Social stories. Ever heard of them? I knew social. I knew stories. I ASSUMED a simple definition when first exposed to the term. But NOW I know them. I live them, I write them. I even fancy myself an author of social stories.
Who knew that placing words and thoughts ON PAPER with IMAGES would be so incredibly effective at transforming the behavior of my difficult child? Who knew? Boy, do I wish I knew sooner. That's the past however.
Now, I know. Now, I spend time creating stories, simple stories to give my precious angel a guide for his day. A guide for how to cope. A guide for what language to use. A guide for expectations. Forgive me, but this explanation makes me sad and relieved all at once. Sad because the need is so great and so THERE 24-7. What would happen if I didn't fulfill the need? I pray that nothing happens to me before this child is raised because he needs me. Narcissistic of me? Well, maybe. But that's too bad. He needs so much. And I try so hard to fill those needs. I'm not perfect and he could do better, but that wasn't in the cards.
My relief comes from the power of knowing I have a tool to overcome the hurdles that this crazy situation calls for. I have the opportunity to help him even when I'm not present. I'm giving him power and that makes me so grateful.
Speaking of gratitude. Carter blew me away with gratitude today. I gave him a little blue notebook from a conference I attended on Saturday. For the past six and a half years I have observed his reaction to gifts. While they've been warm and kind and appreciative, this was the first gift that he took the time to speak to the specific details on the notebook that made him so happy. If I do nothing else as a parent, that was an acomplishment to be measured. I don't really take the credit. It's all God. It's all Him carrying us and guiding us just like I ask Him to do every day.
Back to the social story. As I talked to Carter about his power to make good choices even when he's feeling frustrated or disappointed, he told me about "Superflex" characters that Mrs. Lennon told him about at school. I asked when she was talking about it, and he said, "on the 37th day of school." How much do you want to bet it was that day and no other. Amen.
