has a stuffed bear on his bed.  Before the bear sighting, he did not think anything about teddy bears! Now he thinks they are "so very cute!"  I have collected flannel fabric with a woodsy theme.  Camping, canoes, moose, bear, cabins, pine trees along with plaid will make a cozy quilt for this coming winter.  I think he and the bear will like it, don't you???

On we walked.  Soon we were close to the cascading falls.  It was loud and gave a cooling, misty spray.  Over the bridge we went and on the other side was Becky and Bayard.  We finally found them!  Seth was so curious over what other kids were doing that we lost them in the crowd.  Seth saw kids up on a big rock.  He wanted to go up to.  Mark helped him climb over the big rocks to the top.  Neat.  Then he saw big rocks in between bigger rocks.  He wanted to explore in and behind the huge boulders.  He was being curious!  I liked that!  What fun to see him watch other people and take some initiative to do something other that the usual. 

"Look at all the people on the bikes, mom!  I think there are hundreds of them!" Seth was again all excited.  Perhaps he remembers the time  in his life when he used to ride so fast and so agile.  We could hardly keep up with him.  At age 11 he kept falling off his bike.  He would get hurt.  We had to take it away from him. You can read about it in my new ebook called "The Puzzle Boy" you can find it at www.thepuzzleboy.com.  You can see how he made a lot of progress in life, then how he lost everything and then how he came to be who he is today. Maybe someday we can venture out and get a tandem bike.  We tried one once and he did quite well!

On we trudged for the rest of the day.  We made it all the way to Bridal Falls.  The display was wonderful, but now we had to get back to camp.  It was getting late in the day.  The shadows were lengthening.  I did not want to walk back.  Neither did the rest of the group.  We thought for sure the tour bus came to this place so we planned on getting a bus ride back.  Alas, it did not come there.  Oh, no!  We were sore, hungry and very tired! Becky was the brave one.  Person to person she went.  "Can we have a ride back to camp?" She would ask in vain over and over again.  "Don't speaka Engleesh!" "No room!"  "No!"  "We aren't headed that way."  Finally, a good, kind gentleman with a car load figured he would come around again and ask Becky how many needed a ride.  We had wizened up at this point.

"Only one of us needs a ride back to Housekeeping camp.  They can pick up our vehicle and come back to get us." "Hop in the man told Becky"  I think that is where the bravery ended.  She pointed to Mark and said he would go.  Off Mark went with complete strangers, but strangers I believe that were an answer to our prayers.  It seemed like forever before Mark made it back to us.  I was getting kind of worried.  What was taking so long???  Alas, all went well.  It was a long one way road around the valley floor to reach back to us.  Oh, but it was all so timely.  It was late as we arrived back to camp.  We were ready for a good meal.  Out came the camp stoves.  Out came the food, the plates and the plastic wear.  Mmmmm.  Yum!  Now our bellies were happy again.  Slumberland was great!  Zzzzzzz.

Until Next Time, Learn how to drink out of a Camelback water hydration system.  They are fantastic! "Look, no hands!"  Make sure you have plenty of gorp in your packs and bring a trail map along!

Nancy Lynne!

Yosemite Valley.  Well, here we are!  The infamous valley gorgeous that I heard about my whole life, but have never seen! How rugged, how rare and how absolutely stunning! At home in southern Missouri, Seth would say, "Oh, wow, mom, look how big the mountains are!"  I would have to inform him that they were hills, not mountains.  I had to explain the difference between a cliff, a rise, a hill and a mountain.  Now, these were classic examples of "way high up mountains!"

Housekeeping camp was quite interesting with all the house tents scattered about complete with bear boxes to keep those supposed pesky creatures from eating our food!  I teased everyone and said it felt like a refugee camp.  Each area had their own bathroom. The shower area was in one spot along with laundry and a small grocery store.  By the way, the bear boxes should have been called ground squirrel boxes as these creatures were the very ones that did get in and eat at our food!  They were quick as lightening and sneaky as a snake to get in.  Seth would point them out to us and he kept a wary eye out!  He did not want his food eaten!

