Thursday, December 4, 2008

Things have changed....

Last week my mom and I loaded up the kids and headed to my sister's new home. As we backed out of the driveway it just hit me all of a sudden that I no longer have to worry when I put my car in reverse. I know it was sensory, but any time we used to put our car in reverse Payton would scream at the top of her lungs and just cry and cry (and at that time, it took a long time to get her calmed down). Looking back it is amazing how different our family life feels.

Traveling used to be awful. I know a lot of it was anxiety and I firmly believe the medication Payton takes has made her life so much easier. Like I said, the the processing of going backwards in a car was awful for her, she has since outgrown that. You know what else she's outgrown? The fear of windshield wipers. I remember when it would rain and I would need to go somewhere, I would try to figure out what to do.....it was awful hearing her scream and literally shake from the wipers being used. Passing big semis isn't really an issue anymore, either. Sure, she may say "I don't like it" every now and then because of the noise when we pass them, but she doesn't scream and cry.

Sleep. This has changed as well. For the better! Before, Payton would wake up and just scream - LOUD. She may scream for just 20 minutes or so, or she could possibly scream for 3 hours. We just never knew. What we did know: Exhaustion. Now, if she wakes up, she crawls down from the top of the bunk bed and walks into my room and quietly says my name. Now, that is just peaceful. Sure, every now and then she will wake up screaming, but generally it's because her back or legs hurt. Atleast now she can tell us what's wrong and we can help her. I've found out how important sleep is-and how important it is to take care of yourself so you can take care of your child.

Saying goodbyes. Goodbyes were awful for Payton. Maybe it was transitioning from one thing to the next, I'm not really sure, but anytime we left someone's home or someone left our home she was just devastated. It nearly got to the point where it wasn't worth going to other people's homes, she just couldn't get over it. This has changed as well! Every now and then she may have a meltdown over it, but generally we can get in the car and leave......in peace! This also feels amazing. I would love to get in her mind and see what she thinks, but maybe in the past she didn't understand that just because we were leaving didn't mean she would 'never' see them again.

Our home feels different now. It doesn't feel like the stressful, cut the air with a knife type feeling. For so long it seemed like there was constant crying, emotions, raging fits, etc that we were just living, but barely breathing. Bob and I went thru something that we never dreamed we'd have to live thru and we know we are stronger because of it (even though I feel like my life span is probably cut short :) I know along the way there were family and friends who were hurt because they simply did not understand what we were going thru, but now I feel like we are starting a brand new life. I feel like we are entering a world we haven't even been living in for five years. We're not afraid to leave the house anymore - we're excited about doing it! We're excited to see how Payton reacts to people and things - because she can handle it now. This is seriously going to be the best Christmas yet for our family.

11 comments:

Michelle said...

I couldn't be happier for you guys! People don't understand what the day to day of living with that "stuff" can be like and that "we" forget what "normal" is ...so when we do finally get "normal" back ....life seems sooo much easier.

Nancy said...

Wow, you have been through the ringer. I'm glad things are changing for you all and the world is becoming a little more comfortable for Payton.

Enjoy your Christmas. You have earned it.

Laura said...

This just brought such big smile to my face....it's soooooo great to hear, Tara!!!!

Heather said...

Tara, Caleb used to scream in reverse too. It was crazy. I am so glad things are getting easier for you guys. You deserve it. :D

Kerry said...

:) How cool. I understand "new life" because I feel that way with the things Brady has finally accomplished - like he is FINALLY a little kid, not a baby. I can imagine how wonderful it feels for you now to just do your things without worrying about the meltdowns. :):):)

Julie said...

I am so glad things have gotten better for you guys.

Amy said...

Wow that is a lot of progress in a short time (even though it prob didn't feel like it when you were going through it.) SO happy for your family.
xoxo
Amy

Penny said...

I am so so happy for you. I do know how you feel, and it's a great feeling. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Noel said...

I am so glad that things are going great with the medication. I just smiled through reading your whole post!

Katie said...

Oh i am so happy to hear that!
I think alot of our issues have either resolved or improved since speech came into the picture, and the understanding of 'Wh' words. Totally different child. A Peaceful normal feeling in the family. Its Great hey!!!
ENJOY :)
xxoo

Unknown said...

I have been putting off reading other's post for my own selfish reason, with this past week I have been fearful of reading, anyway I am so happy that you blog is the first one I am reading! Tara I am truly happy for you and your family!!!