Life @ The Dahlhouse: Disappointment

*After working on this post for several weeks (reading and re-reading) this is my best account of the last three months.  

I'm not sure if there is anyone out there still reading my little blog.  It has been a good three months since I have written ANYTHING. I am anything but consistent. There has been so much happening in life, however, it has been difficult for me to write anything.  So instead of working through it by writing, I have shoved it down deep inside and have been unable to come to this place.  But now, I am making an effort to work through it, and to move forward from where I have been stuck for awhile.

So here it goes...In August, I started a brand new job.  A brand new adventure, a new chapter in life, and I was so, so excited.  Shortly after my hysterectomy, I applied for and interviewed for a kindergarten teaching position at a private school.  I was ecstatic to learn that I got the job!  I spent most of my recovery planning, pinning and ordering things for my new classroom.  I envisioned the classroom theme (rainbows), table groups (Brown Bear Brown Bear themed animals), colors, activities, circle time.  I LOVE kindergarten.  I had such a wonderful experience with my mentor teacher back in 2002 in kindergarten.  I knew the start of the school year would be crazy, due to the school campus moving locations, and I had prepared in my mind to be flexible.  What I failed to prepare myself for was all the unknowns.  The things that happened that I had no control over.  I had no idea the administration of the school was going to ask the teaching staff to move the ENTIRE school on their own.  They decided to not hire movers.  It wasn't in the budget.  For over a week, the teaching staff exhausted killed themselves moving tables, chairs, filing cabinets, desks, white boards, totes of curriculum and everything else you can think of that a school needs.  This also included the teaching staff to move the entire early childhood education center as well.  The teachers had exactly 1 day to put together and decorate our classrooms to be ready to greet our students and their families on back to school night.  I worked from 8am to 11pm putting my classroom together and it was no where near ready.  When it was finally time to meet the students, I was exhausted and run down.  My heart was racing a lot of the time from the stress I was under.  This was a scary feeling for me, and only increased my anxiety.

I started the school year with no training on curriculum (I hadn't even looked at it), a half finished classroom, and no information about my students (other than their names).  I didn't even know how to log onto the computer and take attendance...mainly because I didn't have one (a computer) in the classroom.  There was no playground for the students (although there was a big pile of dirt).  The solution was for the kids to play in the road (they blocked it off with cones and supervision).  It was utter chaos.  Right before school began, I found out my students would be eating lunch in the classroom because they were one portable short for kinder to be able to come to the cafeteria to eat.  Great.  In the next breath, I was told that I would be supervising my last recess.  Oh, and all of the specials (music, art, and technology) would be happening in the classroom.  PE would be taking place in a parking lot, except on the days it rained...those classes would be held in the classroom.  My portable classroom wasn't very big.  It barely fit all the students tables, a circle area and some room in the back for small classroom library.

I tried to make the best of it.  The students were a VERY busy, very chatty bunch of kids.  They needed room to move and play.  They had a difficult time listening.  I had 5 students that I had to make sure I had a line of sight on at all times.  I began taking data on several students and approached the administration about help.  I took data for weeks.  Help never came.

Part of my salary package was for Matthew to be able to attend the daycare on site at the same school.  I thought this was just the best idea.  I paid my registration fee and signed him up after I was hired.  School began in September, except Matthew didn't begin daycare, because the ECE hadn't received their state license yet.  They had no idea when this would happen.  Weeks went by and no license.  I understand this wasn't there fault. However, I was often put in a very difficult position trying to find someone to watch  him at the last minute and then paying out of pocket for last minute care.  Sometimes we were put in a position where we had to leave Matthew with Luke for an hour or so...this wasn't a great idea either and caused me to worry...a lot.  This wasn't the arrangement that I agreed to.  I was beyond stressed, exhausted and emotional.  I cried.all.the.time.

I think the moment I knew...that this wasn't going to work was at the curriculum night at school.  I had a father of one of my students approach me and ask about security at the new campus.  I directed him to talk to the principal or superintendent.  He then proceeded to ask me if I had a concealed carry permit.  His wife looked the other way.  I remember laughing a little thinking he was joking.  He said, "No, I am serious.  Do you have concealed carry permit to protect our child at school?"  I refused to answer that question and again directed the questions back to the principal.  I was flustered by this exchange.  Then, I had another father, who had taught in the public schools for 13 years, scowl at me during the entire curriculum presentation.  I overheard him tell his wife that he absolutely would never do things the way I was going to do them.  I went home that night and was done.  I couldn't get help from the administration, I wasn't supported, the students were out of control, and the parents weren't thrilled with me, I had no daycare for Matthew, and was taking anti-anxiety meds to make it through the day. The after school meetings were almost daily.  I felt I had been set up for failure.  I gave my resignation the next week.        

