CraftsMeow: How did this happen?

Saturday, July 25, 2009

How did this happen?

I'm not sure how I ended up here. This is my daughter Lissa who turned 21 at 1:19 this morning and I'm just not quite sure how she got to be 21 already. What have I accomplished in the past 21 years? A quick look at where I was then and where I am now...well...I've accomplished quite a bit. But enough about me. This is her day!

Her birth was (relatively) peaceful. My doctor had gone on vacation so his partner got to play the role of Johnny Bench at the end of the delivery bed. She went from me into a warm bath and all was quiet and well. Then once she was home she screamed for the next 4 months. Sleep deprivation does really weird things to new moms. And the people who live with them. And the neighbors.

Lissa is low-functioning autistic. She lives in a wonderful group home with 4 others about her age. They don't interact much, rather co-exist. What can that co-existing teach the rest of us? I want the bumper sticker that says, simply, co-exist using all the different symbols of religions, political beliefs, races, etc. I don't want a bumper sticker on my car bumper, but I'll display it somewhere.

Back to the topic. So she's 21, and celebrated in grand fashion with balloons, talking Elmo toys, lots of pretty clothes, and of course cake and ice cream. This cake should be called death by chocolate. Chocolate cake, chocolate mousse filling, and chocolate icing. Give me a teaspoon or so of the chocolate mousse and I'm good. I bought 2 different kinds of ice cream and the kids devoured it. Ice cream is reserved for very special occasions. I have to say that this 21-year-old's birthday party was a whole lot more tame than most. No alcohol, I don't have to worry about her going out partying or being stupid. So there are definite perks to being the parent of a special needs child!

The Hello Kitty sticker book was a big hit, as were the balloons. And Elmo singing The Hokey Pokey is always fun.