By Cathy Jameson

Early Friday morning, we headed out of town with Ronan.  We’d be meeting up with one of Ronan’s doctors, a favorite doctor who helped us during a scary medical moment a few years ago.  Ronan hasn’t needed the extensive care he received then.  Regularly scheduled visits to the clinic, and timely follow-up discussions, have thankfully kept that issue at bay.  Nevertheless, I get nervous anytime we have a big trip to see any one of our medical providers.

Days before it’s time to leave, I mentally review a few things:

– who we’re seeing

-what we’re currently managing

-why we’re going (is it for a new problem?  a follow-up?  or just a yearly check-in kind of appointment?)

I start prepping a few things also:

-the kids’ and my husband’s schedules (does anything need to be rearranged?)

-Ronan’s supplement/medication list (have we changed anything?  or recently added anything?)

-my list of current observations and important questions we’ve thought of

Then I think about which one of Ronan’s go-to items might need to go with us:

-his prayer shawl

-his favorite book and picture

-his ipad

I try not to get nervous, but I’d be lying if I said I’m always cool as a cucumber when I meet with Ronan’s team.  That’s why I get as many things taken care of ahead of time before we leave.  Last week, after I’d gone over my lists and felt confident everything was taken care of, the care team called to go over a few things with me.  I was caught off guard with one of their questions.

“Is he going to be admitted after the procedure?”

What? 

“Were you planning on staying overnight?”

“Oh!  I don’t think so,” I stammered.  “That hadn’t been mentioned to us, but…I…”

“It’s a good idea to have an overnight bag with you in case they do admit him,” the nurse replied.

My mental list now included thinking of every worst-case scenario that could possibly ever exist. 

I know I shouldn’t think of the worst.  But that day, and the following two days before the procedure, I did think the worst.  While getting Ronan’s stuff ready the night before my husband saw me packing a larger “Go Bag” with extra clothes and some toiletries.  Looking at me quizzically, I said, “Someone suggested we have overnight items with us in case Ronan gets admitted.”  It’s not a terrible idea to have one ready.  It’s just that terrible things would have to happen for us to have to stay overnight at a hospital. 

We’ve had to do that before. 

Because a terrible thing did happen. 

Even though, after the procedure, the doctor started one of his conversations with us by saying, “There’s good news and bad news…” we were fortunately able to go home soon after Ronan’s appointment ended.

Good news is oh, so good! 

But that looming potential bad news? 

Let’s just say that it doesn’t really help a mama’s worried heart. 

We still have some issues to address, which could include adding another provider to the team.  We’ll wait until after the lab work is reviewed before making any changes to the current treatment plan or adding any new people to the team.  When we can look at the big picture, together with one of our favorite doctors, we’ll brainstorm what we can do.  Only then will I also consider what, if anything, we need to worry about.  I don’t like to worry, but that’s sometimes part of life raising a child with special needs.

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

The Wuhan Cover-Up: And the Terrifying Bioweapons Arms Race (Children’s Health Defense) 

“Gain-of-function” experiments are often conducted to deliberately develop highly virulent, easily transmissible pathogens for the stated purpose of developing preemptive vaccines for animal viruses before they jump to humans. More insidious is the “dual use” nature of this research, specifically directed toward bioweapons development. The Wuhan Cover-Up pulls back the curtain on how the US government's increase in biosecurity spending after the 2001 terror attacks set in motion a plan to transform the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), under the direction of Dr. Anthony Fauci, into a de facto Defense Department agency.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Brian Hooker and Robert Kennedy, Jr. and the Children's Health Defense imprint on the huge news that Vax Unvax Let The Science Speak was #11 on the New York Times non-fiction best sellers list this week.  This is important because it tells those who feel they shouldn't question science, "Hey, it's OK to read, and learn and make your own decisions."  It's currently 124 on ALL of Amazon books.  Buy a copy HERE

By Cathy Jameson

About every six months, Ronan goes to the dentist.  It isn’t the easiest appointment for him, but we’ve made a pretty good routine of it.  Days before he’s due for the check up, we start talking about the appointment.  “Hey, buddy.  We’re going to see the dentist soon.  You remember the last time we were there, right?  It’s probably going to be a different young doctor (we see the residents who rotate through the pediatric specialty clinic), but it’ll be the same thing – they are going to count your teeth, try to clean your teeth, and talk to us about brushing and flossing.”  Ronan listens and slowly will sign ‘yes’ to me to tell me he’s heard everything.  Ronan may not want to do everything I’ve mentioned, especially when that sensory defensiveness kicks into overdrive while in the exam room, but he at least understands that there’s a routine and that we’re going to do our very best to get through it.

Last week’s dental visit was like the previous visit. 

It was great! 

I was incredibly grateful for that because it was just me with Ronan.  My husband had taken the day off to join us for the almost 2-hour drive to the specialty clinic, but at the last minute he was unable to break away from work.  I anticipated that Ronan might not cooperate, but I didn’t need to worry.  Not only did Ronan have the best exam ever, with minimal sensory issues, but we got the best compliments ever.

The head dentist came in after the resident and the dental hygienist did an initial review and exam.  With another request to Ronan, “Open and say ahh,” so he also could get a chance to look at Ronan’s teeth, the attending doctor stood back.  He looked at Ronan.  He looked at me.  Then said, “Who brushes his teeth?” 

His face was deadpan, so I quietly said, “Uhhh, I do?  My husband does, too.”

With a softer look, and now with some excitement in his tone, he said exuberantly, “GREAT job, mom.  Really great job!  His oral hygiene is perfect.  It’s exactly what we hope to see.  Whatever you’re doing at home…keep doing it.”

I beamed.

It has taken a long time to get Ronan’s oral hygiene up to where it is today.  The long-term seizure medication use and the mostly pureed diet he’s been on for the last few years affects dental health.  So, we brush.  We try to floss.  We brush some more, and we try to floss some more.  We minimize foods that can cause problems, and we use natural products whenever possible.  The dental hygienist was already aware of that as she’s worked with us before.  But the new young resident had only just met Ronan.  It’s nice to meet kind, new people, and I hoped that this fellow would remain nice and kind when we got to the next part of the exam – the one where fluoride is usually used.

“I see in his file that you don’t want this?” the resident began.

“Oh, that’s right.  We don’t usually do the fluoride rinse thingie,” I replied simply.

“Okay, I understand,” he continued.  “I’d agree, especially for Ronan since he can’t spit like other kids do.  You don’t want him to swallow that or risk it going into his system.  That could cause other issues, and he has enough already to handle…” 

I wanted to high five him and also jump for joy.  I can’t tell you how many other dentists have been insistent on using fluoride without looking at the big picture. 

“…you don’t know what it would do to him.  The risk could be great, and he really doesn’t need it right now.  We didn’t see any concern for cavities in this exam,” the resident finished.

The hygienist nodded her head and added, “If you wanted to take the smallest amount, just toward that one trouble spot you were watching, that would be something to think about.  But like the doctor said, you don’t want to add any more burden [to Ronan].”

Again, I wanted to high five the helpers!

I thanked them both for their input and said we’ll continue to use the toothpaste we’re using and that we’d continue with our flossing attempts because Ronan is getting better and better at letting us clean in between his teeth.  The doctor said that would be a really good idea because Ronan has his wisdom teeth.

What?

“Yes, it looks like three of them have erupted,” he said as he did another visual exam before gently checking each.

WHAT?!

I was floored.  I was floored because, in my head, that is a typical kid kind of experience.  But no kidding, so is it an experience no matter what your medical condition is. 

DUH!

:)

I felt so silly but also so thankful.  Ronan still can’t talk.  He still has major delays.  He’s still very dependent on his family.  But he has wisdom teeth.  In fact, he may actually have all four! 

My kid!  He has a mouth full of wisdom teeth!

Since they don’t appear to be causing any problems, the dentist suggested we keep an eye on them for now.  We’ll observe and note any small changes, and we’ll call the clinic should we see any major changes before the next scheduled appointment.    

Ronan got tons of praise for doing a really good job while in the dental clinic last week.  The young doctor got some from me as well.  He was grateful for the tips I gave him while doing one of the most thorough exams Ronan’s allowed – telling Ronan exactly what to expect, using the countdown strategy, and treating Ronan with respect and compassion.  He was happy to help, and I think appreciated the chance to learn from both Ronan and me. 

Being on the same page with someone really makes these kinds of visits so helpful.

Something else that helped that day was to bring Ronan’s toothbrush with us.  Why hadn’t I ever thought to bring that before?! Ronan is so good at home when we say, ‘Open up,’ so I figured it would be less stressful for him to ‘open up’ to his familiar item.  It worked, so we’ll bring it to every dental exam going forward.

Some days are a battle.  Some days end in tears (mine, not Ronan’s).  Some days include tons of opportunities to try, try again.  I’m so grateful that the latest medical visit saw no battles, not tears and that it ended in success.  We have another appointment with a different provider and a much more invasive exam coming up this week.  The doctor we’ll see next is one of the kindest on our team.  He’s been one of the most helpful, so I’ll pray that we have another great day with another praise report to share. 

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

The Wuhan Cover-Up: And the Terrifying Bioweapons Arms Race (Children’s Health Defense) 

“Gain-of-function” experiments are often conducted to deliberately develop highly virulent, easily transmissible pathogens for the stated purpose of developing preemptive vaccines for animal viruses before they jump to humans. More insidious is the “dual use” nature of this research, specifically directed toward bioweapons development. The Wuhan Cover-Up pulls back the curtain on how the US government's increase in biosecurity spending after the 2001 terror attacks set in motion a plan to transform the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), under the direction of Dr. Anthony Fauci, into a de facto Defense Department agency.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Brian Hooker and Robert Kennedy, Jr. and the Children's Health Defense imprint on the huge news that Vax Unvax Let The Science Speak was #11 on the New York Times non-fiction best sellers list this week.  This is important because it tells those who feel they shouldn't question science, "Hey, it's OK to read, and learn and make your own decisions."  It's currently 124 on ALL of Amazon books.  Buy a copy HERE

By Cathy Jameson

We have a program that provides an extra blessing for us for Ronan—that blessing is a caregiver position that we’ve had filled for over a decade... 

About ten months ago, our main caregiver said she’d be moving on to a new job.  Losing her would be like losing a family member.  She’s one of the ‘good ones’, part of the ‘dream team’ of caregivers and therapists we have who go ‘above and beyond’ taking care of Ronan.  If she’s like the others, she’ll stick around long after taking on a new position elsewhere.  Many of the other women we’ve welcomed into our lives and our home still stay in touch.  Just like they get to know not just Ronan but all of us, we get to know not just them but also their families.  Birthdays get remembered.  With some of them much younger, their weddings get to be celebrated by us also.  Baby shower invites later get delivered to us, too.  I don’t begrudge any of our workers who’ve left. 

I just wish they didn’t have to go.

Ten months have gone by since our main caregiver gave me notice, and I still haven’t found a reliable caregiver.  Not that I haven’t tried.