We were greatly impressed with the quality of food sold in this area.  There is so much healthy food in the stores you would think you were in a regular healthfood store!  haha! In other words, if your child has special dietary needs as autism, aspergers and the rest do, then you can find it here.  They have a whole section of gluten free foods such as pancakes and bread! They have agave nectar and stevia for those intolerant to sugar.  They have veggie foods for those who have an aversion or conviction against meat eating along with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. Now, where can you go camping and find that???

The first night was just fine.  The mountains towered all around us while the clear river flowed beside us, and the moon and stars hung above, all seeming to dance in unison.  The smell of campfires blended with the delicous smell of the redwoods. Sometimes the smoke could be a bit much because it had no where to go but to stay in our tight valley.  It posed some problems with Seth as he had some seizures several nights in a row that I attributed to the smoke.  Who is to know? All in all he did just fine. I wonder how our kids would do if we kept them in a bubble with a repirator on at all times??  I don't think they would be happy, and neither would we. That is no way to have to live.  You do the best you can and keep the best attitude you can.  It all can develop as we let it grow in us and as we put away our fears and negativity.

I think that should be our ongoing goal in life.  To keep getting rid of the negative thoughts and feelings and accept joy and happiness into our lives.  Why is it that our very natures can hardly stand that?  So often I find myself wanting to dwell on the fears and morbidity of this world.  You can learn to nix those thoughts and replace them with good ones the moment they come.  That is the key.  It takes practice.  But, you know the old adage, "practice makes perfect!"  Day after day you can and will improve. We become what we allow our minds to dwell on.  We receive what we allow our minds to dwell on.  It is a universal law.

Crackle, crackle, crackle, spit, fizz, all is calm, all is quiet, all is well. Slumber falls upon the campground as we fall asleep and anticipate the grand adventures of tomorrow!

Until Next Time, take your autistic child outdoors tonight and have a campfire. Sing some happy songs.  Oh, make sure you don't have fire restrictions in your neighborhood.  You may have to find a campground for this weekend!

Nancy Lynne Clayburn!

After a quick landing and plane change in Phoenix, AZ, we emerged into Fresno, CA. Phew, we made it! Great take offs and landings topped off our day.  The sky was blue, and the sun shone brightly.  The air was dry and the gentle breeze soothed our skin. Becky and Bayard were waiting for us on the other end.  They had arrived a day early to get the van rented and stake out the territory.  We had a few errands to run before heading out to Yosemite National Park.

It is a curious thing to watch the expression on an autistics face as they meet a familiar face in a distinctly different place than normal. Seth had to ask me if it was really them. Once he was comfortable with that, off he went.  We followed suit. We knew that he had in his mind one thing.  He wanted his duffle bag.  He was sure his sunglasses must be in there.  Oh no, he could not have left them at home.  Uh,uh. We told him that they were probably in the car. "No, I think they are in my suitcase!"  Anyways, he dissapeared into the sea of people and we had to keep up.  This was our warm-up for the big hikes!

Suddenly, even with the 4 of us adults, this Puzzle Boy vanished!  "Mark, I don't see Seth! We have to look for him!" There were 5 different directions to go and only 4 of us.  Oh, goodness.  "Seth!"  What possesed him this time?  My guess was that he took off quickly toward the signs that pointed to the baggage claim.  Mark took the outdoor route. Bayard and I went back the direction we just came, and Becky went toward the baggage. I did not see him, so went outdoors after Mark had already come in, just in case. Nothing.

My heart sinks when this sort of thing occurs.  It has happened so many times, you would think the fear would go away.  It just gets more manageable, that's all.  I don't stress as much, nor do I let my imagination wander as far.  You know how it goes, your special needs child is suddenly missing.  You can't find them in the first minute.  Now your brain wanders to an abductor, then to the Search and Rescue.  Now you are picturing them without their medication. Seizures occur, the abductors get scared, throw him out on the street.  He is wandering, hungry, thirsty and has not a clue what to do. Next thing you know, your mind has the funeral planned and you are wondering what in the world you are going to do without your child!  You have failed, you chastise yourself for not being more careful.  On the thoughts progress until you are sick to your stomach and in tears.