I worked for two more weeks and said good-bye to my teaching partners.

I have been processing things for the last couple of months.  I've wondered what the purpose was behind all of these weird events.  I have felt sad, and in some ways have grieved over this loss of dream.  When I found out they were building a school by our house, I was thrilled and began dreaming of teaching at the school my kids attend someday.  8 days after my hysterectomy I went for an interview.  I even had to have Mark drive me because I was restricted at that point.  I was determined to do my best.  Ultimately in the end, it did not work out.

To be honest, I have struggled with this feeling failure.  Why have I never been able to find the right fit for me as a teacher?  I have even questioned if I had missed my calling.  Did I make a mistake becoming a teacher? Should I ever teach again?  I feel let down and disappointed.  And I know that it is life, but I really wanted it to work out.  It seemed so perfect.  Perhaps too perfect.

I got extremely sick one week after I quit my job.  So sick.  I coughed and coughed and ran a fever.  In the end the doctor said it was just a virus.  I was sick for about a month.  I think my immune system was so run down from the stress of surgery and then the stress of the job.

Life has continued as life does.  I have picked myself up and have continued onward.  Honestly, I have struggled a lot with the events of the last six months.  Mark went back to work the road (traveling to Pasco and back) with BNSF, and I went back to VIPKID working early early in the mornings to pay for the girls school.  It's tough, but it is the only thing I can do with Mark's insane work schedule.  It has been difficult for me to not feel guilty about Mark working the road and all the crazy hours.  I keep thinking, "If I hadn't quit, if I had worked harder, if I had made it work, then he wouldn't have to work crazy hours." Its an ongoing internal battle that I face each day.

Mark and I had the chance to get away for two days late October.  Despite me having little voice, and coughing we had a great time.  

I've had some fun selling some earrings, and just recently launched my own website!  Dahlhouse Design.   Click the link to check it out.  Some fun accessories.  Definitely a work in progress.  But proud I am doing it.  

All in all I am happy to be home with my little people; even though I have been struggling with my skeletons that are in my closet.  I am working on making time for me, which can be really difficult amongst littles that need me.  But self care is so so important.  So here I am working through the messy difficult parts of life.  Navigating mommy hood without a manual or guide.  

Below are a few more photos of the last three months.  Life continues on and so must we.

Life @ The Dahlhouse: Welcoming 2019

Welcome to the New YEAR!!!  I wanted to wish everyone that is still reading this little blog a very happy new year.  We have all been busy over here at the Dahlhouse.  I've been rather silent on the blog for the last couple of months.  Sometimes things/life can get so so hard.  These last three months have been that for me.  It has been difficult for me to find any words to write as I have been battling with depression and failure.  But I am here, fighting and working my way back to myself again.  In the meantime, enjoy the my cute little ham!  Cheers!

Life @ The Dahlhouse: 8 Week Hysterectomy Recovery

I can hardly believe it has been 8 weeks since my hysterectomy!  Most days go by and I do not think about the fact that I recently had surgery.  It seems like long ago already.  For the most part, recovering from the hysterectomy has been easy.  Again, the part I found most difficult was not being able to pick up Matthew.  I think we both did pretty well with the restrictions.  Although, towards the end of the recovery, we were feeling fairly crabby that I couldn't pick him up.  He would look at me, hold up his arms, and cry, "mama up, pease mama up."  Break.my.heart!  I would gently remind him and show him my "owies" (my 5 small scars from the incisions).  He seemed to understand, although not happy.  At 6 weeks, I had another follow up visit with Dr. Saner.  Thankfully, I had my restrictions lifted, and I was able to pick him up!  It was a good day for us both.

A hysterectomy typically has a 6 week recovery time frame.  During my recovery, life continued on, albeit slowly.  We enjoyed an outing to 7-11 for our free Slurpee's.  I watched my 13 year old daughter grow up a little bit more, and take on more responsibility (especially for Man Cub).

As each week came and went during the recovery, I was able to do a little bit more, and accomplish additional tasks.  I remember taking the kids to the Olive Garden (pictured above) solo around week 3.  I have to say how nice it was to get out of the house and feel "normal".

