IntenseDebate - Jo Ashline

11 years ago @ http://www.extremepare... - Anymore · 0 replies · +4 points

Well, you could, but you have chosen not to, and that's what makes sobriety such a gift. It's not something just handed to you on a silver platter. It's a choice, every single day. Sometimes every single hour, minute, or second. But always a choice.

People think that putting down the booze is the hardest part. For me, the hardest part was (and still is sometimes) remembering that a sober life is not a perfect life. That a sober life still hurts, still screams, still feels uncomfortable sometimes.

But, in the end, the alternative is to die. Spiritually, emotionally, physically.

So you have made a choice.
You chose LIFE, with all it's bells and whistles and dings and dents.

You are RECOVERING what's yours: a second chance.

Love you.
And I get it.
My recent post Autism is Not an Excuse for Murder: A Mother Selfishly Takes Her Son’s Life

11 years ago @ http://www.rageagainst... - what i want you to kno... · 1 reply · +26 points

As a recovering alcoholic whose husband stuck by her, this post speaks deeply to me. My husband is a hero in my eyes; he had the guts to tell me he loved me enough to leave me and take our boys with him if I didn't seek treatment and get sober. It was his love that compelled me to fall to my knees nearly 7 years ago and admit I was no longer in control (or, rather, that I never was to begin with). The years following have been imperfect, but they have been the best years by far, as I wake each day no longer hungover and wracked with guilt.

Alcoholism is cunning, baffling, and selfish, and the gritty reality is that the odds are against those of us who abuse alcohol. But I applaud you for seeking help in Al-anon and I pray that your husband comes to admit his truth sooner rather than later and is able to find the right support system and get sober.

Thank you for your honesty and poignant post.

11 years ago @ http://www.extremepare... - A letter to my sons\' ... · 1 reply · +4 points

Bobbie: Dare I say I probably met you back in high school. You were the one that couldn't be bothered with the special needs kids on campus because they had nothing to offer you, right? And you were the one that couldn't be bothered with "those kids" because it's all about having the relationship be *reciprocal,* right? And now here you are, in all of your finest awareness and acceptance and annoying little asterisks, trying to drive home a point that only makes sense to other asshats.

According to your guidelines, my developmentally delayed son has no chance of making any friends EVER because he
a. Perseverates the livelong day - it's part of WHO HE IS
b. Is not mindful of other people's wishes because cognitively he is currently unable to do so
c. Has special needs and relies on the kindness and compassion of others (not to be mistaken with pity)

It's a good thing I take the opinions of asshats with a grain of salt.
Seriously Bobbie. Move along.

My recent post Outrunning Autism: When Our Children Wander

11 years ago @ http://www.extremepare... - A letter to my sons\' ... · 1 reply · +1 points

So beautiful. So awesome.

11 years ago @ http://yeahgoodtimes.b... - Wandering backlash: On... · 0 replies · +1 points

Andrew is 11 and still doesn't know how to swim, and it's not for our lack of trying. His physical and cognitive delays make it much more difficult for him to learn this potentially life-saving skill but many don't understand that. And yes. Learning to swim is important, if it can be done. But as Kelly says, it wouldn't help in many of the dangerous situations our wandering kids could find themselves in.

11 years ago @ http://yeahgoodtimes.b... - Wandering backlash: On... · 0 replies · +1 points

Thank you Joanne. I hope that you are able to help your son's IEP team understand that wandering is real. Too often professionals take it seriously when it's far too late. You are doing your part to educate those who work with our kids, and I thank you for that!

11 years ago @ http://yeahgoodtimes.b... - Wandering backlash: On... · 0 replies · +1 points

First of all Kelly, my heartfelt love and support goes out to you and your entire family. Please know our collective thoughts and prayers will be with you always. And yes. This is where you need to turn to, always. We are here, ready to catch you when you fall, and to help you stand back up when you are ready. I too wish I could help you unsee the cruelty that you had to read, but know that those words come from cowards and not from anyone worth remembering in the end.

All of my love.

11 years ago @ http://yeahgoodtimes.b... - Wandering backlash: On... · 0 replies · +1 points

I agree. We educate, we empower, and then we move forward with our own lives. Because to do anything otherwise would be giving in to the judgements of people who don't know what the hell they're talking about.

11 years ago @ http://yeahgoodtimes.b... - Wandering backlash: On... · 0 replies · +1 points

Thank you so much!

11 years ago @ http://yeahgoodtimes.b... - Wandering backlash: On... · 0 replies · +1 points

That's the spirit Sharon! We used Andrew's stroller in Europe as well. Not sure if you are using public transportation but it can get hairy, especially with all of the escalators and tight spaces! Prayers for safety and a good trip!

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