I’ve advertised.

I’ve interviewed.

I’ve provided the paperwork.

I’ve gone over the requirements.

I’ve conducted training and given a start date.

Some have said they’d be here!  They’d start!  They’d jump right in and do the everything that it takes to keep my son happy, healthy, and well cared for.

But then nothing.

No shows.

No explanations.

Just…nothing.

It’s discouraging. 

Frustrating. 

So. Dang. Annoying. 

My older kids have been life savers.  Ronan does not enjoy going out to the stores, to Church, or do pretty much anything the rest of us need to do.  The kids have blessed us by staying home, taking turns to take care of their brother. 

That was working beautifully up until school started again.

With no one else home to keep an eye on Ronan, he now goes with me to wherever I need to be.  He can’t come with me to work, though, so I’m readvertising. I’m re-interviewing.  I’m re-training and re-reviewing each and every requirement making sure I don’t forget to say…you’re hired, and please, I have a job I need to get to, so you have to show up. 

Until I secure that new caregiver we’ve been praying to meet, my husband and I are juggling.  Tag, I’m it – and I run quickly out the door to pick up whoever’s waiting to be picked up.  Tag, he’s it – and my husband jets home so I can run to the grocery store or finish errands or make it to a meeting.  Tag, I’m it again – and I race to meet the kids at school after their sports activities end. 

We could ask neighbors to help, and we do. 

We could ask friends to pitch in, and I know they’ll jump at the chance to be an extra pair of hands.

We could also reassess our need to work outside the home.  I know that conversation could be coming soon if we cannot find a caregiver to step in soon. 

Juggling is nothing new for us, but if it gets to the point of juggling who gets to go to work – me or my husband, let’s just say that that’s going to be very interesting.  I know other families who, for a long time, have lived with that strain.  They’ve lived without the constant help we’ve been so blessed to have.  The sacrifices they’ve made have made their lives work.  They’ve worked to get their needs met.  They’ve survived what others could not.  I’ve always thought, well, if So and So can do it without the kinds of resources we’ve had, then surely, we could do it, too!  I’ll keep that upbeat attitude because that moment may be coming to us sooner than I think. 

It’ll be extra – work, juggling, thinking things through, because we haven’t had to do that for so long.  But it’s for Ronan.  So, it doesn’t matter how much things might change.  He’s worth all of it – the work, the juggling, and the thinking everything through so he can remain happy, healthy and always safe.  

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Brian Hooker and Robert Kennedy, Jr. and the Children's Health Defense imprint on the huge news that Vax Unvax Let The Science Speak was #11 on the New York Times non-fiction best sellers list this week.  This is important because it tells those who feel they shouldn't question science, "Hey, it's OK to read, and learn and make your own decisions."  It's currently 124 on ALL of Amazon books.  Buy a copy HERE.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfsaOFziAB0

By Cathy Jameson

I took a few minutes on Friday morning to clear out some emails.  My Drafts folder was full.  I had over 100 emails written but not sent.  Actually, I had 100 emails started and saved for some reason or another.  Some were notes I’d quickly typed during a meeting.  Others were more like a placeholder for ideas—old shopping lists, or screenshots taken of something I later wanted to look up. After I deleted some of the drafts, I paused.  I found some of the notes that Ronan and I had typed to each other.  His writing is labored, and almost always in lower case, but it’s always on point. 

When Ronan is trying to tell me something that I’m struggling to understand, I’ll sometimes quickly take out my phone, open a blank email and ask him to type.  One day, he was upset that my husband left the house without him.  Leaving to run a quick errand one morning with our daughter, it was wiser to keep Ronan home.  He didn’t like that and stood at the front door waiting for me to open it. 

Then he stood in the living room peering out the window pointing to where Daddy just was.  Not satisfied with my verbal explanation that he’d get to go out later in the afternoon with Daddy, I took out my phone and typed.  Ronan’s responses are in italics. 

daddy took sister to the store.

they will be back in a few minutes.

daddy will take you to the car shop later. 

he can take you to lunch also!

daddy home

yes, daddy will be home after he goes to the store with sister.

daddy should be home at 12:00.

yes.

while you wait, you can watch a show, you can eat breakfast, you can play music, you can take a nap.

i want to play music

So, we found music that Ronan liked and waited the 30 minutes for Daddy to return home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df-eLzao63I

Sometimes I quickly jot down notes in an email during the homily at Mass.  Having this saved this one is pretty significant.  As I read it, I realized that seeing this draft meant Ronan was with us at Mass.

Do good to those who hate you.

Bless those who curse you.

Pray for those who mistreat you.

french fries

Ronan can follow along in the Missalette with us and is particularly intrigued with the song book, but that Sunday he must’ve just wanted church to end.  French fries are usually a signal that he’s looking for something else or for something better.  No doubt we did get him some on our way home.

Mass hasn’t been easy for Ronan to attend again.  But we made it two times in the last month with him!  It was two different parishes, the first time was while we were on vacation, and the second time was just last weekend at a church down the road from us.  Even though it wasn’t our home parish, we were thrilled for him to be able to join us.

Ronan doesn’t like to go out so much anywhere lately.  Some days I prefer to be home, too.  When Ronan is feeling all sorts of cozy, he wants all of us home. 

daddy home 

sounds 

black fish cat 

worms

mommy 

daddy home

The other words in that message are some of his favorite words.  They’re from a video series Ronan watched before he lost skills many years ago.  Some skills have come back, but speech isn’t one of them.  That’s why being able to type is such a huge deal. 

One day, at the doctor’s office, Ronan was done being there once the orthopedic nurse had brought us into the exam room.  In the next email draft, from 2017, I was working on adding please and thank you in my responses to Ronan. 

Shoes on.

I would like my shoes on please. 

First doctor.  Then shoes.

--

The ortho doc is really sweet, but his visits can be a little longer to get through.  During long waiting times, I will sometimes quickly set a timer for Ronan.  He knows that when the timer ends, so will the task at hand end.  At that particular visit, he didn’t want to set the timer on the clock but instead wanted to type out the numbers.  I started the count down with 100. 

100
I 0099 98 97 96c95

He then gave me back the phone to continue…

94 93 92 91 90 89 87 86 86 85 84 83 82  81 80

--

We have several strategies that help us get through situations both here at home and when we’re out and about.  It’s been a long, learning process that’s helped turn some stressful moments into sweet successes.  We love to share those successes because we know that some days, we’re not the only ones laboring and struggling; so are other people.  I think that’s why, besides seeing these quick convos in my email folders, this saved draft message was important – and so incredibly timely – for me to also see: 

“Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9  As hard as life can be, giving up isn’t an option.  It never will be. 

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

###

From Skyhorse Publishing

The War on Ivermectin: The Medicine that Saved Millions and Could Have Ended the Pandemic

#1 Seller in Forensic Medicine

By Pierre Kory Dr. (Author), Jenna McCarthy (Author)

Big Pharma and health agencies cry, “Don’t take ivermectin!” A media storm follows. Why then, does the science say the opposite?” Ivermectin is a dirty word in the media. It doesn’t work. It’s a deadly horse dewormer. Prescribe or promote it and you’ll be called a right-wing quack, be banned from social media, or lose your license to practice medicine. And yet, entire countries wiped out the virus with it, and more than ninety-five studies now show it to be unequivocally effective in preventing and treating Covid-19. If it didn’t work, why was there a coordinated global campaign to cancel it? What’s the truth about this decades-old, Nobel Prize-winning medication? The War on Ivermectin is the personal and professional narrative of Dr. Pierre Kory and his crusade to recommend a safe, inexpensive, generic medicine as the key to ending the pandemic.

Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Children’s Health Defense) Hardcover – Illustrated, August 15, 2023 by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Author), Brian Hooker (Author)

The Studies the CDC Refuses to Do

This book is based on over one hundred studies in the peer-reviewed literature that consider vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations. Each study is analyzed, and health differences among infants, children, and adults who have been vaccinated and those who have not are presented and put in context. Readers will find information on:

The infant/child vaccination schedule
Thimerosal in vaccines
Live virus vaccines
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
Vaccination and Gulf War illness
Influenza (flu) vaccines
Hepatitis B vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine
Vaccines during pregnancy

Given the massive push to vaccinate the entire global population, this book is timely and necessary for individuals to make informed choices for themselves and their families.

By Cathy Jameson

Someone close to me sent me the link to a video that featured a young man named Demani Bryant Felder.  His opening statement was powerful:

“It appears that the new virus, or variant, is making its way to America yet again.

Make no mistake.

This is intentional. 

This is deliberate.”

I haven’t had too much time to keep up with the recent news cycle.  Prepping for the new school year has had me staying offline except for a few peeks at some social media sites.  When I got to scroll through some headlines, I saw one mention of the return of masks on one college campus.  By the time I had a chance to confirm that, I read that three more campuses brought masks back.  Felder mentions this news as well. 

If what this young man is saying is true, I know that I need to get back to reading more and to paying attention more. 

After his powerful opening statement, I wanted to listen to the rest of Felder’s thoughts.  Quickly, I could agree with what he shared about the 2020 lockdown in his video.  For those first few weeks, when we could sit alone with our thoughts, we could think about what was important without distractions – because everything else in the world stopped.  I remember writing about that time, appreciating the chance to slow down and to be home with my family.

When I remember questioning where things were headed when it was months later and we still hadn’t “flattened the curve”.  Others started to open their eyes, too. 

Felder brings up the fact that during those first few months of that lockdown people began asking questions.  For that, I will always be grateful.  I know several young mothers who finally connected the dots to other things that their doctors and their government were pushing on them and their children. 

Without the lockdown, some said they would still be beholden to the recommended vaccine schedule.

Felder ponders if the first lockdown was a beta test?  Mask mandates, social distancing, vaccine mandates – did complying to those mandates then help mask requirements resurface now?  Was it coincidentally timed with the previous election?  Is the timing of some of this latest virus/variant wave tied with the upcoming election?  Are people going to comply, or will people stand up and say no?  Felder asks questions so many of us here asked.  He makes points so many of us also made over the last three years.  He talks about a few other ‘in the news’ topics if you care to take a listen.  I’ve never heard of this young man before, but I like what I hear him saying.  For a long time, I’ve been hoping to see more people – including younger people, rise up.  Felder seems to be one of those people, and I appreciate that he is standing firm and bravely using his voice for good. 

View the Facebook video here.

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

###

From Skyhorse Publishing

The War on Ivermectin: The Medicine that Saved Millions and Could Have Ended the Pandemic

#1 Seller in Forensic Medicine

By Pierre Kory Dr. (Author), Jenna McCarthy (Author)

Big Pharma and health agencies cry, “Don’t take ivermectin!” A media storm follows. Why then, does the science say the opposite?” Ivermectin is a dirty word in the media. It doesn’t work. It’s a deadly horse dewormer. Prescribe or promote it and you’ll be called a right-wing quack, be banned from social media, or lose your license to practice medicine. And yet, entire countries wiped out the virus with it, and more than ninety-five studies now show it to be unequivocally effective in preventing and treating Covid-19. If it didn’t work, why was there a coordinated global campaign to cancel it? What’s the truth about this decades-old, Nobel Prize-winning medication? The War on Ivermectin is the personal and professional narrative of Dr. Pierre Kory and his crusade to recommend a safe, inexpensive, generic medicine as the key to ending the pandemic.

Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Children’s Health Defense) Hardcover – Illustrated, August 15, 2023 by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Author), Brian Hooker (Author)

Based on over one hundred studies in the peer-reviewed literature that consider vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations. Each of these studies is analyzed and put in context of the difference in health outcomes of vaccinated versus unvaccinated infants, children, and adults. Given the massive push to vaccinate the entire global population, this book is timely and necessary for individuals to make informed choices for themselves and their families.

By Cathy Jameson

I got added to a local Mom’s group on Facebook last week.  A friend of mine had seen a post from a woman who was looking for work.  The woman shared that she has worked in the autism field for over ten years and could be available in the mornings as a mom’s helper, house cleaner or maybe even a pet sitter.  Her morning clients were now back in school, so she asked other moms to leave a comment if they could use her help.  My friend sent me a screenshot of the message in a text, “Does this look like someone you’d want to look into for Ronan?”  YES, I told her.  I am always grateful for any outside help, especially if the helper is experienced in the autism field.

It would be a few days before I could hop online and find the post myself. 

We spent much of last week prepping for Willem’s college drop off, which went well.  Ronan’s younger brother, Willem, was our main caregiver much of the summer.  The time he gave to us was invaluable.  He will miss Ronan very much, and his sisters, too, but it was time for him to go out and see the world.   

Come Saturday morning, when I had a few quiet minutes to myself, I found that post my friend had mentioned.  It was riddled with typos.  While that doesn’t scream red flag, something about the post did – the woman wrote it and posted it anonymously.  I had seen that only recently in another group – that you can post, comment, and react to groups without revealing your identity.  Several of the other moms immediately commented, “Why anonymous tho?”  “We can’t message you if you’re anonymous.”  I understand that some people don’t want their name or personal information on a large social media platform, but I’d have no way of contacting this woman privately offline.  I’ve looked for months for a potential hire, but I, too, didn’t want to put my personal info, or Ronan’s, out there to 7,000 members.  If I wanted to get or give any sort of info, I’d have to leave a comment on her post and hope and pray she’d reach out to me. 

I’d also have to hope and pray that this wasn’t a scam. 

Not entirely sure what to do yet, I scrolled through other recent posts in the group.  Some were about the new school year, which had already started for the public school kids.  Some posts were about fun community events for young families.  Other posts were typical ones I’ve seen on other message boards – moms looking for recommendations for pediatricians, ballet studios, and soccer leagues.  My kids sound much, much older than these ladies’ children, but I kept on scrolling.  Who knows, I thought, maybe I’d find something useful for me on the page.  I stopped scrolling.  Someone was looking for recommendations for some “me time”.

“The kids are back at school”, she started, “and I’m looking to do something for some me time…like a day at the spa or salon for a massage, facial…for a me day.”

I stared at the post.

If I only had time for any of that, I whispered to myself. 

Me Time comes after I make sure everyone and everything is taken care of or is put back in its place.  It comes at night when I fall asleep, that is, if I fall asleep.  The kids help, my husband helps, but ultimately, I’m in charge of a lot of things.  I run the house.  I oversee the school things.  I shuttle the kids to where they need to be.  I also plan the meals, and I plan all of Ronan’s things, including his schedule and his caregiver’s schedule.  After our full-time caregiver reduced her hours in January of this year, it took months to find a replacement.  I’d reached out every few weeks to every friend and contact I had sharing that we’re still looking for someone, which is why my friend connected me to that message board last week.  I’d forgotten to tell her we finally found someone. 

Finally!

Note: Cathy has this weekend off. Her post from 2017 rings true today, and is proof of the headline. The meme Cathy writes about is still in circulation, annoying autism parents to.... infinity and beyond.

Note: Sometimes, "Big Brother" means a VERY GOOD thing, even when he's watching.  XOX

###

By Cathy Jameson

…when I start my freshman year of college in a few weeks I will miss being able to hang out with Ronan the most…

That was part of a scholarship essay Ronan’s younger brother wrote.  Willem has been working on scholarship applications and essays all summer.  Some are quick and don’t require too much writing, but others, like the latest one, take some time.  Having been awarded a few from the university and two outside scholarships so far, Willem’s motivated to get more done before classes start. 

I’m happy to see Willem work toward a new educational goal.  It’s motivated his younger sister to look for schools and bookmark scholarship websites for when she’ll need them.  The more the kids talk about their futures, the more emotions I feel. 

It’s exciting!  

It’s adventurous! 

With their big ideas and big plans to go out and see the world, it’s going to be quiet here in a few years!  

The kids are looking at the next stage in life – working toward being independent adults.  As natural as that is, I’m not okay with it yet.  We’ve been a pretty close family.  Lots brings us together, and I haven’t fully prepared myself for what it will feel like when we’re all not under one roof.  The kids...they were just little kids not that long ago!  To now have adult children potentially scattered in different places…of course, I know that that happens, but I love it when they’re all home.  

The silliness.

The movie nights.

The family dinners.

The guitar playing, the singing, the conversations, and the doting on Ronan trying to get him and keep him involved – it’s life now.  It’s what I know, and it’s what I’ve loved to see.  With how close the siblings are, but especially how close Willem and Ronan have gotten the past few years, life is going to be very different very soon.  I’m going to miss that kid something fierce when he heads to campus.  Ronan will, too. 

The brotherly bond they deepened, and it only grew stronger, when my husband was deployed overseas last year. 

Before he left, my husband (in the photo with Ronan) asked Willem to help me as much as he could.  Having witnessed a great role model in my husband, Willem stepped into his father’s shoes.

This was part of a different scholarship essay prompt that filled my heart with joy.

My older brother, Ronan, has severe autism and is non-verbal, and while my whole family is always willing to help him no matter what, it can be quite a difficult task to tend to all of his needs. No one does this with more patience or love than my Dad, and that's how I aim to be in life.

Photos of my boys over the years – each photo a testament of their love for each other

The little brother took the request – help your mom – to task.  After school, or before he’d ask to go out on the weekends, his first thought was always his brother.  “Do you need me to help Ronan?” he’d ask.  Some days he didn’t ask; he just jumped right in.  Without complaint, he worked with me quickly, confidently, and happily during that deployment.  He still helps daily.  Which is why in a few weeks things aren’t just going to feel different.  Things will be very different. 

Changes are coming, and so are new prospects.  Willem will get to explore classes and projects that will lead to career opportunities.  And Ronan will get to explore a new setting and surrounding towns when we go visit his brother at college. 

I’m excited. 

I’m nervous. 

I’m happy. 

I also know I’m going to be a little sad, too.  But I’m reminding myself to focus on the adventures that are ahead.  For both my boys. 

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

### From Skyhorse Publishing

The War on Ivermectin: The Medicine that Saved Millions and Could Have Ended the Pandemic

#1 Seller in Forensic Medicine

By Pierre Kory Dr. (Author), Jenna McCarthy (Author)

Big Pharma and health agencies cry, “Don’t take ivermectin!” A media storm follows. Why then, does the science say the opposite?” Ivermectin is a dirty word in the media. It doesn’t work. It’s a deadly horse dewormer. Prescribe or promote it and you’ll be called a right-wing quack, be banned from social media, or lose your license to practice medicine. And yet, entire countries wiped out the virus with it, and more than ninety-five studies now show it to be unequivocally effective in preventing and treating Covid-19. If it didn’t work, why was there a coordinated global campaign to cancel it? What’s the truth about this decades-old, Nobel Prize-winning medication? The War on Ivermectin is the personal and professional narrative of Dr. Pierre Kory and his crusade to recommend a safe, inexpensive, generic medicine as the key to ending the pandemic.

Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Children’s Health Defense) Hardcover – Illustrated, August 15, 2023 by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Author), Brian Hooker (Author)

Based on over one hundred studies in the peer-reviewed literature that consider vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations. Each of these studies is analyzed and put in context of the difference in health outcomes of vaccinated versus unvaccinated infants, children, and adults. Given the massive push to vaccinate the entire global population, this book is timely and necessary for individuals to make informed choices for themselves and their families.

By Cathy Jameson

When Polly Tommey set out on the road a few years ago, she was determined to give families the chance to share their story.   Thanks to Polly and her mobile TV crew, so many people got to do that, including me.  My son’s name, among thousands of others, is on the VAXXED bus. 

Just a few days ago, I read an article announcing that Polly Tommey would be back on the road again.  She’s determined to help even more people tell their story.  She’s also very fast!  I hadn’t signed up for any alerts, but while prepping this post late Friday night, I saw that she had started documenting stories for the new VAX-UNVAX bus.

Come September… Children's Health Defense’s year-long “Vax-Unvax” bus tour…will travel the U.S. with the aim of raising awareness of vaccine harms by gathering stories from the vaccine-injured.  Updates of the tour and knowing where the VAX-UNVAX bus will be can found on the CHD  site.

The Latest Video, posted July 28^th, chronicles a few familiar names.  It also introduces us to some people who were injured by Pfizer and Moderna covid vaccines.  The first story was of 16 year old Ernesto Ramirez, Jr.  Days after getting the Pfizer vaccine, Ernesto passed away. Signing his name on the bus was his father, who emotionally shared, “I do this to honor my son, and I know he’d want me to protect…other kids.  That’s the reason I do this.  We have to protect one another.”

Watch Video of Parents Signing The Bus. Somber. But Always Ready To PROTECT Another.

Have your own covid vaccine-injury story?  Reach out to the bus tour to share it. 

The first signatures are already on the bus.  With how relentlessly vaccines are pushed, especially those covid ones, I have a feeling that there will be so many more added.  To Ernesto and the countless others we will learn about in the coming months, we are sorry. 

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

###

Order today, from Skyhorse Publishing.

The Wuhan Cover Up How Health Officials Conspired with the Chinese Military to Hide the Origins of COVID-19 (Children’s Health Defense)

The Wuhan Cover-Up pulls back the curtain on how the US government's increase in biosecurity spending after the 2001 terror attacks—facilitated by Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)—set in motion a plan to transform the NIAID into a de facto Defense Department agency.

While Dr. Fauci zealously funded and pursued gain-of-function research, concern grew among some scientists and government officials about the potential for accidental or deliberate release of weaponized viruses from labs that might trigger worldwide pandemics. A moratorium was placed on this research, but true to form, Dr. Fauci found ways to continue unperturbed—outsourcing some of the most controversial experiments offshore to China and providing federal funding to Wuhan Institute of Virology's (WIV's) leading researchers for gain-of-function studies in partnership with the Chinese military and the Chinese Communist Party.

Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Children’s Health Defense) Hardcover – Illustrated, August 15, 2023 by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Author), Brian Hooker (Author)

Based on over one hundred studies in the peer-reviewed literature that consider vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations. Each of these studies is analyzed and put in context of the difference in health outcomes of vaccinated versus unvaccinated infants, children, and adults. Given the massive push to vaccinate the entire global population, this book is timely and necessary for individuals to make informed choices for themselves and their families.

Note: Back to school is stressful enough without the worries of compliance issues that do not match your family's needs.  Curious which exemptions exist in your state?  Check out www.nvic.org/law-policy-state  for information. Thank you, Cathy.

By Cathy Jameson

I wrote this several years ago on another platform in response to a letter I received.  Since we just got a similar notice, I thought I’d share the post here. 

--

Late Summer 2016 - We got a reminder note from the kids' school a few weeks ago.  One of our children was "due" for a booster shot.  Documentation of that booster would be required prior to the start of the next school year.  We were not given the "...or else!" threat that's usually added to school shot notices, but the tone of the letter certainly implied it.  

I'd be lying if I said I didn't let the notice bother me much, but it did bother me.  

A lot.  

After rereading the current law - to include the section about vaccine exemptions, I wrote an email to the school nurse.  Knowing what I know about school shots (that in many states they are in fact not a requirement for school entry), I knew just how to respond to the misinformation that had been sent home with my child. 

Now, I could've gone all Encyclopedia Brown citing the law word-for-word.  Or I could've ripped her a new one for bullying my son into getting a vaccine he didn't need (the way the note was worded, he was so worried that he wouldn't be able to return to school in the fall without this booster).  But in my email, I was kind, cordial, and very respectful.  I did that not just because that's how people should be treated, but because this woman, and the staff she works with, will be the first people my child must rely on in an emergency medical situation should there be one on campus.  We need a positive working relationship with the staff, not one full of animosity.

So in my email, I simply asked for clarification.  

Will the exemption that we have on file with the school still be valid for the 2016-17 school year?  If not, I shall provide an updated one promptly.  

Then, I prayed.  Oh, how I prayed.

I haven't had the best of luck with other school nurses, which was one reason why I still write about this topic every few years.  Thankfully, the nurse we've been working with most recently has been more than helpful, more than knowledgeable, more than understanding, and more than accommodating.  She usually stays abreast of the law, to include recognizing that parents have choices.  But she failed to add that in the recent letter that came home.  That's why in my email, besides an 'exercising of my parental rights' notice, it was also a gentle reminder to her:  Psst.  You forgot to mention one of the most important parts of the law - the exemptions!

I waited for her reply all the while praying that not mentioning exemptions was just an oversight. 

It was.  

In her reply to me the following day, the school nurse apologized for not including all of the information.  She also assured me that the current document we had on file would suffice.  

Whew. 

Whew. 

Whew!

I thanked her, and since I had her attention I added, can you please consider revising the notice that was sent home to include that exemptions are also acceptable as I'm sure other families would appreciate being aware of that information.  She replied that future notices would contain that information*.  

We've yet to get any other vaccine-related notices this school year, but I'll be looking for a line that states that parents may certainly submit an exemption in lieu of a booster shot.  I know that other parents are not so fortunate, and my heart breaks for them as I think about the stress they've encountered while trying to advocate for their rights and for their children.  

It is a sad, sad day when threatening another human (forced vaccines) is the norm and when withholding a child's education based on a medical procedure (no shots...or else!) is an acceptable practice.  Shame on those who think that that's okay.  

Because it's not.  

--

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

Curious which exemptions exist in your state?  Check out https://www.nvic.org/law-policy-state  for information.  

*To this day, that school nurse continues to provide exemptions information to families in that school community.

###

Order today, from Skyhorse Publishing.

The Wuhan Cover Up How Health Officials Conspired with the Chinese Military to Hide the Origins of COVID-19 (Children’s Health Defense)

The Wuhan Cover-Up pulls back the curtain on how the US government's increase in biosecurity spending after the 2001 terror attacks—facilitated by Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)—set in motion a plan to transform the NIAID into a de facto Defense Department agency.

While Dr. Fauci zealously funded and pursued gain-of-function research, concern grew among some scientists and government officials about the potential for accidental or deliberate release of weaponized viruses from labs that might trigger worldwide pandemics. A moratorium was placed on this research, but true to form, Dr. Fauci found ways to continue unperturbed—outsourcing some of the most controversial experiments offshore to China and providing federal funding to Wuhan Institute of Virology's (WIV's) leading researchers for gain-of-function studies in partnership with the Chinese military and the Chinese Communist Party.

Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Children’s Health Defense) Hardcover – Illustrated, August 15, 2023 by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Author), Brian Hooker (Author)

Based on over one hundred studies in the peer-reviewed literature that consider vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations. Each of these studies is analyzed and put in context of the difference in health outcomes of vaccinated versus unvaccinated infants, children, and adults. Given the massive push to vaccinate the entire global population, this book is timely and necessary for individuals to make informed choices for themselves and their families.

By Cathy Jameson

My husband and I have had a running joke for years.  Anytime I suggest he use a natural remedy, like homeopathic drops or an essential oil for an ache or a pain, he says, "No thanks.  I'll pass.  I don't need any whale vomit."  I reply, "Fine.  More for me."  

Then we laugh and laugh.

Whale vomit.  I’m not sure when we started saying that since it’s something we’ve never used.  I don’t think it’s something people actually use anyway.  I do remember, though, when I started to hear more about using natural products for ailments.  That was many years ago while scouring Yahoo! message boards.  I remember being inspired by other parents who used natural products to help their children detox.  I wanted to have a success story for my son, too, so I eagerly kept reading their stories.  Back then, we didn’t know why my son’s behavior, demeanor and health took a turn for the worse.  Before going down the medical route, I resorted to trying something simple.  First, I made changes to his diet.  Then, I opted to use some supplements that another parent suggested.  The first ones I remember ordering were digestive enzymes.  After seeing a pretty quick response, I thought I’d read more to see if other ones could help. 

From basic over-the-counter ones, like vitamin D3 to ones that have to be special ordered, supplements remain part of life here. 

Over the years, protocols have changed.  We rotate through some things faster than others.  Other bottles stay in the supplement basket on the kitchen counter unopened for weeks, sometimes months, at a time.  Lately, I’ve been focused on alleviating my son’s constipation that returned.  When that happens, we look at several factors, like what he’s eating and how hydrated he is (or isn’t).   Some days, when it becomes apparent that we need to encourage some movement, it’s back to basics – prune juice, senna, and a stool softener.  Fortunately, as things soon begin to get moving for him again, life goes a bit back to normal.  I was glad for that, especially last week.  Around the same time as things settled down for Ronan, I found that I needed to take care of something myself. 

I’ve felt some discomfort in my shoulder that hasn’t gotten any better with basic homeopathic treatment.  Instead of finding an ounce of relief, the pain started to get in the way of doing things.  One day it got really unbearable.  If whale vomit was a thing, it’s still not as far as I know, I might’ve considered trying it that day.  I had been using a salve that had helped, and that smelled pretty amazing, but I needed something a bit stronger.  That day, it was my turn to reach into the supplement basket. 

Early that morning and after another terrible night of sleep (for the third night in a row), I needed to change things up.  So, I grabbed the first bottle I saw thinking it was the Boswellia.  Boswellia has worked wonders on other joint and bone pain in the past, and fairly quickly, too, so I prayed it would do the same for my very achy shoulder.  Thank the good Lord I thought to read the label seconds before popping the capsule in my mouth.  It wasn’t the bottle of Boswellia that I had grabbed…it was the bottle of stool softener!  I know for a fact that that supplement would do my pain absolutely no good.  Laughing at myself, I found the bottle I needed and prayed for some relief.

I slept better later that night, only waking up twice, so I think I’ll continue with the Boswellia for now.  It isn’t an exact cure, but it’s doing something to make parts of life a bit more manageable. 

They get a bad rap, some of those supplements, so tell us what has worked for you when you have an ache or pain that needs to be addressed.  What’s your favorite go-to supplement or remedy?  How does it help?  And who inspired you to try it.  Tell us, also, if you have a funny supplement story.  One time, a long time ago, I remember reaching for a tiny amber bottle in the cabinet…thinking I’d grabbed the ear drops…but they were eye drops…my ears could see real good that day : ) 

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.      

###

Order today, from Skyhorse Publishing.

Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Children’s Health Defense) Hardcover – Illustrated, August 15, 2023 by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Author), Brian Hooker (Author)

Based on over one hundred studies in the peer-reviewed literature that consider vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations. Each of these studies is analyzed and put in context of the difference in health outcomes of vaccinated versus unvaccinated infants, children, and adults. Given the massive push to vaccinate the entire global population, this book is timely and necessary for individuals to make informed choices for themselves and their families.

Cathy is enjoying a lazy, crazy, hazy day of Summer. Please enjoy this Best Of!

By Cathy Jameson

The chance to educate parents in Oklahoma of the risks associated with products advertised for children known to have side effects was recently squashed.  As a former consumer of these products, learning about the decision to withhold information was disturbing.  It reminded me of a time when I traded my ignorance for blind trust. 

--

When I’m shopping and see something that I want for my children, I take a few things into consideration before putting the item in my cart.  I ask myself if it is child-friendly and something my kids will like to use or play with.  After determining if it is, and that I can afford to make the purchase, I look over the product and review its quality.  Is it well made?  Does it meet safety standards?  Does the company who manufactures it have a good reputation?  If I discover that a flaw in the product after purchasing it, will I be able to return or replace it?  Simple questions, as a consumer they are valid and serve a purpose. 

Now, if I’m at the grocery store shopping for my children, I ask myself different questions when I see something that I want to buy them.  As I scan the ingredient list, I ask myself, does the product have nutritional value?  Is the particular food healthy – not by industry standards, but my family’s standards?  With the information right there on the box, I can easily choose to put the item in my cart or not. 

My kids don’t love how much I scrutinize products that come into our home, but since I’m responsible for their health, safety and well-being, when it comes to food, technology and health care products, I like to get as much information as I can about the things I’m choosing for them.  Most of the items I purchase list exactly what I wish to know and what I need to know. 

The right to know what’s in a product is a basic yet necessary concept all consumers should be entitled to.  It should extend to all products marketed and sold to parents, but I find that it does not always happen in the medical world. 

Instead of gaining access to information, parents and their rights quickly get brushed aside.    

The Right to Know

When a child undergoes a medical procedure, which include vaccinations, consent is given by the parent or guardian.  Consent is the green light to make things happen.  For some, giving a vaccination is a no brainer and consent is given quickly.  Those parents want their child to be vaccinated and don’t need any extra time, education, counseling, or documentation to help them with that decision.  Not all parents are quick to decide though. 

By Cathy Jameson

Picture this:  it’s the end of the school year.  It’s the first day of summer vacation.  It’s the first day in a long time that I do not have to write or complete a To Do list.  I can sleep in, as long as Ronan sleeps in.  I can go wherever I want to go.  I can do whatever I want to do.  Freedom.  After a successful and very long school year, I can finally get a little taste of freedom.   