When I was staying overnight in the hospital, after the hysterectomy was over, I remember telling my sweet nurse how hungry I was.  I had been a on bland diet for two days prior to surgery and everything sounded so good.  I remember telling her in my loopy state, "I want Olive Garden with a side of Chipotle."  She laughed and gave me graham crackers.  Haha.

Summer has been slow, and yet I feel we enjoyed ourselves and didn't miss out on too much.  The 4th of July was the only event I look back on and wish that we could have celebrated.  But I was in no shape to do anything.  Those first two week post hysterectomy are the toughest.  I felt I had been run over.  Dr. Saner said I would be tired...and she was correct!

We watched a lot of cars and life go by from our bedroom window.  He would sit for long periods of time right where you see him above.   He would watch outside, and then every once in awhile exclaiming "white truck," or, "red car" and I would laugh.  I watched him from my bed where I would be laying.  We figured it out.  We also have watched a lot of TV, and I have not felt the slightest bit of guilt at all.  I gave myself permission to let them watch TV, and even embraced this time in our lives by ordering the biggest DISH cable package I could for two months.

At 4 weeks post op, Grace and I went to the Phantom of the Opera.  I felt really good.  I was tired by the end of the night; however, I enjoyed myself very much and was thrilled to share this experience with her.

We made many trips to the library during my recovery.  Each kiddo spent time ready books, even the littlest.  They each joined the summer reading program and have earned prizes for their reading accomplishments.

I survived 4H Clark County Fair at 6 weeks post op, with only one breakdown.  Haha.  I was very tired when the fair was over, and left early a couple of days, but felt no need to apologize because I was doing what was right for me.  (Another post coming on the fair experience soon).

We've played a lot of Legos, and let a lot of rooms go untidied for longer than I would have liked typically.  But, I had one opportunity to heal correctly and I took care of me and let messy rooms go for a bit.

We visited the fair as a family before our 4H events began.

We took a lot of silly pictures...

I tried to stay in each moment, knowing that all too quickly time goes by.

This last weekend we took the kids to Great Wolf Lodge to celebrate them!  They have been troopers through the surgery and recovery.  They have each helped me in so many different ways, and we wanted to do one last fun thing before school began.  I think I might have had as much fun as them!

Finally, the two of us, went to the movies and ate popcorn and nachos for dinner.  Celebrating a new season, a new chapter and us.  I think one of the biggest surprises I have found in this recovery is that I really don't feel different.  I guess I thought I would be aware of what was missing.  The only things that are missing is the incredible pain and bloating I had all the time, and horrible awful periods...which I DONT MISS!!!  I still feel like me.  I still feel like a woman, I don't feel less...if anything I feel like more...so much more.

Life @ The Dahlhouse: Recovery from a Hysterectomy

I made it to the other side of the surgery.  It is a good feeling.  A relief.  Finally, after six months of waiting the surgery has taken place, and I am on the path to recovery.  It will be a long, slow recovery.  Six weeks to be exact.  I want nothing more than to take the time, be slow, don't rush things, and let my body heal the way it needs too.  I have given myself permission to do nothing (which if you know me is uncharacteristic).  I have given myself permission to say no, nap and watch a ton of TV.  I am listening to my body...knowing what I am ready for and what I am not ready for.  I am taking care of me.

The surgery was a success.  Tuesday, June 26 started very early. In many ways the time and hospital reminded me of when I had my C-sections, however, there was enough difference to not make me think too much of that fact.  We checked in at short stay surgery and waited to be called back.  Once back in my pre-op room (221), I got to change into a hospital gown, socks and take a pregnancy test.  I chuckled to myself when the nurse announced it was "negative".  Oh good I thought.  Haha.

Because I was having robotic surgery, and they weren't certain which side they would be doing the procedure on, I was lucky enough to get two IVs.  One on each hand.  The nurse actually did a really good job and was successful the first time on each side.  I was asked a bazillion questions.  I met with two different anesthesiologists.  Dr. Jang and Dr. Lail.  They work in teams, however, Dr. Lail was the main anesthesiologist.  He was very funny and made me feel comfortable.  He answered questions and promised to keep me asleep and comfortable the entire time.  Due to my anxiety, he offered a medication to make me feel very relaxed on the way to the OR, and I gladly accepted.  Dr. Saner came and said hello and asked me if I had any last questions.  After that, things moved quickly.  The OR nurse came, Dr. Lail was there, and the moment he inserted the meds into the IV, I was very relaxed.  I told Mark good bye and they wheeled me down the hall.  I remember entering the OR, seeing Dr. Saner, and moving over to the operating table.  They put a mask over my nose and mouth and that was it.  I then woke up hours later in the recovery room.

