New Beginnings

Xmas morning with A.J. and Laura 

2015 is at an end, and 2016 is preparing to begin.

Our Christmas and New Year celebrations have begun to subside and we find ourselves happily in chill-out mode taking a well deserved break to breath in the true holiday mode.

Taking advantage of the harmony I try to set out my sewing items in the hopes of gaining some creativity as I see both my men headed to their peaceful zones and technology, with Sony PlayStation games.

Our little fur-baby Laura has also settled in well, although still feels that we are at her disposal to entertain her every waking minute.

Unfortunately A.J. has had such an overload of input and sensory stimulation during the past few weeks that the result has been a 'crash and burn' meltdown mode and nothing we do seems to help him.

This is the first real breakdown he has had in a long time, and although we are always prepared for this, especially considering the holiday madness, it is still overwhelming for everyone.

He has completely shut down and gone into an emotionless state; as he puts it "I have no feelings", and with that comes uncertainty and anxiety, as his confusion to comprehend what he is suppose to be feeling and how to express it.

A.J. has organised a sleep-over with his favourite Uncle and Aunty, with plans to play even more computer games all day and night, so I will be arranging for additional transition time to help him return back to his usual routine when he comes back home. Although this may seem extreme to some, considering the state he is already in, although his special Uncle knows how to help him gain some balance and take away a lot of his anxiety and stress that so much of life's "normality" can cause.

A.J.'s Uncle also faces the daily turmoil with his own personal confrontation with ADHD, and when they're together they seem to click in a positive way that can be beneficial to both of them.

As I prepare for his time away, I am also preparing to sort out his room, something that can cause a lot of stress as many families will know. The thought of change and even progress can be very daunting and this also includes the changeover of any personal items. Everyone knows that as we grow we need new clothing and other things to help in our day to day life, even our toys and favourite hobby items may change or need upgrading; and although this may be something that is acknowledge by our kids, it still causes a lot of tension as they worry about the process and if they should let go of their beloved items.

I have in the past had to hang onto clothing long past their use-by-date or wearable size as he continually prolongs parting with them, so I have gathered together some of the special ones to make a memory quilt so they can remain with him.

With A.J.'s state being so delicate at present we are working out a way to help him transition back to a place of harmony; we have decided to prepare some special time away moments in areas that will also help to keep him calm and peaceful. After discussing the options with A.J. he has asked to view the "Mountains", so we are planning some simple bushwalking treks in our local area to some lovely lookouts and scenic viewing areas.

These outings will be planned for early mornings before the mayhem of tourists and holiday makers disrupt the peaceful harmony of the outback nature.

So for now I am taking in the silence as the boys head off to Uncle's place and I ready myself for the cleanout.

Tomorrow evening when A.J. Returns we will also be celebrating his Uncle's birthday and then back to normality.