2012 "Smelling the Roses"

WOW what a year 2012 has been for us! It was a year of change, not only in Sabrina's health but in our family's circle, our lifestyle our world in general really. It all began Oct of 2011 and thinking back then I never thought in a million years all that has happened would of, and that all that has happened good or bad would have brought us to where we are today. 16 months since the day our world was turned over upside down (once again) all is finally starting to clear the way for a more happier, healthier life for my family, but most of all my Queen Bina. 2012 was a learning year for us. I have learned more about Autism, mitochondria and all the other medical issues that comes along with it. I have also learned more about what can be done. 
Also with time I finally learned how to take a step back, breathe just a little once again. I was able to Start to enjoy life and not be so anxiety ridden from trying to figure out, what do we do next? how do we pay for this therapy? how do we continue to get through this ? whats going to happen when shes older? Its later in the year of 2012 I was first able to take a step back and truly have a little fun with my family and enjoy my girls and enjoy watching Sabrina express herself and really come into her own.

In August 2012 we went on a road trip, courtesy of Grandma and Big Aunt Jo, helping me to bring my teen to check out some colleges. I would NEVER of thought to try this with Sabrina before all the changes , it would of been impossible! But Boy did she amaze us, and did such a super job. She actually ENJOYED it! It was many hours, as much as 10 in the truck traveling. I had brought all our food to cook, stayed at a hotel suite with kitchenette which helped to make this possible as well. We visited the colleges, went to an aquarium and even traveled to Niagara falls where the girls enjoyed a never to forget trip. This would never of been possible before. My mother aka grandma couldn't believe the difference in Bina. My Aunt neither. they were both happy and proud of her, and happy to see Bina doing so well. 

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Then the Next Adventure we tried was going to a concert. A One Direction concert to be exact! Courtesy of Grandpa , he had got 3 tickets for me to take my girls to go see them in Connecticut at Mohegan Sun Arena. Again NEVER in a million years would I have been able to do this or even attempt it, but we did! In December we went and traveled in the truck, and on a Ferry for the first time. She again did great and actually enjoyed herself! We had a hotel room for the night, I brought a cooler with her food and Grandpa made sure they had a fridge for us in our room. When we arrived there and met up with grandma and grandpa the place was PACKED! So many people, kids running around lights and sounds. Total sensory overload typically but she was ok , a Little bit stimulated but controlled and OMG happy! She was SO happy to be there and ready to go see one of her favorite bands in concert! 

 

 We walked around before the concert. letting her check
out all the excitement. Very cool sculptures to look at and
so many things to see. Kids and people everywhere. We got some concert T-shirts as they were selling them outside the Arena before the show then headed up to the room to get ready. She was super excited and OH boy she had every right to be! For the first time she was going to experience a concert, as she has never before and the seats..well..Grandpa pulled through!

 

ONE DIRECTION MOHEGAN SUN CT

       

Then later on in December our AWESOME Big Aunt Jo and grandma treated all the Grand-kids to a trip to NYC to see the world famous Radio City Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular! We took the train in, she got to be with all her cousins and they had a blast! Her first trip to the City ON a train and taking a subway and taxi ride! She got a kick out of it!

 

After the show we all took a walk around the block to see the infamous NYC Christmas tree! It was HUGE and gorgeous and my Queen had a smile on her face ear to ear! We had a great night and it was nice to spend time with family that we don't get to see very often. It was a Great Christmas gift that I am sure they will all never forget!

  

So for the year of 2012 I must say it was also my own year of experience, learning and resolutions. I have learned to let go of some things, I have also learned what to never give up on. I am grateful for the support my immediate family has always given me and my girls and I am grateful for the opportunities that became before us that helped us this year to step back and "smell the roses". 

This upcoming year will be another year of learning, continuing to combat the daily life Autism has to bring and hopefully again being able to enjoy what life truly is all about. Taking a moment to step back, be with your family, enjoying your children and watching and see how much they have improved and how blessed we are to truly have them in our lives to begin with. I hope to be a better person, a better Mother, a better wife and of course a better Warrior! As long as we keep moving forward and take a small step back to enjoy and reflect here and there, I know 2013 will be another year of blessings. And thats all I can ever ask for. 

:=0) ~ Heather