Wheeeeeee!!!

It was much needed, that freedom. 

During the school year, the kids have us hopping from one event to another.  I don’t mind those events; they’re what helped Ronan get accustomed to being the amazing spectator he is.  I don’t mind the busy-ness of it all; it’s what keeps us all waking up and going out in the world each day.  I do not love how tiring some of it all can be, though, which is why I welcomed that first of many unstructured days with such glee. 

I knew I wouldn’t get to do that every day this summer, but it was important for me to begin the first official summer vacation morning in my pajamas. 

I wanted to stay in ‘jammie day’ mode all day. 

So, I did. 

While the kids and I reveled in the laziness of that first day off, Ronan kept to his usual routine.  That meant waking up ready for his activities and ready to eat a good breakfast.  I made sure his day was exactly what he needed it to include – his tasty meals and his fun activities.  I smiled while feeding him in my jammies on the couch.  I could easily provide that for him while also taking care of my need – the need to be completely lazy. 

Over the course of the day, Ronan stayed happy.  I did as well.  I puttered around the house thinking about things that I wanted to work on over the summer break.  I finally had time to think about them.  I made sure to just think about them that day.  I didn’t want to overwhelm myself with a new To Do list.  The summer projects – clean out every closet, sort through the too-small clothes, clean the car, finish some writing projects, rewrite and repost the ad for the new caregiver I’ve not yet been able to hire…those things had the potential to be stressful.  Stress was not part of my lazy day agenda.  I walked through the house making a mental note of which closets needed attention first and drafted a want ad in my head.  I’d do the actual writing down part the next day. 

I’d been working a little bit extra as the school year wound down, so it was good to reacquaint myself with the house.  Dust bunnies had taken up residence in a few corners of the den, a room I hadn’t had time to sit down in and enjoy.  I’d run the vacuum in that room first, but I’d do it tomorrow.  With Ronan’s little brother going off to college in the fall, I prioritized going through his closet with him next.  We didn’t sort anything, just discussed what he imagined he’d be bringing with him. 

After a full morning of doing not much except taking mental notes, I took a nap.  I hadn’t realized how tired I was.  Even though I had done far less that morning than I usually did while at work, I was exhausted.  With the kids home to pitch in to help their brother, I took a break.  I curled up on the couch under a blanket next to Ronan and closed my eyes.  I slept soundly for 45 minutes.  I woke up, saw that he was still doing well, and then slept for another 45 minutes. 

I really was exhausted!

Like I mentioned, the school year was successful.  But it was also very long.  Juggling Ronan and work this school year was taxing, too.  Without consistent care for him since the winter, it was very stressful as well.  On days that I did have our helper at home with Ronan, I’d jet to work.  Then, I’d jet quickly home before she had to leave.  She could work her regular hours, but not every day like she had been.  Her availability was unpredictable.  That meant that my availability was unpredictable.  My boss was mindful of our caregiver situation.  In being mindful, she was also compassionate and allowed me to create a schedule that worked for me and my family.  That schedule was never the same twice, which messed up my routine.  It sometimes messed up Ronan’s routine.  Ronan’s brother, toward the end of his last high school semester, could help me.  I’d pick up hours at my job on the days he could be the main caregiver.  We made it work, but the extra bit of stress of juggling all the things and the constant changes was tiring.  I’d been napping 1 or 2 days a week during the spring semester as soon as I came home.  Making sure Ronan was content, I’d grab 10 minutes of sleep.  Those cat naps, or Cat naps ;) gave me the energy I needed to get through the rest of the afternoon and evening and also through to the end of the school year. 

I love a good nap and still nap every now and then.  But that’s because I want to…not because my body needs me to. 

Summer, while less structured, can still be a somewhat of a busy time depending on what we choose to do.  I’m home now full-time.  While I’ve chosen to slow down a bit, the kids have chosen to do a little bit more.  Ronan’s younger sister is working out of the house while also continuing to train off-season for her sport.  His brother is working two jobs, hoping to be able to graduate debt free like his big sister just did. And I’m keeping myself busy with that cleaning and organizing that needed to be done.  Closets, my office, the writing I’ve been putting off – I could let some of it overwhelm me.  But that won’t help my hopeful summer attitude.  So, I am keeping a good balance of getting to the ‘must do’ tasks while scheduling in some relaxation, too. 

Since our summer started, we went on a quick beach trip.  We’ve also gone on shopping trips, visited with friends, taken walks at sunset, and done other typical summer-time activities.  Some nights have us up really late watching classic movies.  Other nights the kids play video games or play guitar and sing songs until prayer time.  Whatever we get to do, it’s done usually with some smiles and also with so much less stress.  Smiles are better than stress.  So are multiple jammie days, which I will make sure to add in as our summer continues.  We have two more months of it to enjoy.  I hope you can enjoy yours, too.

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99X8naJ7E-Y

Available for pre-order now, from  Skyhorse Publishing.

Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Children’s Health Defense) Hardcover – Illustrated, August 15, 2023 by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Author), Brian Hooker (Author)

Based on over one hundred studies in the peer-reviewed literature that consider vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations. Each of these studies is analyzed and put in context of the difference in health outcomes of vaccinated versus unvaccinated infants, children, and adults. Given the massive push to vaccinate the entire global population, this book is timely and necessary for individuals to make informed choices for themselves and their families.

By Cathy Jameson

I love our quieter summer schedule.  The alarm clock isn’t screaming at us to wake up early.  The kids aren’t rushing here and there.  And I’m able to sit still a bit longer to catch up on some things I’ve had to put on hold.  With the extra quiet time, I’ve started to sift through my email to get rid of old messages.  Every few days, I get rid of promotions that have expired and also delete school notices that are now irrelevant.  In sitting down late last week to get sort through a handful of older messages, I saw that I had a new one.  I made sure not to delete it: 

Dear Cathy,

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Children’s Health Defense (CHD) experienced considerable growth in its membership, as people sought information about vaccine efficacy and safety, and community support in the face of restrictive government and workplace policies such as vaccine mandates. To our knowledge, little research has been done on the experiences and consequences of these policies for overall wellbeing, especially for people who declined vaccination.

If you subscribe to CHD, you probably saw that announcement, too.  Coupled with it is the chance to take a survey “…to better understand our subscribers’ experiences with vaccine mandates since the beginning of the pandemic. The survey will take about 5–10 minutes to complete.” 

I have friends who knew to be skeptical of what our government was saying and doing early on during the pandemic.  Some had never been vocal about vaccines.  Now, they are being more than vocal.  They’re saying never again. 

Never again will they be duped or talked into taking something so risky. 

Never will they risk their job, their health, or their freedom. 

Never. 

Early on, when people would ask me where they could look for information about what was going on, I made sure to share the CHD webpage.  Look here for some helpful resources.  Check out what this group is working on.  Read up on who the talking heads are in the news, and also read up on who’s being silenced. The silenced may have answers for some of your important questions.  Early on, and also well into the pandemic, a lot was going on.  For these friends new to the vaccine scene, thing didn’t add up.  For a lot of us, things didn’t make sense.  We knew that the vaccine was too much too soon and way too risky to consider.  So, we talked more.  We educated each other.  It was tough, especially knowing mandates were looming.  It was hardest when family members opted in instead of waiting things out.  CHD remained a go-to source for me.  The louder other people got about this issue, CHD became a reliable source for their family and friends as well.  Some held the line.  Others tried.  Mandates affected everyone – they affected those who took the vaccine, and they affected those who didn’t.  The debates over them, the stress of complying or not complying, the distress over all of it added up.  People lost time, trust, friends, and family over the mandates.  I hope that anyone affected by them will take the time to check out the survey and fill it out.  If you’ve got a few minutes today, here’s the link. 

Children's Health Defense Vaccine Mandate Survery

I’m very grateful that Children’s Health Defense created a place to share our personal experiences.  The data that’s gathered may not change public health administrators’ minds.  But at least the data from we, the people, will be formally collected and documented.  It’s a big task, but one that I believe will bring worthwhile results. 

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health (Children’s Health Defense)

By Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

#1 on AMAZON, and a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA TODAY and PUBLISHERS WEEKLY NATIONAL BESTSELLER

Over 1,000,000 copies sold despite censorship, boycotts from bookstores and libraries, and hit pieces against the author. The Wuhan Cover-Up: How US Health Officials Conspired with the Chinese Military to Hide the Origins of COVID-19 (Children’s Health Defense)
 
From the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Publishers Weekly bestselling author of The Real Anthony Fauci comes an explosive exposé of the cover-up behind the true origins of COVID-19.

Happy Father's Day! Enjoy this beautiful post from Cathy. 

By Cathy Jameson

Daddy works some magic around here for sure--Ronan would not cooperate at all with me tonight. Bath time was difficult, getting his diaper on was difficult. Brushing teeth?  Not gonna happen. Once Daddy came to offer a hand, and after Ronan signed "sad change sad" to me several times, Ronan grabs his shirt and puts it on. Then he grabs his pajama pants and puts them on.  All with a smirk and all by himself!  First time ever.  Granted the shirt was on backwards and both legs went into one pants hole, and he sucked the fluoride-free toothpaste off his toothbrush and didn’t really brush, but dang, what a showoff for Daddy!  I'll take it :)

That was the first On This Day memory entry I saw on my fb page when I logged in on Friday morning.  It was perfect memory to read as I was brainstorming today’s post.  I wanted to do another photo essay, like I’ve done previous years.  So, here are some Ronan-Daddy stories and images that I’ve documented for family and friends.  Most are happy memories.  Some retell of a struggle.  All include reminders of why we work as hard as we do.

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads who bring hope, joy and strength to their families.

xo, Cat

---

2010

We put goggles on Ronan today at the pool.  He's always loved water but wasn't a strong swimmer…he quickly explored with his new eyes.  He's going to be a fish just like big sister and Daddy!

A few days later…

Ronan and Daddy having an underwater tea party on Father's Day!

2011

Ronan's got some of Daddy’s iTunes downloaded to the iPad.  This one is playing full blast just a second ago (complete with the f-bomb!).  It's the third time I've caught Ronan with the iTunes open [to Mumford and Sons*].  The kid’s got his Daddy's Celtic taste in music!

2012

I love how excited the kids get when Ronan gets to be included with their normal stuff.  We're using a new GF pancake mix, so Ronan is partaking in the Saturday Morning Daddy Waffle Fun.

Belgian waffles.

Nom nom nom.

"Mom, now the whole family can have waffles!"

2012

Ronan has the best Daddy.

He saw what I saw, too--Ronan's health decline, his development regress, his liveliness decrease. That Daddy believes in Ronan.  He supports me with many tasks special needs moms have to do.  He trusts us together to make huge decisions.  He is an amazing parent and partner raising all of our littles.  Ronan is a lucky little boy and is very much loved.

