When !!!

[Ninagrace7]

Pats so right!

I have 4 grandchildren …two older ones 19 and 17 and two younger ones…although even back then I couldn’t play football etc I could go places with them and do more physically than I’ve ever been able to do with the little ones but the little ones are just as keen to do things with me like drawing, reading, playing on my iPad etc. They are just as keen to visit as ever the older two were.

As long as we make them feel extra special they just accept things as they are. My older two noticed as things got worse for me but the little ones just seemed to accept things as they are…I don’t talk about it and they seem almost not to register I’m any different to anyone else.

They are the light of my life and as Pat and Pam have said they so appreciate a good chat that when they visit I often realize when they’ve gone that I really didn’t get much chance to say more than two words to my son and his wife!

take care everyone and have a great Easter,

Nina xx

[Chrissie52]

Hi Mrs M, I’ve read each and every one of the posts and my heart goes out to you and your family. I always think health difficulties are so much worse when the patient is your own child or grandchild. I still think that, even though we MS ers could complain about our lot, I’d rather it me than my precious family.

For you and your family, this bad news has hit you all like a ton of bricks and I whilst I can imagine the pain and heartbreak you describe, it can’t be anything like the reality.

So the heartbreak and destroying news for you, your daughter and her family, understandably seems bleak and possibly black thoughts. However, there is sunshine and lots of happy times ahead. Honestly, there is.

I say it with conviction because my closest friend has 1 brother. His daughter was born with spina bifida and his son diagnosed with autism. Both had a terrific childhood, education and were surrounded with support from a loving family and caring medical people from physio’s, nurses to consultants. His daughter, now 23 had had over 30 operations on her spine and she can drive, walk, run, dance and take part in most sports. Her degree photo is looked on by us all with great pride and she is now at the start of an exceptional career. Her brother, now 25, had autism diagnosed when he was 4. He is the funniest, dry wit, perfect gentleman, able to drive and also has a great job where attention to detail is essential…and his attention to detail is terrific. He also has a degree and drives, He really is a pleasure to have a conversation with and so comical…he said he’ll have my wheelchair for his Auntie when I die, because she’s getting very old as well! He and his dad have the best relationship of any father and son. I don’t think he was ever classed as a genius, though he is extremely intelligent and clever.

Of course, for you and the family, this is very early days. It’s a great deal for you and the whole family to absorb and come to terms with…but it will happen. Your granddaughter will always be very special to you, always. Totally unconditional love, an unbreakable bond was formed the moment you held her. Her future will be good, she will overcome her difficulties that she isn’t even aware of. The love you have alone, will give her total security.

Of the new people she meets, some will become lifelong friends…because they’ve never known her personality to be any different. Indeed, there are going to be people who will envy her her happy disposition, ability to separate emotion from facts, appreciate everything life offers…from the way a tiny bird digs a worm to eat, to the latest electronic gadget.

I don’t wear my rose spectacles much, but I can assure you, the above is exactly my experience my friend and her family have experienced and continue to enjoy. OK, so you won’t drive her to the park, but you can push her swing.

Love & best wishes Chrissie x

[mrsJ]

Hi Chrissie.thank you so very much,i am sat here with tears rolling down my face,you are so right we are all devastated at the moment, we really are,like you say its such early days for us,and we are still in shock.One day we are ok and the next day crying all day.Its so good to hear about families that have found a way through,it gives us hope,it really does.

I have spoke to a few people that have autism in the family and it really helps us on our down days to hear positive stories.

Thanks again for taking the time to reassure me.

J x

[Inactive_User]

Hi Chrissie, I have 4 children 2 boys both with a diagnosis of being on the autistic spectrum and one of my twin daughters suspected of having but wasn’t detected until late teens and refused to be assessed. Apparently as girls are generally more sociable than boys it’s not as detectable.

My eldest son is now 23yrs he wasn’t properly diagnosed until he was 11yrs because he was a high achiever academically,quiet polite lad who was full of interesting facts. He’s a lovely man, very intelligent, with a lot to offer.

I was so upset at the diagnosis and grieved I cried buckets full, got angry and looked for something and someone to blame. it took a while to get over myself.

My youngest is now 14 and was diagnosed at 3 yrs old fiesty little horror beat other kids up if they invaded his space, threw furniture and toys frightened the teachers I couldn’t believe a child of mine was so angry.

Anyway I used every resource available for him, moved him to a different main stream primary school he became and still is a well liked gentle lad who attends a specialist school for autism 8 kids to a class. he’s studying for his GCSE’s expected to get average grades, he’s happy.

Their happy I’m Happy.

As Forest Gump said “Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what your gonna get.”

My daughter is now 22yrs very intelligent, should be a comedian, Doing performing arts.

All 4 of them look after me so well it brings tears to my eyes, not disgusted when I leave a trail of wee wee,shout out in pain, swear and curse my way through the day.

I hope a letterbox view of my story helps. Xxxx