That Train Has Sailed

1/31/2014

I received my first payment for a piece of writing today. It's not a lot but it's exciting to me. I have been writing for so long with so much reward from the process itself and comments from you, that to be paid as well is kind of great. I am going to place it in a special account and dedicate all my earning to spending special times with my girls. We are saving for a trip to New York, so there's that.

I'm still working hard to respond to all of your lovely emails. With respect, I was hoping you wouldn't mind if I addressed some of your questions and comments here, as many of you are asking the same things. So, here goes:

I am NOT looking for a cure for Kate's autism. That train has sailed. I originally thought I might search for that elusive son of a bitch but then I thought spending time enjoying the little person she is would be a better bet.

I will not test your cream, drug, potion or chant on Kate. Even though there are a number of Buddha statues in my home, I am seriously grounded when it comes to Kate's treatment. I will need you to provide evidence using the scientific method and anecdotal testimony from families before I will even read your proposal.

I do not believe that correlation equals causation. Please do not share your theories on what causes autism because I have already heard them all.

I do adore your stories. I could read your experiences all day long. It makes me feel like we are all in this together.

I LOVE when people ask me about Kate. I am very clearly not private about this matter. I will not answer questions that I believe to be disrespectful to her or our family but If you want to know the list of foods she'll eat or what helps her settle after a meltdown, feel free to ask.

I am NOT afraid of sharing our story on here and sharing pictures of my girls. Pictures are only pictures. Words are only words. Many of both of mine have been stolen and misused. My girls are safe with me and always will be.

10 Comments

Stacy G link

1/31/2014 06:34:20 am

Well said. I completely relate and agree with everything you just expressed. When my son Luke was first diagnosed I felt like I needed to read every book and try every single treatment/diet/vitamin available, or I wasn't being proactive. A few years into our journey and I am also at peace with our current treatment plan. No more B12 infused lollipops for us. lol Like you said I'd like some concrete proof before adding anything else into our plan. Love your plan for your blog earnings! Stacy

Jenna

2/1/2014 01:41:33 am

I think when you have a child that is diagnosed with any condition you look for reasons why and ways for you and your family to get through things.
When my son was diagnosed with leukemia we spent a lot of time in hospitals while he was being treated. While the treatment did its work we were helpless to do anything but go along for the ride. We dealt with everything by trying to keep life as normal as possible outside hospital. The father of one family, that was staying at the same place as us, turned up one day with bags of organic food and bottles on high dose vitamins that they had started giving to his child. He offered us a bottle but we turned it down, for us 500 times the daily dose of some vitamins was a bit excessive. However, it was how he and his family were managing to deal with what they were going through.

Kerry

2/3/2014 05:35:38 am

Well written Shanell.

We've tried all the conventional, and not so conventional,treatments. I did think of one thing that worked with our Sam and that was Omega 3 fish oil, definitely proved by science to help with the 'brain'. It certainly helped Sam remain reasonably calm and focused. Easy to give as they were chewable and fruit flavoured. He still takes them-9 years later.

rebecca masterson link

2/3/2014 10:24:44 pm

"I am NOT looking for a cure for Kate's autism. That train has sailed. I originally thought I might search for that elusive son of a bitch but then I thought spending time enjoying the little person she is would be a better bet."

Best sentence ever!! Glad I found your blog in the "real world." I missed it since I left the twitter universe.

Becca
formerly @ilovelildragons

Shanell

2/4/2014 07:32:06 am

Rebecca, where did you go? I miss your brand of funny. Give me a website or something??? :)

2/4/2014 11:29:24 am

(Did I reply? I can't find it in my emails)

Twitter took over my life. Ha! Seriously, I might have been an addict. I am considering a comeback.

I'm SincerelyBecca.com - just linked it up to your "Dear Daddy in 16c" post - loved it.

Becca

2/4/2014 07:32:23 am

Blinn link

2/4/2014 07:20:15 pm

I admire your blog and your writing. This post is really something to think about. Wishing you and your family the best. God Bless.

Rebecca

2/5/2014 09:39:26 am

I teach kindergarteners and 1st graders with autism. I love love love your blog. Parents like you make students like mine shine their brightest. Thank you.

Adrian

2/24/2014 08:14:25 am

I just want to tell you how brave you are and that I support you. It is not easy to go against the crowd of parents who are pro-bio med. and to make the best decision for your family. No one has ever said that to me, but plenty of parents have been jerks. The stories I could tell! You are a wonderful mother, I enjoy your writing, and thank you for being your own person. Please keep writing and speaking up; it helps to rest of us who are doing the best that we can to not feel so alone.

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I talk about Autism, a lot

That Train Has Sailed

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