about Nanna

12 March 2015

Notations and Documenting is a Good Thing……

I don't profess to be a ‘writer’, to be quite honest I'm far from it, over the years I’ve fallen on the opposite end of the scale, although I do like to be systematically organised and find myself jotting down notes, reminders and the like, to the point of obsession some of my family will say.
So when it came to gaining care of A.J. due to the nature of our involvement in our grandson’s life, long before we knew about his diagnosis, or even what the word ‘Aspergers’ even meant; I was thrown in the deep end having to file forms, document items, and correlate evidence in many areas to formulate a case history of events, documenting everything that was happening, and I finally found my footing in the world of words.

I felt every piece of information I could write down to remember would be of benefit, and was eventually required to help with all the official, legal and medical needs with the long line of professionals trying to unravel the mystery of his life.
Fighting tooth-and-nail for the best that A.J. deserves, all this then became a way of life and I suddenly began to enjoy the way I gathered my notations and reminders, it became a form of de-stress while we were at the worst of the legal stage, trying to keep myself organised and up to date with all the official jargon we were dealing with.
Afterwards the growing lists of books, files and folders I had collected all of a sudden started taking up room that I didn't have, I had all but decided to burn them when everything began to settle down, although if you knew me you would definitely understand the reason that never happened!

Not knowing at the time how crucial these little bits of notation would become in acknowledging and piecing together the traits and behaviours A.J. took on, the progression then regression, and much more, assisting to finally gain the diagnosis we never wanted to hear, but needed, to gain any help and support. I then found myself beginning to research and document all sorts of new ideas and tried-and-true therapies and more.

I have found myself with rooms cluttered with boxes, files, and note books everywhere, along with my sewing items and more.
Being a collector of sorts, I will say I would definitely love an additional room to allocate all my precious notations and keepsakes, to minimise the gathering of items in other rooms.
Some may even say borderline hoarder, although the concept a bit closer than some may like to admit, It is definitely not all consuming and I can still maintain our household……… omg, I can't believe I am admitting that.

Regardless of any personal family dynamic, the fact that when first given the diagnosis, or even before, while struggling to understand the strange and differing behaviours your child is displaying, it can be comforting to know you are not alone and others are also going through the motions of piecing together what they will also be told is labelled as AUTISM.

Many have said I’m wrong allowing A.J.’s story to be ‘out there’ for all to see, although I have continued for 2 reasons-
1/ it became a means for me to vent, and writing became the way to help me de-stress
2/ knowing the struggle I had to research and source the appropriate information, I wanted to help share the same documentation in an easier format others would understand. 
I still jot everything down, systematically taking notes of the ‘progress moments’, the ‘I’d best not go there again moments’, and the ‘ooh I must remember that moment’, or noting the revealing issues to chuckle about light-heartedly…….
At which any given time can then become a ‘wow moment’ by others, realising they too have had that happen and they can gain an understanding with their ‘it’s not just us, others deal with that too moment’.
I have so much to express and ideas I want to look into, trying to focus on my blog, arranging the Support Group, and also the long list of craft ideas and sewing items that I have to do, I’m left with too little time on my hands. 
Wishing I could work out a better time management plan, I need help, funny how I can do it for others but when it comes back to me and I'm struggling to organise everything.

‘Nanna’s Touch’ is based around support and assistance for all families needing help to find direction and understanding with the diagnosis that is becoming a part of many people’s lives
Please feel free to contact me by email or on any links shown on the homepage

Happiness and Calm to all xxxx

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