2015

By Cathy Jameson

I watched this documentary The Great Awakening 2 soon after it was posted on YouTube.  I couldn’t watch all of it in one sitting though.  That’s not because it’s a terrible film.  Quite the opposite.  I couldn’t get through it because it was the last week of school.  So much was going on, including prepping for the third of three graduations for us.  My schedule has been packed for three weeks straight.  But this film was so captivating I kept trying to watch it.

I started it while waiting for my daughter’s bus Monday afternoon. 

I continued to watch it while making dinner Tuesday evening. 

I squeezed in a few minutes while getting ready for work on Wednesday.

I finally got to the end of it Friday evening.

During a less busy week I’d have written a response to what I watched.  That’ll have to wait.   Until then, I’d like to share the link here.  Long-time readers will surely recognize some of the people featured.  I liked that I recognized quite a few being interviewed.  If you’ve got an hour and 42 minutes to spare, I’d love to hear what you think of it.  Fair warning, some of the film dives into topics we don’t normally bring up here on AofA, but there are plenty of others – like COVID, like vaccines, like Fauci and the “greater good” – that we do discuss frequently. 

One day this week, while I ease in summer vacation, I’ll hope to rewatch this film from start to finish any without any interruptions.  Let me know if you get the chance to do that also.

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

###

The War On Ivermectin
Dr. Pierre Kory

Ivermectin is a dirty word in the media. It doesn’t work. It’s a deadly horse dewormer. Prescribe or promote it and you’ll be called a right-wing quack, be banned from social media, or lose your license to practice medicine. And yet, entire countries wiped out the virus with it, and more than ninety-five studies now show it to be unequivocally effective in preventing and treating Covid-19. If it didn’t work, why was there a coordinated global campaign to cancel it? What’s the truth about this decades-old, Nobel Prize-winning medication? The War on Ivermectin is the personal and professional narrative of Dr. Pierre Kory and his crusade to recommend a safe, inexpensive, generic medicine as the key to ending the pandemic.

Here's a great Father's Day gift idea. The Real RFK Jr Trials of a Truth Warrior from Skyhorse Publishing is available NOW for pre-order. It's already #1 on the Amazon best sellers list.

By Dick Russell

An epic biography filled with drama, conflict, and surmounted challenges.

The Real RFK Jr. is an intimate biographical portrait examining the controversial activist's journey from anguish and addiction to becoming the country's leading environmental champion fighting government corruption, corporate greed, and a captured media. Written by his longtime colleague Dick Russell, the biography also exposes the misconceptions and explains the rationale behind Kennedy's campaign to protect public health.

Provided exclusive source material, including access to Kennedy’s unpublished writings and personal journals, the author conducted dozens of interviews with him as well as numerous friends and associates. Russell delves into everything from Kennedy’s sometimes death-defying river rafting adventures to his pioneering legal cases against polluters such as Smithfield Foods and Monsanto, while founding the world’s largest water protection group. The Real RFK Jr. also examines Kennedy’s pursuit of the truth about the assassinations of his father and uncle, the wrongful murder conviction of his cousin, and the false narratives around the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Cathy Jameson

A few times over the last few weeks I’ve seen 2 or 3 smaller birds flying after a larger black bird.  The smaller birds are adamantly pecking.  Called mobbing, the large bird ends up flying off, getting away from the much smaller and persistent birds.  Maybe the larger bird has tried to mess with baby birds in a nest.  Maybe the larger one is getting too close to where the smaller ones find their food.  The few times I’ve seen thisactivity, soon after I’ve read an article about something that many in our community here immediately thought to question.  Mostly covid-related news or updates, I feel like one of those little birds as I read what appears to be an ‘oops, you were rightto question, dear public – we were wrong’.  Just like those smaller birds working together, we went up against larger forces fighting like hell to protect ourselves and our families.  

Little by little, we’re learning that what we thought would and could happen during the covid years actually did happen.  AndI’m reading this information on mainstream news sites, not in professional journals or behind paywall sites. 

But on sites like Yahoo! News.  

Like this latest admittance:

Chinese authorities have officially maintained a vague stance, meant largely to deflect criticism. Meanwhile, scientists who may hold clues to how the pandemic began — likely sometime in late 2019 — appear to have been silenced.

“Don’t rule out anything.”

It may not seem like much, but Gao was clearly acknowledging that the coronavirus could have emerged as a result of a laboratory accident at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

While it isn’t a full confession, it’s enough to make me shake my head in disgust. 

I remember when something else made its way back into the news cycle - covid and periods.  For some time in 2021, women were reporting that they were experiencing changes in their menstrual cycle.  

Though many researchers and gynecologists say a causal link hasn't yet been established between the vaccines and the reported changes, it hasn't stopped the worry among some people. And so far, scientists haven't collected much data on whether or how the vaccines might affect a menstrual period.

Dismissed by those they trusted, the women had to wait until Science wanted to catch up with them.  By 2022, much more information could be collected.  That data now showed that lo, and behold, those women were on to something.  The covid vaccine did do something to disrupt their flow, and it did cause breakthrough bleeding. 

Soon after the vaccines were rolled out to the public, however, people began talking to their doctors about what they were experiencing. Many had noticed that their periods had become heavier than normal. Initially, some clinicians were dismissive, write the authors of a new survey on the topic published in the journal Science Advances. “In media coverage, medical doctors and public health experts hastened to say that there was ‘no biological mechanism’ or ‘no data’ to support a relationship between vaccine administration and menstrual changes,” the authors write. “In other cases, experts declared that these changes were more likely a result of ‘stress.'” But these types of changes are not unheard of: vaccines for typhoid, Hepatitis B, and HPV have sometimes been associated with menstrual irregularities.

That article points out that the women disclosing the information did so in a survey, which isn’t usually a gold standard of collecting data.  While it is not false information, it’s not the kind of data some scientists or researchers can say is truly reliable.  That may be why the article concludes with this response:

By Cathy Jameson

With all five kids home after my daughter’s college graduation, we enjoyed some extra family time.  Sitting in the living room together one evening, my youngest asked, “Mommy, when would Ronan be graduating college?”  I looked at her but didn’t answer right away.  Ronan’s not been in a classroom setting for quite some time now.  Even though she doesn’t remember some of the struggles Ronan faced while he was enrolled in school, she knows we took him out of the special education system for several reasons, to include seeing seizure activity increase. 

Every now and then I wonder if taking him out, and keeping him out, was the right decision.  I don’t dwell on that thought for too long because we provided many meaningful opportunities for him while he was out of the classroom.  But questions like the one Ronan’s youngest sister asked brought up things I’d long forgotten. 

Do I miss the IEP meetings?

Do I miss the worry I sometimes felt after dropping him off?

Do I miss the phone calls from the school nurse telling me of another seizure?

No.  I don’t miss any of that. 

I do miss some of the hope that some of Ronan’s teaching staff shared with us.  I do miss the thought of a someday graduation for him, even if it wasn’t going to be the same kind of diploma his siblings would receive.  But I don’t miss the stress that school was causing my son.  I didn’t need to share all of that or any of that in my reply to my daughter, so I focused simply on what she’d asked.  She just wanted a date, even if random, that Ronan would be graduating.

“It would be next year.  Think about when Charlie would be graduating…whatever year he is in school is when Ronan would also be in school,” I told her.

Note: Cathy is celebrating her daughter's COLLEGE graduation today and has the day off. How the years have flown by. Last week was Mother's Day, but today's Best of is a tribute to all Moms, written by one of the best. Our Cathy.

By Cathy Jameson

My youngest child’s recent birthday marked a monumental moment for me and my husband.  We are now parents of 5 teenagers.  Five!  No wonder life’s been a bit busier than usual.

No matter their ages, though, life’s always been busy for us.  Some of the busy is good – it keeps us out of the house and active in our community.  Some of the busy can sometimes be overwhelming, for both the kids and for me.  For each of us, this year has had more stressors thanks to COVID19.  Despite those stressors, well, and because of those, it’s been one of the most trying years ever.  When life’s been flipped upside down, especially by someone or something else, it makes it hard to move in a forward direction.  Getting to celebrate a happy birthday in the middle of one of our busiest weeks put the biggest smile of my face.  That time to pause, to focus on life, and to celebrate it (with cake!) put things into perspective for me. 

We’re still here.

We’re still doing things.

We’re still taking time to be thankful.  

Being thankful for happy celebrations is easy.  Being thankful to be living in a world where the new normal is anything but normal takes effort.  When I look at what’s going on in the news and hear how others are living in fear, I see a world that I don’t recognize anymore.  Society seems to have lost its mind with a novel virus that’s got a pretty high recovery rate.  Terrified of humans and interacting with them, I’ve never seen anything like it in my life! 

Life, as interrupted and upside down as it is, must go on.  My kids can’t do everything they used to with some places still closed, but they can pursue living outside of other people’s comfort zones.  So they do. 

They’ve participated on sports teams and excelled.

They’ve joined afterschool clubs and learned.

They’ve joined other families for get togethers and enjoyed it.

By Cathy Jameson

Photo: A gift from my husband - received on Mother’s Day, 2001, while pregnant with my oldest.

Many of my friends started their families long before I did.  I loved watching them welcome new life into their homes and wanted so much to have a family of my own as well.  All my life I’ve wanted to be a mom.  In 2001, my wish came true.  My first baby arrived.

Labor started Tuesday evening.  It ended Thursday afternoon.  To describe my labor experience as being long is inaccurate.  It was excruciating.  But like other mothers say, eventually you forget about the nerves, the anxiety, and that excruciating pain.  

All of that is quickly replaced by a new emotion:  pure love. 

Those other mothers were right.  I instantly fell in love with my little girl.  She and I would spend all day together.  Sometimes we would spend all night together, too.  Not the best sleeper in the world, I had to learn how to soothe a fussy newborn who had some nursing issues.  Without a good latch, I learned, my baby wasn’t getting a good feeding.  She struggled.  I struggled.  She was tired.  I was tired.  It was frustrating.  And painful!  

But, within a few weeks, we finally both got the hang of it. 

Before giving birth, I had been teaching full time.  I taught for many years and enjoyed every minute of it.  After the baby arrived, I was fortunate to not have to go back to work.  Grateful to have extra time, I eased into motherhood with my daughter. 

Life as a full-time mom was completely different, but it was a good different.  Each day was mine to plan.  Each moment was ours to create.  My daughter and I spent a lot of time in our small apartment during her first few months of life, but eventually we ventured out.  We went into town to do errands in the morning.  We strolled around the neighborhood in the afternoon.  Some days, we’d meet my husband for lunch.  We’d sometimes plan meetups with friends, too.  When we didn’t go out, I read, and the baby played with her baby toys.  Then we napped. 

By Cathy Jameson

I had to make a phone call last week on behalf of Ronan.  Those calls aren’t usually too terrible to make.  But I was not looking forward to this particular one.  Pressure was on.  If I missed the deadline to get some paperwork updated and back to the group, some of my son’s benefits could be terminated.  We appreciate the chance to get some outside help to keep Ronan healthy and safe, so I didn’t want to let the opportunity to stay with this group slip by.  Without delay, I set aside one full uninterrupted hour to make the call. 