My surgery ended up taking longer than anticipated.  It took awhile to get the robot set up and ready and then there were a few unexpected findings during the surgery.  One was that my bladder was adhered to my uterus with scar tissue from my previous csections.  Dr. Saner needed to remove the adhesions.  Then my uterus gave them trouble with them actually removing it.  I have a very small pelvis and that presented an issue.  They were finally able to remove it but it took extra time.  My surgery began at 7:30am and I remember seeing the clock in the recovery room and it said 11:30am.  Everything went well though, and I woke up fine.  I was very groggy the rest of the day, but no nausea (which I was very thankful for).

I was wheeled up to the fifth floor and stayed in room 509.  I don't really remember how I got there...haha.  Mark was waiting, as was the nurse.  All of the nurses I had were very kind, nice and helpful.  They really cared about helping me, how I felt, and making sure I was comfortable.  I was up and walking around by 5pm.  I had to leave the catheter in over night due to the messing with my bladder due to the adhesions.  But it really didn't bother me too much.  Dr. Saner came in an sat down to talk to me about 6:15pm.  She told me all about the surgery and answered some more questions.  She said she would be back tomorrow morning to discharge me.  A wonderful friend who works at Legacy came to visit me in the evening.  I was so happy so see her.  Around 10:30 I settled in for the night. Mark went home to be with the kids around 5pm.  It was very quiet.  I was going to ask for a sleeping pill; however, I fell asleep and slept till 5am.  The nurses left me alone, which was nice (or if they came in, I didn't know...LOL).  Mark arrived with Bella around 10:30 am and we left the hospital around 1pm.  I was very happy to have very normal blood pressures while I was in the hospital.  That was a win for me.

My mom watched the kiddos during the surgery day and for the next two days after I was home.   I was very appreciative.  The kids had a great time with her.  Meals have been arriving from family and friends and boy I am I grateful to not have to think about what to cook.  I am so, so thankful.

So now...it is a day by day process.  I feel a little better each day.  I have 5 incisions from the robot.  They are very small.  I have some internal stitches and my bladder still feels a little off, but each day it is better.  We are taking things very slow over here at the Dahlhouse and it's ok.  In a life that rushes by and moves at a fast pace, it is a good contrast to just be.  

Life @ The Dahlhouse: I'm Having a Hysterectomy

Tomorrow, I will bravely walk into the hospital and check in to have a hysterectomy.  At only 39 years old, I am young to be having this procedure.  However, the pain and bleeding have made my life very difficult for the last several years.  I realize that the decision to have a hysterectomy is a long and serious one.  We have weighed the pros and cons, and both Mark and I feel this is the best decision for me and our family.  I wanted to share my story, my why, the process, and the recovery.  I think many times, hard decisions are difficult to share for many different reasons.  But I want to bring a voice, a story, and face of someone who went through the process of deciding, had the hysterectomy and recovered well.  I have benefited from learning about other's experiences with having a hysterectomy, and if one woman is encouraged or learns something from me and my experience, I am glad to share and to say "me too."  *If you are squeamish about reading about uteruses, bleeding, periods and medical terminology, then this post might not be for you.  Just a friendly warning.  :) 

I learned last November, after a series of tests and ultrasounds, that I have condition called, adenomyosis.  Basically it means I have endometriosis inside my uterus.  Fabulous.  Well...that explained a lot of things...the pain, bleeding, spotting, and more pain.  When I think back when I first noticed all of the symptoms, a year ago comes to mind.  However, after spending more time thinking, I realized that I began experiences changes to my cycles shortly after I had Bella.  As the years passed, after having Bella in 2010, my periods began to become increasingly heavier, and full of clots.  I worried, excessively if I was going to hemorrhage or need to go to the ER.  And just before I reached the point of actually going to the ER, they would lighten up and I would be good for another month.  Somewhere in the back of my mind, I would worry for the next cycle...would it be bad?  Would I need help?  It has been a debilitating way to live.  

