Giving Hammer the Spotlight

Someone mentioned to me that I don't write as much about my eldest son, Hammer.  It probably is true because there isn't always much to say since he is just so wonderful!  There is usually very little conflict or drama revolving around him.

I do have a kind of funny story from yesterday though! 

Hammer seemed to have the sniffles all day.  At first, I thought it was probably just allergies, but then as the day went on it seemed more like a cold.  He didn't complain at all, he never does.  That is also part of having Asperger's.  They don't really notice their own discomfort when it comes to pain or illness.  Yet, at the same time can be oversensitive to so many other things, ie; light, sound and touch.

Yesterday, was crazy at dinner time because Hammer and I had to hurry out to his Asperger's Group that he goes to each Tuesday, and Fuzzy had football practice.  Hubby was not making it home on time, and the crunch was on for grandpa to get Fuzzy to football, me to get Hammer to his group and grandma to watch Pumpkin Muffin at home.

One minute we were rushing through dinner, the next minute we were in the car, on the way to group.  The location of the group is probably only 12 miles away, but even with light traffic it takes about 20 minutes, as the only way to get there is a very busy highway.  We left about an hour early because his group starts at the end of rush hour - at 6:30 pm.

As we were driving, I noticed that poor Hammer was coughing more than I realized and blowing his nose quite a bit.  Just as we exited the highway for the back road portion of the drive, he told me he had a headache, and he was really feeling badly. He even asked to go home.  I pulled over, and sure enough, he felt a bit warm.

I called him out of group.

We turned around and headed back home, after stopping less than four blocks from our destination.

It was my fault that I drove to nowhere and back.  In the rush of everything, I should have taken a moment to concentrate on Hammer, and then have him concentrate on himself, to evaluate how he was feeling.

Upon arriving back home, I gave him some medicine for his congestion, and ibuprofen for the headache, and sent him to bed early, at 8pm.

I am happy to report that today, the cold is much better, and seems to be already subsiding, and Hammer has no headache.  He has always bounced back quickly!  He takes after his dad that way.

I know some of you have children or know children on the autism spectrum and can probably relate to this story! 

I would also like to share that over last week when I was really struggling with my Remicade after effects and the fall, that I was so glad that I homeschool my extraordinary Hammer.

Hammer was a wonderful nurse/caregiver.  He brought me coffee, food, and other drinks.  He brought me medicine.  He put icy/hot patches on my lower back.  He gave me foot rubs and hand massages.  He took care of the dog all day, so I could rest.

And, all the while did his school work, too.

Hammer will make someone a wonderful, loving husband someday, if they will only take the time to get to know him and have patience with his differences.  Of course, he will also have to drag himself away from the physics long enough to meet someone, but I think he will!

Be well,
Dawn

PS.  GO YANKEES!