Saturday 25 April 2015

How do we cope?



Let us glimpse into how you ready yourself before facing known troubles, and what you do to cope once "mayhem" has done it's thing.

(another art journal page I made during one of my son's bad weeks)

Storm Watcher

Every morning I wake with a plan,
And stick to it as best I can.

Every morning the Storm appears,
And I steer the clouds to ward off fears.

Once the first storm's passed I breathe in deep,
And warn the school "he didn't get much sleep".

The middle of my day is calm and sweet,
while I write and paint and bare my feet.

This is the time when I get my rest,
And focus on all that I love best.

The next Storm brewing, did he have a good day?
Maybe, maybe not, no one can say.

So I keep his home both peaceful and calm,
And hope today he has come to no harm.

For the Storm will come I fear most of all.
That one day I'll forget, and let my guard fall.

That I'll fail to prepare, and he'll tear at his soul.
And the daemons that haunt him end up in control.

But for now we can hug to make everything fine.
Then eat ice-cream and trifle with this sweet boy of mine.

XXX

(For those who don't know, my youngest has Aspergers and takes his frustrations out on himself)
Photobucket

19 comments:

  1. Oh Gods...this feels so very, very familiar with my own son (also high functioning on the spectrum). And it can feel tiring except for those sweet moments with ice cream. :) Those are what keep me going in the middle of the storm. Touchingly written.

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  2. Oh Gods...this feels so very, very familiar with my own son (also high functioning on the spectrum). And it can feel tiring except for those sweet moments with ice cream. :) Those are what keep me going in the middle of the storm. Touchingly written.

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  3. For two years I was an in-class aide to a autistic boy and I know all about the storm.
    This was a lovely and touching write, Gina.
    :-)

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  4. You are in my prayers, with my daughter, who mustard up extra love and understanding and strength, that is needed . xoDebi

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  5. Mayhem indeed, of the mind and spirit, and in one whom one loves and guards, all the more painful and frightening. Your modes of coping sound well-tested and strong--may they always see you both through.

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  6. You've made me cry... both because I hate that this has to happen to him, and because I'm so proud of you for the way I know you keep him, you and it together. He is blessed to have you. And you are blessed just because... And because becoming The Watcher of the Storm must have proved already that there is nothing in this world you can't do. And after that, you put it in poetry. Creatrix supreme. ♥

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  7. This was so beautiful, Gina! The intensity of the love for him shows through, as does the strength you use to protect him and provide him with safe haven. He has an angel looking over him!

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  8. A beautifully written poem about a heart-rending subject. We mothers/grandmothers are warriors, pure and simple. Blessings, love and prayers to you and your family. ((Hugs)) xo

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  9. Wonderful poem! You must be a great mum!

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  10. After three years, I'm back for seconds... I read this with the journey of your son getting into college and dealing with the extra stress (and the way you've always been there for him in my mind), and I want to cheer. Because I can only imagine the amount of energy (physical and emotional) that it takes to stand standing (even dancing) while the pending storms stares one in the eye... constantly. You are amazing, my friend. And your coping skills are masterful.

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  11. Oh tears because I can relate so deeply. Unfortunately my sons rage and demons make us live states apart. I continue to love and love regardless.

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    1. And it is true love indeed. Stay strong XXX

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  12. You dearest Gina know that I know much of Asperger's and the demons that rage in our boys. Reading this again, years later has brought smiles and tears. Thank you for this yet again. xoxo Oma Linda

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    1. Yes...our vigilance seems to pay off in the long run...learning to ride the storm like a pro XXX

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  13. This still touches my heart so deeply! The way you try to keep the path clear and calm for your son is such an act of devotion. I am glad that art and earth and bare feet help you take care of YOU!

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    1. Thank you Sharon. Deflecting the stress for others can be a painful and thankless job, but we will do it all the same XXX

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  14. I remember when I first read this. It's still just as moving today. Hang tough strong mama bear!

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