Just when I had accepted that we were going to be a family of 5, two pink lines appeared on a pregnancy test.  Matthew came into our lives and I can't imagine life without him.  12 months of no periods was amazing!  And then my periods returned.  And.it.was.awful!  For the first time in my life, I was planning what days I needed to stay home and close to a bathroom.  With a husband that travels for work, it was very difficult and scary at times to be home alone during "that time of the month."  I chalked my awful cycles up to "getting older," and tried my best to press on.  The pain at times was excruciating.

When Matthew was 7 months old, we took a family trip to Disneyland.  One of my very favorite places ever.  I ended up starting my period on the third day, and now most of my memories of the trip revolve around all of the bathrooms I used, and how much pain I was in.  I really feel like I need a do-over for that trip.  Thankfully, the Happiest Place On Earth has ALOT of bathrooms.  The picture above is me and Grace.  This was our third day into the trip.  I am trying to have a good time, but I remember thinking how awful I was feeling, and wanting to lay down.  

Last July, we took a family trip to Bend, Oregon.  During the trip I began having more symptoms of adenomyosis (only I didn't know I had that at the time).  The spotting during my cycle overshadowed the trip, and I was worried about what was wrong with me.  It was this trip that made me realize I was going to have to get to the bottom of what was going on.

In the fall, we took our kids to Great Wolf Lodge.  Only I couldn't get in the water, due to another horrible period.  I remember the pain was so great (even on meds) I wanted to come home.  I put on brave face for my kids.  I don't want to let things like this win.  I must have made 10 trips to the bathroom that night we were away from home.  I barely slept.  After this trip, I made an appointment to see my gynecologist in November.

Even as I type this now, my uterus is aching and cramping.  I am so thankful to Dr. Saner who listened to me, and what was going on, ordered tests and got to the bottom of it.  There is only one cure for adenomyosis and that is a hysterectomy.  There were other things I could have tried, other methods of attempting to lighten the periods and pain, but the truth is that the condition will not get better...it will only get worse with time.  Since we are finished having babies, a hysterectomy was agreed upon.  Since last November, I have been planning for a hysterectomy.  I will need a certain amount of help.  Honestly, the only thing that I am worried about is not being able to lift my baby for 6 very long weeks.  How do you explain that to you toddler?  I hope he still wants mommy when this is all done.  I've been working on training him and Grace.  She has began to put him in his car seat, change is diaper more often and help more with Matthew's day-to-day care.  It has been excruciating at times to relinquish these tasks, but I know I am doing it for the well being of my recovery.

Tomorrow, I will be having a laparoscopic robotic assisted hysterectomy.  I will keep my ovaries and everything else goes.  This will help maintain steady hormones throughout my body and not need to go through menopause at 39.  My emotions have been up and down these past couple of weeks.  There is a sense of relief that comes with knowing the pain and bleeding will be coming to end.  There is also a bitter sweetness of saying good-bye to my uterus.  My uterus and I haven't had the best relationship.  A rollercoaster relationship at best.  It has failed me three times, and it has borne my two sweet babies.  It has carried both life and death.  It has caused immense pain and also the greatest joys.  Tomorrow my uterus will no longer be apart of my life, and I will begin a new chapter without it.  And I have chosen to embrace this new chapter of my life and look forward to the new adventures ahead...

Life @ The Dahlhouse: When ADHD Makes Things Hard

Things have been hard...very hard.  The atmosphere around the house has been tense at times.  I could share pictures of my cute kids (which they are) and share all the funny things they say (which they have); however, life sometimes serves up hard times.  And things have been kind of messy around here.  No clear direct path to the answer.  And for my brain that is difficult.  I want resolution and solutions, and I want the problems fixed, and fixed yesterday.  I am not patient, and I want immediate results.  I don't want to wait.  

Being a special needs parent is tough.  There is no manual, there is no one telling me what to do, and what step to do next.  There is no one feeding me the answers so I don't make mistakes or mess up.  And I know I mess up.  My hearts longing is to make all the right decisions for my kids. But reality is that I am going to mess up.  And I do mess up.  I always worry that I am not doing enough, or that I am doing too much.  Or that I missed a specific therapy that we should have done, or done one that we should NOT have done.  Are they on the right meds?  Should they be on meds? Should they be eating that or NOT eating that?  Sugar...no sugar?  How much screen time...ahhhh the list goes on and on. 

And then their is the voice of guilt in my head...I hear it chastising me over choices made or not made.  Should we have gone gluten free? dairy free? sugar free?  Am I giving them too many choices or not enough choices? Are they going to end up in therapy someday because we didn't do sports, or after school activities?  No matter that our after school activities include trying to the loads of homework or appointments/therapies.  

