Thanks for coming...

First time blogging...feeling a bit nervous on all counts.  Over the years with my daughter, RJC who is diagnosed with autism, I've shared stories of our various adventures and frustrations with friends and family.  So often people have said to me "You should write a book!"  I've thought about it.  I even seriously considered it.  In truth, there are early days I'd rather not relive and I'm not sure I can accurately remember many of our experiences.  Much of the early years is a blur of little sleep and huge amounts of anxiety.  Parents of younger ones...I feel for you.

So instead of a book I have decided to join the world of bloggers.  I figure that as our lives unfold this year with RJC turning the magic age of 21 next June it would be useful to document.  My hope is that as we make our way through this unfamiliar territory we will be able to help those families with younger ones get through it when it is their turn.  No doubt there will be mistakes on our part.  I'm sure we will do things the hard way then discover there was an easier way.  We will probably make stupid decisions then have to find a way to fix the situation we find ourselves in.  History is a great teacher.

I hope this blog will be informational and inspirational at some level.  I hope that those who read my words will feel our experience and forgive our stupidity when necessary. 

I find it almost unbelieveable that my girl is just one year shy of adulthood. After all,  I am clearly not old enough to have an adult child!  When I really think about it my anxiety kicks in.  We have been blessed to have her in an awesome school program but that will no longer be an option.  Somehow we have to figure out what day program will be a good fit for her.  Where will she be safe?  Where will she be happy?  Who can we trust to take care of her physically and emotionally?  Where can she continue to learn while developing a skill?  What program is able to handle the behavioral issues as they crop up unexpectedly?  Does such a place exist and if not...then what?  Then there is the endless paperwork I expect that will come with the process.  Ooooh...the thought is making my stomach churn already.

Over the next few days I'll try to give a bit of RJC background.  Relive some of those younger days (ug) and, on a practical note, figure out how to make this blog accessible.  So, thanks for coming...