I could’ve mailed in the paperwork.

I could’ve logged on their website and entered the renewal information myself.

I’ve found, though, that with important matters such as the one I was dealing with, it’s better to talk directly to a live human being about them. 

I’m glad I did; some of the specific information requested will determine specific allowances.  In confirming that Ronan was still delayed, that he still required full assistance for ADLs (activities of daily living), and that he is still currently unable to do much of what his peers can do, I was able to state that yes, we do still need the services, services that Ronan’s previously been granted and also gotten accustomed to.  Not wanting to have a lapse in services or lose the continuity in care, I was grateful to make the call.  On it, I also got to add my husband as someone who is authorized to view the account and make decisions for Ronan.  While I do oversee much of Ronan’s care, I hadn’t realized my husband’s name was not on that official paperwork! 

Something else I got to share was the date of disability.  Unsure what I’d listed in the initial paperwork we’d submitted years ago, I asked the representative what info she needed.  While she read a short blurb of the agency’s definition of disability, I ran over to my file cabinet and pulled some paperwork out.  Finding the form sent to us the last time we had to renew, I waited for her to finish talking.

By Anne Dachel

Thirteen years ago, Aug 9, 2011, I wrote the piece, Allen Frances, Thomas Insel and the Black & White Rise of Autism (It's Fashionable?) for Age of Autism. It was all about how Dr. Allen Frances regretted being the chairman of the committee that added Asperger's to the DSM IV in 1994. He claimed that broadening the definition for autism is what’s behind the “epidemic” increase in Autism. In his exact words, “There is no epidemic.”

Here’s what I wrote in 2011:

…Recently a story also appeared in the Gulf Times, Qatar’s only English language newspaper, titled, The real reasons for the autism 'epidemic.’ 

It was written by Allen Frances, MD.  Frances was chair of the DSM-IV Task Force and he’s with the department of psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, NC.

DSM stands for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and while many of us wonder why our children’s neurological problem, namely autism, is in a manual about mental illness, that’s where the criteria for diagnosing autism is found.

By Cathy Jameson

I gauge how on time or how late we might be in the mornings, not so much by the clock but if I see our neighbor.  If we leave before him, we’re doing great on time.  If he leaves before us, we’re running a tad late.  He drives his kids to the stop sign at the end of the street.  When we are behind him, I might get stuck behind his kids’ bus through part of the neighborhood. 

Luck was on our side one morning as we’d made it out of our driveway ahead of the neighbor.  That day, even though I’d left the house about 4 minutes later than usual, I knew I’d still be able to get my youngest to school on time.  I thought that until we got stuck behind a different bus that day. 

It was a shorter bus, one that picks up children with special needs.   

Since we left later than usual, we aren’t usually in that part of the neighborhood at that time.  I’ve seen that bus pick up another child, a little boy, across the street in that spot.  I was taken aback that we had another young neighbor, a girl, with special needs. 

Ahead of her mother as she walked, an elementary-aged girl was inching toward the bus.  Other drivers could be a bit miffed that they were slowed down by the bus and a student who didn’t appear to be too excited to get on it.  I was not miffed at all.  I was curious!  Having lived here as long as I have, I was encouraged to see that another family, potentially like mine, utilize the school system’s special ed services.  Ronan’s been out of that system for some time, but I’m glad others can find success in it. 

The little girl walked so very slowly toward the bus.  Mid-step, she turned her head toward her mom and stopped.  The mom, who had stayed about 10 steps behind her since I spied them, walked up to her daughter.  They hugged quickly and then parted ways.  I thought that a bit odd.  Every parent of typical students we see in the mornings stays at the bus stop until after the bus leaves.  They wave like crazy.  Some shout out sweet messages.  After the bus leaves, parents don’t go home right away.  Some will stand in each other’s driveways chit chatting for a few minutes. 

This mom didn’t stick around.

By Cathy Jameson

One of Ronan’s siblings and I were recently at the children’s hospital Ronan usually goes to.  Grateful to be familiar with the location, the pre-screenings, the intake process, and that hospital system in general, I looked forward to the appointment.  Since I had no idea yet what I was going to write about for this weekend’s post, I was happy about the chance to be there.  I thought for sure I’d be able to catch someone doing something that might make for good content.  Initially, I was expecting that content to be on the scandalous end; but all I found were good things.

Color me shocked and very apologetic for assuming the worst! 

From start to finish, our visit there was a decent visit.  The only cringy part was when the specialist’s office sent the pre-screening electronically.  I could, of course, ask to have a printed copy, but I was curious which questions would be asked, so I opted to fill it out in the patient portal. 

I saw the usual questions – basic demographics, current symptoms, history of past medical problems, and covid status.  Keeping things as basic as I could, I clicked only the boxes that absolutely needed to be checked.  For the covid questions, I was glad to see that they were incredibly vague – meaning, no need to divulge vaccination status.

In completing the form ahead of time, we were ‘checked in’ for the appointment and could walk straight to the specialty clinic when we arrived Friday afternoon.  So, we did. 

We walked in without masks. 

We walked in without having to get our temperature checked. 

We walked in without having to declare where we’d traveled or if we’d been in contact with anyone who was sick. 

We walked in without having to check in at the hospitality desk.  In bypassing that step, we could quickly hop on an elevator as if it was 2019. 

Smiling as the elevator door closed, I couldn’t believe how relaxed everything was!  It wasn’t like that two months ago when Ronan was the patient there.  Everyone was still in masks that day.  That is everyone was in masks except us and two couples. 

That day, Ronan, my husband, and I had to go from one end of the hospital complex to the other.  Weaving through two buildings, over several pedestrian causeways, in and out of several elevators, and down just as many patient hallways, we were maskless.  Signs indicated that MASKS WERE REQUIRED, even though the CDC had shared that masks were no long mandatory in health care settings months earlier.  

Not wanting to play their games anymore, and because we did not have covid nor were we worried about anyone else who might’ve been exposed to it, we walk into the hospital confidently.  When we’d spied those other maskless people other across the lobby floor of the larger main hospital, I felt a wave of confidence.

By Cathy Jameson

For years, I’ve loved a quote by Lao Tzu, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  The first time I read that quote I pictured myself running those thousand miles.  Can you imagine what you’d get to see on that long of a journey!  

A former long-distance runner, I loved running through the Texas hill country back in high school.  I was state ranked and enjoyed being outside, being on the road, just running.  I’d pass ranches, horses, cows, quiet neighborhoods, and also the wilderness. 

With youth on my side, I bet I thought I could easily run up to one thousand miles during cross country and track seasons.  These days, with youth not on my side, I sometimes need to psych myself up to go just one step. 

Take one step toward the file cabinet to file that important paperwork. 

Go one step toward the kitchen to start dinner. 

Stand up and take one step with Ronan to assist him in the bathroom. 

As I prepped this post, my annual playlist I like to share each April, I could only think of one song that I wanted to share.  That song came on the radio soon after Ronan’s big sister and I talked about that favorite quote of mine.  It’s a love song I heard, but after watching Ronan last week while we were away on a family vacation, the lyrics could be part of his story, my story – our story. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk3XycambgI

So many times, and not just when we’re away, he needs to be brave.  So many times, things are hard for him.  They can be for us, too.  Too many times, I’ve caught myself thinking…it didn’t have to be like this.  But it is like this!  For all of us, including Ronan, this is hard.  It’s sometimes scary.  And it is exhausting.  I can’t dwell on the should-have-beens for too long, though. 

We may stumble. 

We may even fall down. 

But we always get back up.

Wishing our readers a blessed Easter and Passover.

By Cathy Jameson

Most everyone who knows me knows that I’m a prayerful person.  I prayed every prayer I could think of the second Ronan reached for me one morning a few weeks ago.  Even while talking to him, I kept a steady stream of prayers going in my head.  Dear Lord, please help him.  Ease his suffering.  Keep him calm.  Help me know what to do next.  This is so scary.  When I ran from the den to the kitchen to get the thermometer, I’d also grabbed the phone and closed the curtains.  Ready to call 9-1-1 if things worsened, I kept the phone next to me as I stroked Ronan’s back in the darkened room, helping lull him into a deep sleep. 

Ronan slept for a long time that day.  As he slept, I continued to pray…God, if this is his time to go…please, oh…I can’t believe I’m thinking this…but please take him quickly.  Take his straight to Heaven where there is no suffering but only joy.

While he slept, I never left his side.  Looking so peaceful, so handsome, so perfect, I thought about everything he’d gone through.  That day when he’d woken up, Ronan looked exhausted, even though he’d only been awake about for about 30 – 40 minutes.  Soon after breakfast, Ronan experienced what looked like loss of vision.  That happened as he became unsteady on his feet.  Reaching for me, then gripping my arms right before his legs wobbled, I had to think quickly on my feet.

My confidence tanked the worse his symptoms got.  What do I do?  WHAT DO I DO??  I’ll catch you, buddy.  Mommy’s got you…I told Ronan as he held onto me and I held onto him.

By Cathy Jameson

Recent months for us have been very full, very busy, and have gone by very quickly.  With that, around the 22^nd of March I said to myself, Didn’t this month just start?  It can’t be coming to an end already.  When I realized just how quickly time was flying by, I had another realization:  April is just around the corner.  That means April 2^nd is coming up also. 

On some calendars, April 2^nd means it’s World Autism Day.  Some people will take today – and even all month long, to celebrate autism.  They’ll laud it, but I prefer not to celebrate my son’s disability.  I won’t celebrate any disability for that matter.  I’ll promote appropriate treatment for autism and being able to access it.  But I won’t ask for anyone to cheer for something that’s had devastating effects on my child’s health. 

I certainly won’t ask anyone to revel in the fact that the CDC’s new autism rate increased yet again.  Called an all-time high and categorized as trending upward, news reports shared the 1 in 36 autism rate last week. 

1 in 36!

Do we write praise reports when cancer strikes?  Or would we ask the entire nation to celebrate an increase in cancer rates.  No!  So why expect that for a diagnosis that can have similar effects on families? 

What can we do instead? 

By Cathy Jameson

I saw a beautiful video right before World Down Syndrome day last week.  The video was quite moving and reminded me of a young man Ronan and I met a few years ago.  That encounter that had me grinning from ear to ear, so I wrote post about it.  In honor of those who have Down Syndrome, I thought I’d share that video and ask Kim to rerun that post today. 

https://vimeo.com/86925527

Psalm 139 Reflectors Reading from Faith Church on Vimeo.

In that story from 2017, I shared a happy moment.  I also shared some tips to help people  focus on the ability.  As the world gears up to recognize autism, feel free to add some tips of your own in the comments.  