Then there is the sadness and grief over how I wish my life was sometimes.  Not always do I look through that lens; but sometimes the waves are huge the surprise me and hit me out of no where.  A few weeks ago, I was shopping at Walmart.  Luke had outgrown all his pants seemingly overnight.  The printer had ran out of ink during the all important making of the science fair projects.  So off Luke and I ran to Walmart to pick up pants and ink.  While he was trying on a zillion pairs of pants, I caught sight of his shoes (which were worn).  After we had selected the appropriate pair of pants, we wandered the isles to the back of the store where they display the shoes.  I found a good looking sport shoe that would last until we could find something of better quality.  Shoe shopping with Luke has always been difficult.  Due to sensory needs, he prefers his shoes to feel and fit the exact correct way.  It tries my patience every single time.  I turned to show Luke the shoe, and found he had wandered to the end of the isle.  Right in front of the Velcro shoes.  "Mom I like these," he told me.  I eyed the shoes.  They were black with orange highlights and had three black Velcro bands that sat across the front of the shoe.  They were like the kind he wore when he was 4.  I thought about my words very carefully.  "Buddy, you are 15 years old.  You need to find some shoes that tie."  "But mom," he argued, "I can do these shoes.   They are easy and I don't need help."  I agreed with him in my mind.  "Yes", I told myself, "the kids at school will get one look at these and they will eat him up."  My heart literally broke in that moment.  My boy, not caring what people think wanted the shoes that he could do independently.  And here I am having that moment... that 15 year olds should want to wear NIKE's and not Velcro.  We ended up reaching a compromise, without him knowing any of my thoughts.  There were a pair of shoes that were Velcro but did not look like Velcro.  God bless the designer who made these.  After we returned home, I went up to my closet and cried.  I wish it wasn't so difficult for Luke to tie shoes.  I wish he could fit in with the other kids at school and not stand out.  I wish for so many different things.  I wish everything wasn't a challenge for him.

School this year has been very difficult.  Much more difficult than last year.  I am not sure why, and I have spent many hours wondering this.  Perhaps the kids have been tougher on him, or he has not matured as fast as the other boys, and they notice it.  It is so trying on my mama's heart to watch him go through the struggles, and see the tears, and hear the hurt.  On one particular difficult week, I stopped in to have lunch with him and play Yahtzee during his lunch recess time. I wanted him to know that someone cared, and was rooting for him.  Most of the teachers at Luke's school, understand his needs, and help encourage him.  Many times this year, I have been told by various teachers what a good heart Luke has, or how he helped them, or did something kind.  I use these moments to feel encouraged that I am doing something right as Luke's mom.  That his character is so much, much more important than his grades.  As a former teacher myself, it is difficult for me to do this, but I understand that each kiddo is different, learns different, and goals in life are different.  We have to celebrate the individual victories and triumphs that come along.  Luke is the kid that buys Gatorade for the kids sick on the DC trip, or carries boxes to a teacher's car after school, holds open the door for EVERYONE, and is the first to volunteer.  Gosh, I love him.

The school work has been very difficult too.  So much that has challenged him, angered him, frustrated him.  But somehow we have both banned together and worked our way through it.  I couldn't have done it without the help of tutor that comes to the house twice a week to help me carry the immense load of work.  Stress is a real thing for kiddos with special needs.  Luke feels it and deals with it in ways that he knows how (sometimes ways that are not very constructive).  ADHD is real.  And from my latest research and studies on this disorder, the main concept that continues to be shared by authors, doctors and articles is that ADHD is an executive functioning skills disorder.  At first I was like, "what the heck is executive functioning skills?"  But the more I researched, I found out that those skills are used in every part of our daily lives.  From organizing yourself to get up, get dressed and all the skills that go with that, to staying focused and attentive in class, keeping track of assignments and homework...it's all related to your executive functioning skills.  It is so so difficult for these kiddos with ADHD to be organized in any area.  I am learning, as Luke's mom and advocate, how I can help this summer to work on some of these skills.  As long as there is a breath in me, I will be continuing to educate myself, to educate Luke on how he can do more, be more and embrace the amazing human he is, and share his gifts with the world.  I will continue to build him up and encourage him, and to speak back to the voices that tell him "he can't".  To which I say, "yes you can!"  We need more Luke's in the world.  I am so very lucky to have him in my life.