Those thoughts got to me time and again in the past.  I have learned to nix them and just pray.  I have learned that I have a Father in Heaven that cares about him more than I.  Whatever happens He already knows about it.  What's meant to be is meant to be.  Not that we become irresponsible, but I can know that I can rest and trust in His judgement call.  He can and will send a circle of angels round about our children.  We don't have to live in constant fear all the time.

This is the very thoughts I was practicing, for my own benefit.  Over the years, the stress and strain of raising autism has been crippling. I had to rise above it for my own health's sake and for the sake of the rest of my family. It was no way to live.  You can read my story in full by going to www.ThePuzzleBoy.com.  I have written an e-book that you can download and read.  It is over 140 pages and contains many pictures. It is easy to blame yourself for everything that happens to your child.  Well, I now know for a fact that autism is not my fault. I don't have to take the brunt.  I can actually enjoy my child.  Even though I still am keeping my eye out for the "cure", it no longer obsesses me.  Believe me, I have tried everything to cure seizures and autism.  I have found the very best thing is to work on Character.  Then you have a fun and manageable child.

We all met in the center once again. No one had seen him.  Off we went a second time.  Bayard was the hero!  I went back in his direction again because that is the last place I had seen Seth.  I did not see him pass me. I asked Bayard,"Where was he?"

Bayard told me that he had ducked into a store along the way. He had spied something else that he really wanted. "Mom, come here." He called as he took my hand and pulled on me.  "I want to show you something very neat!" "I would like to have this.  Look at all the neat shirts and hats and cups with horses on them.  They say California.  I would like a California hat to wear."  I should have known! Yes, indeed, he is a collector of state hats!

"Seth, let's wait until we get to Yosemite."  I was sure they would have prettier hats. I convinced him, and he was willing to let go.  In Phoenix, we had gotten him a pair of sunglasses.  He just had to have his "gear" on.  He donned his AZ. hat we had gotten last year on our trip to Havasu Falls. Now that we were in CA, he had to fit that picture.

Alas, we were relieved and sent up a thank you! After piling our stuff into the van, we took off to get some nourishment.  You know, these airlines today don't feed you anymore!  I remember checking a box that wondered what I liked to dine on, but I did not see that food! 

Until Next Time, remember to bring some food on the flight! Probably get a  harness for your autistic child, or maybe put a GPS finder on them! Maybe they could carry a whistle, or a cell phone??? You don't think you can lose them, but in a split second, oops!

Nancy Lynne

After months of preparation, the time has finally arrived! Last night we traveled up to the large metropolitan area of St. Louis, stayed overnight in a cheap Motel 6 across from the airport so that we could make our 8:38 am flight.  Being we live 3 hours from the airport, we figured this would be a wise decision.  I did not like staying where we had to stay.  It felt creepy.  Seth, the Puzzle Boy didn't know that.  He conked out the minute his head hit the pillow.  He lives faith.  He was a fine example and soon, with earplugs in to keep out the night noises, as just outside our room was the entry into the motel, and a pillow over my eyes to keep out the light that seemed like daytime which was also right out out window, I soon fell asleep. 

Miracle number one.  I do not use an alarm clock.  I pray, and have done so for years, that the Lord would wake me up when I need to get up.  I wanted to be awake by 5am.

At 4:45 am, Seth woke up, sat up, and announced the time, then fell back to slumber.  I thanked the Lord for waking me 15 minutes earlier.  He knows that I need a bit of time to acclimate to being awake and also to give me a bit of time to think and pray.

Miracle number 2.  We were concerned with the cost of leaving our vehicle in St. Louis for 2 weeks at one of the car storage places that cost $8.50 or so per day.  We were bemoaning the fact that gas prices have already soared to an all time high, and now this added cost of parking.  Mark asked the motel attendant where a good place would be to park.  She informed  him that he could leave it there for free and just take a taxi on over! (way cheaper) We were elated, yet feared for our cars safety.  We had been hearing all about how gas, liscence plates, tires, etc have been stolen from cars lately.  Again, we prayed and left the angels in guard of our car.

