This isn't my usual sort of blog, or at least in my head it isn't as I start to write it. So my apologies if it disappoints and my gratitude if you like it more. :)
Things we do now that we did not do before coming to Texas:
1) We attend a support group for Parents of Children with Autism. We have never been in any type of a support group before, although we've been asked about participating in them (particularly as they relate to autism) many, many times. Both Chris and I were hesitant at first. As Chris put it, "I'm okay with the fact that our sons have autism. I don't really need support."
However, upon going we have found it to be good in two ways. First, it helps us to talk with a group of parents who "get" what we have gone through and can advise as to what we probably will go through. When I talk about Andrew running, or difficulties in getting services, or Jeffrey doing his "tica,tica,tica" thing, I see fervent head nodding and know that they know exactly what I'm talking about. For our small group, these behaviors are our new normal.
Secondly, it provides Chris and I a chance to minister. There are parents still going through the trauma of finding out that their child has autism, and who are wondering what they did to cause it. We've been there, and are able to offer encouragement and comfort. It's an extension of the work of the church, and we're so grateful for the opportunity to be that extension.
2) We live in a single-wide. For some Americans, this means absolutely nothing. For us, it felt, well, a little sad. We've owned three homes. There is a huge stigma placed on living in single-wides and double-wides (at least in the communities I've lived it), and I felt the full force of it as we were moving in. But with our limited budget, this was pretty much the best we could afford. And what I've found is that the families living here are hardworking, polite, and helpful. God has once again proved that his provision is exactly what we NEED, and anything that I think I know can be contradicted by what HE knows.
3)I use ma'am, sir, and y'all many, many times throughout the day, and have people say the same to me. I can't even explain that one...especially on y'all. It just WORKS here, and the ma'am and sir thing just elevates the overall feeling of respect that people display here.
4) I understand all the hype about why being a Texan is awesome. It is a different world down here. With the exception of the very first rental car agent we met when we were first visiting back in March, the people here are wonderful, and the children are incredibly respectful. The food is DELICIOUS and plentiful, and customer service is always polite and helpful. And for our family, there is help for our boys, and an ever increasing amount of awareness and urgency to help others. God bless Texas.
"Texas has been a second chance for me. I expect that might be true for many of you as well. It has been a chance not only for land and riches, but also to be a different man. I hope a better one. There have been many ideas brought for in the past few months of what Texas is, and what it should become. We are not all in agreement. But I'd like to ask each of you what it is you value so highly that you are willing to fight and possibly die for. We will call that Texas.
-William Travis, The Alamo
