A Year of My Yellow Apple

Today maks the first anniversary of my sitting down to the computer and, with great trepidation, starting this blog.  I felt in so many ways like a person talking to herself in public...certain that nobody would be listening, but still feeling the compunction to express myself.

Writing this has taken a lot of nerve for me, I feel like I am wearing my heart on my sleeve.  But I am glad I took the risk.  I have made some great connections with other "autism parents", and I do, very much feel less alone in our daily struggles, and celebrations.  I don't talk about all of our issues, but when I do share, I always feel like the listening ear is a kind one.

A lot has changed in a year.  In my original post, my fear over begininning homeschooling  almost had a pulse of its own.  Now, I see us as a homeschooling family, very much connected in a homeschooling community.  It still terrifies me, but it is doable, and we are doing it.  And yes, I am very, very proud to be doing  what is best for our child, even though it means a lot (like, a lot) of hard work, and many sacrifices.

I still feel like this blog is new, lots on it could be better.  I see all the fancy banners my fellow bloggers have, and I have no idea how they created them.  My little yellow apple pic is still slighty off centre, but I've decided that there is symbolism in that, so it's okay.  I have recieved some blog awards from fellow bloggers, but I have no idea how to "pick up" my award, so I haven't.  Sorry.  I'm not technologically gifted, so this is where my blog may fall a little short.  Oops.

But mostly, it's been a year fillled with great feedback from a lot of people.  So, to all of you who have taken the time to send me a note, either here on this blog, or through facebook, I offer you a heartfelt thanks.  All of your kind words have been a huge help to me in getting the courage to write these posts.  To other autism parents who have taken the time to tell me that they could relate through their own feelings and experiences, you have made me feel less alone.  And, to anyone who has told me that they look at kids' behaviours a little differently now if they see a child act up in public, a gigantic thank you to you, because that, is essence is the point of this blog - awareness.  Our kids aren't bad, they have struggles.  Thank you for recognizing that.

Now... here begins year 2 of My Yellow Apple.