Miracle number 3.  We learned at the last minute that Seth would need to have an ID card with photo to board the airplane.  The week before taking off, I attempted to get an ID for Seth, but I could not.  I was in a panic. They would not accept the hospital birth certificate that I had always used.  He needed to have a state birth certificate.  That would take a month to obtain.  What was I to do.  I cried for a bit, then I got a hold of myself and prayed once again that all would work out.  I called the airline safety bureau to see what they had to say.  I was told he would have to be highly scrutinized and checked over since he did not have one. 

I took along his SS#, his hospital birth certificate, letters he had recieved and anything else that would prove Seth is Seth.  I even had his baby dedication and vaccination report.(the few that he had before his crash into seizures and autism). 

We rolled our burgeoning bags over to the baggage check. This is where you get your boarding pass.  Each bag was weighed.  Our alotted amount was to be no more than 50#. We had carefully weighed each bag using our flimsy bathroom scale.  We were so careful.  However, one bag was 50# and the others 53#'s.  What now?  We heard a different checker tell a woman that she was 3#'s overweight and she either had to take it out or pay $50!  That would calculate out to be $100 for us!  Oh, dear.  We had been so careful to put in just what we needed and no more for this camping trip.

"I am sure you did your best at trying to pack.  I will let it go through!" Announced to kind man to us.  He asked for our ID.  Mark and I both put ours up there.  Not one for Seth.  He took a look at Seth, and us, and handed us our boarding passes.  All three.

We still had to go through the next check point. No beeps.  No questions.  On we went. We were grinning from ear to ear.  What a blessing!  Some had told us before we left that we would never get on the plane, and if we did, we probably would never make it home again.  The Puzzle Boy was oblivious.  He was not worried.  I was not very worried although you could not tell my internal butterflies to light down.  I had anexieties, yet my head said all would be well. 

When we were finally able to sit and soak it all in, I looked at Mark, and he looked at me, and we gave a big sigh of relief.  I could now eat a bit of food to regain my strength!  Ahhhhh!  California, here we come!!!

There was still another miracle born of this whole thing, before we even began the trip. The plan was to go to Yosemite National Park.  They are booked up solid until September.  In September, there would not be waterfalls or greenery.  All would be dried up. For the first time ever going there, you really want to see waterfalls! As I was talking to the friendly young man, asking questions about the area, he piped up....

"A whole week at Housekeeping Camp just became availiable for June 8-13!  Do you want it??" 

"Do I want it?  You bet!  Let me call up our friends that are going with us and make sure it is good with them."  I reserved it temporarily and called Becky.  All was fine at their end, so we made it permanant.  Wow!  I called several times afterwards to see if there were any openings.  There were never any other openings. We feel that was another miracle. Miracle #4 in this particular sequence.

Although Seth has never at this point been "cured" of autism, despite our prayers and pleading, I have been shown in a multitude of ways that it is not because God does not love me, or does not want to heal him so badly, but for some reason, it must be the best thing.  I have to accept that fact.  It has taken years.  Now, rather than fight it and long for "perfection", I can actually see God working more in our lives rather than less.  I look for all the seemingly small miracles that I perhaps would have by-passed had the desired healing have come. We have a different perspective. It is one that takes nothing for granted! This was miracle #5. (at least in this sequence! #1 mostly)

Until Next Time, hold onto your hats, we will be flying high at 600mph! This will be an exciting journey!  Stay tuned!

Nancy Lynne!

This young boy named David has come to my attention.

I was smiling so much listening to him sing!  He is absolutely adorable!

Please visit his site, listen to his perfect pitch, and explore the other pages, especially watch the video in the newscast area. He will sing the Star Spangled Banner for you.

He is autistic, with obvious talents that come out and bring him out of his shell through song.

Enjoy!

http://www.davidmilitello.com:80/

Nancy Lynne!

PS I will begin a new series real soon!  Check back often!