Beyond The Disability, 2017

By Cathy Jameson

We were at a children’s hospital last week for some testing.  Ronan had two appointments spaced several hours apart.  It was going to be a very long day for him.  It was going to be a very long one for me, too.  Despite that, I was actually looking forward to our day out.  We were catching up with one Ronan’s providers we met about a year ago.  Integral in getting some much-needed equipment and services for my son, I looked forward to hearing what else he might suggest I could, or should, be doing for Ronan.  Before that follow-up appointment though, Ronan was scheduled to see a new doctor.  He was also scheduled for some testing.  New people and new testing can make me nervous.  Understandably, they can make Ronan nervous, too. 

Ronan got through the first part of the day pretty really well.  Complimented for his patience and how he managed to deal with the intense sensory overload one of the tests caused him, the nurses and the doctors we encountered remained very positive and very patient-centered.  Speaking to Ronan, showing him the equipment they were going to use, and asking him for input knowing that he would not respond, they made Ronan as comfortable as they possibly could.  I was pleased.  Other families we saw coming in and out of the exam rooms that morning also looked pleased.

By Cathy Jameson

In an October 2020 post, I wrote, “As time goes by, we’ll certainly learn more about the coronavirus and any long-term effects it may have.  That’ll hopefully include learning about the quarantine precautions we were asked to take, too.  Evidence already shows that some precautions have had detrimental effects, including an increase in mental health.”

A recent paper, which included results of the fear of contagion and its behavior, focused on a younger population.  Authors of that paper, which was revised in October 2022, shared that, “The main conclusion reached by this manuscript is that, as the existing specific literature has already shown, COVID-19 has had different negative psychological consequences among certain vulnerable groups, including adolescents and young adults. The results presented allow us to verify, within these psychological consequences, how the symptoms of generalized anxiety or major depression disorder are a consequence of the fear of COVID-19.”  

It's terribly sad to see reports that people are sadder now than they were before.  From a recent story in The Washington Post, Joel Achenbach asks America shut down in response to covid.  Would we ever do it again? It’s a quick read if you haven’t seen it yet.  The part that resonated the most with me was this:

…the pain of the national shutdown - businesses going under, weddings postponed, protracted isolation of the elderly, learning losses among schoolkids - is glaringly obvious.  Critics of pandemic restrictions contend that the cure was worse than the disease…

Plenty of us here might agree with that – the cure was worse than the disease.  While many could recover from the illness itself, we have no idea what the long-term effects of the restrictions ands lockdowns will have on us and on society, too. 

As far as some of the pain that Achenbach mentions, I see the academic struggles in students now three years later.  I hear of the businesses still wrestling with financial losses, and I see professionals dealing with a wave of undertrained or less-than-motivated employees post-lockdown also.  Where I can see a few outcomes that could be considered positive, like having more time to spend with family when places were closed, I still can’t believe that the lockdowns happened.  

As time went by, we faced new fears. 

In facing those, we learned who we could and who we shouldn’t trust. 

In learning that, we still had to manage more unknowns. 

Those unknowns caused moments of grief, and for others, instilled more fear. 

I’ll never wish for a lockdown again.  On paper, it may have sounded like a good idea.  In reality, the long-term effects are proving more devastating than some ever thought to consider. 

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

An Enemy of the People

In his foreword, Kennedy alerts readers to the undeniable fact that the persecution of those who tell uncomfortable truths, which Ibsen described over one hundred years ago, continues to this day and is as relevant now as ever. We face environmental deregulation and degradation, politicians in lobbyists’ pockets, attacks on facts that are agreed upon by reputable scientists, corporate funded and controlled research, and attempts to impede and suppress whistleblowers. The battle continues and Kennedy joins Ibsen on the front lines.

ROAR by Bruce Wagner

The myth of an epic, public life—its triumphs and tragedies—is a particularly American obsession. ROAR is a metafictional exploration of such a life and attendant fame of an extraordinary, and completely made up, man.

By Cathy Jameson

A few times now when I'm scheduled to leave the house later than usual, something has happened with Ronan - a fever, a possible seizure (they can happen so fast), or a wonky episode of something worrisome (I don't know yet what to call it).  It happened again one day last week.  Ronan looked confused, held his head, closed his eyes and looked wobbly on his feet.  I was worried, since it – whatever it was, came out of the blue. 

While getting him off his feet and to the couch, I sat next to him, ready to administer emergency seizure medication, should it be a seizure.  I was ready to clean up throw up, should it have been an upset tummy rumbling.  But Ronan, who could only grip my arms as I reached out to hold him, laid on the couch and drifted off to sleep.  He ended up taking two naps, even though he’d had a great night of sleep. 

The day that happened, I wasn’t scheduled to leave the house until 1:00. 

The time before, he was also wobbly on his feet and knew something was different – but couldn’t express anything but a worried look on his face.  Ronan had woken up that day and was fine but then wasn’t.  That day was the first day that my work hours had changed, and I happened to be home.  Both times, I didn't know it, whatever it is, was going to happen, but God knew I needed to be with my bud.  I got to hold his hand, to calm his nerves, to settle him quickly, to watch him quietly fall back asleep to witnessing him wake up refreshed as if nothing worrisome or wonky had just happened.

I’ve spent the last few days trying to figure out what triggered the odd episodes.  We haven’t changed brands of foods he and I have for breakfast.  The supplements taken are the same as always.  Other products found in a home – laundry soap, dish soap, bath soap and more, are all the same.  Granted, we had the huge medication fiasco a few weeks ago, but this happened while on generics and since he’s been back on his regular doses and brands.  I joked with a friend when I knew I’d be home all morning again, “I hope nothing happens to Ronan while I’m home past lunchtime!”  All joking aside, it’s just so odd and definitely something I definitely need to track. 

I was thankful I was home both times.  I truly felt like I was at the right place at the right time. 

Another time, I was thankful for something that wasn’t supposed to happen.  It was more of a wrong place, right time sort of story (and has nothing to do with the recent events)…

A right place, right time moment usually leads to something positive.  A wrong place, wrong time moment has usually led to a negative outcome.  A few years ago, I had a "wrong place, right time" moment, and I'm glad that I did.

By Cathy Jameson

We’ve been hooked on the show, The Chosen since it aired.  If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a series that highlights stories found in the Gospels, stories in particular of the disciples chosen by Jesus.  The first few episodes of Season 1 were a bit slow, but we soon couldn’t wait to see what would happen in the next episode.  When Season 2 became available, we found ourselves running to the den to get a seat on the couch right before the show aired.  Season 3 just debuted a few weeks ago and proved to be the best season yet.  I won’t give too much away, but if you’re familiar with stories from the Gospels, you already know that Jesus was a miracle worker. 

It would be obvious that some of those miracles would end up being showcased on The Chosen.  I hadn’t thought to prepare myself for the more recent episodes that featured some of the miracle stories.  Honestly, I didn’t think I needed to.  Those stories are ones I’d read and heard since I was a young child.  Watching them, though, especially this one, wrecked me. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoZ_Qe1nQWY

“…to know how to proclaim that you still praise God in spite of this … to show people that you can be patient with your suffering here on Earth …hold on a little longer, and when you discover yourself finding true strength because of your weakness, and when you do great things in my name in spite of this, the impact will last for generations…”

That scene with Little James had me bawling like a baby. 

It made an emotional impact on me other and other people as well, including for Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic.  Both have unique stories of their own.  Because of their very unique stories, both individuals have positively impacted many other people’s lives.  And each has expressed that they, too, were moved by the Little James scene.  

By Cathy Jameson

The good news is that the medication we were so desperately waiting for finally arrived.  The even better news is that Ronan fared better than I expected as the long weeks of waiting dragged out.  During that time, I dreaded making additional calls to the specialty pharmacist.  I hesitated to send more emails to the nurses while waiting for updates on the medication delay.  It was important that I reached out, even though the news remained completely gloomy from mid-December to early February. 

It was the first time in a very long time that I was not feeling my usual hopefully ever after self. 

As the expected date of availability approached, I reread my notes.  Since the beginning of the ordeal, Ronan’s script had been changed and sent to multiple pharmacies.  We did that thinking that someone, anyone at one point, would have the name brand meds on hand.  From our community to each corner of the United States we were told no, the name brand supply was gone.  While trying to go the traditional route to fill the prescription, others thought outside the box for me.  People offered to go out of country and find the pills elsewhere.  Others, while traveling overseas on other continents, thought to do the same.  I’ve shared already how floored I was that friends and complete strangers leapt at the chance to help my son.   

I’m beyond grateful still that they thought to do that.

Since the medication arrived on February 9^th, a few days earlier than originally expected, a friend shared that she’d gone to Lourdes.  She specifically prayed for us and for the very special intention we asked others to pray – that Ronan’s medication get to him without any further delays.  She included another intention we were praying at the same time – that we find a suitable replacement for our caregiver who’s moving onto a new job.  I wasn’t aware that this friend had traveled to Lourdes, a pilgrimage site in France, but the time that she was there coincides when the medication issue was resolved.  It also corresponds to when we met and offered the caregiver position to an ideal candidate who came with the highest of recommendations. 

Switch my feelings of being floored to experiencing indescribable joy.

By Cathy Jameson

At an event the other evening, I met a woman who is pregnant.  Out of about 180 people there, she was the only one pregnant.  I’d seen her before at other events but had yet to find a moment to introduce myself.  That evening, our paths finally crossed.  I’m so glad they did.  She has 2 young children also.  When they are altogether, she, the children, and her husband look like the perfect family. 

While our paths finally crossed, we were really only able to quickly introduce ourselves.  Had we had a chance to chat more, I’d have asked how many months along she was.  I’d have asked how she was feeling because I’d only just realized about 3 weeks ago that she was pregnant.  The same time I noticed that, my youngest also noticed.  Smiling, she said, “Mommy!  Another baby!” 

Ten more fingers! 

Ten more toes! 

I agreed that it was exciting to know that their little family was growing. 

I’ll hope our paths cross again and that we have more time to chit chat next then.  When I feel the tug to talk to mamas-to-be, past experiences tend to crop up into conversations – both theirs and mine.  When those crop up, I get to share the joys of motherhood.  Inevitably, and especially when the Holy Spirit is involved, I get to talk about Ronan.  Before I even realized she was pregnant, I had hoped we’d become friends.  With a new child coming into this very busy world, I’d love nothing more than to share that moms have options.  I’d share that some babies don’t need everything medical practices offer.  I’d ask that she read, read, and read some more.  Thinking of those things reminded me of an old post I’d shared a few years ago. 

While anticipating the birth of my first child, someone told me that new moms shouldn't worry while pregnant.  It isn’t healthy for the pregnancy or for the baby.  As long as the baby has ten little fingers and ten little toes, that's all a new Mom should worry about. 

…ten little fingers

ten little toes

a new one to love

with a small button nose

skin that’s soft, pink and new

love so strong

from me to you…

Ten little fingers, ten little toes.  It sounds so simple, so pure and so peaceful.  As a first-time mother, that’s all I thought to hope for. 

While it was originally written as a Mother’s Day reflection, the post crossed my mind right after the young woman and I finally got to meet.  Here it is again in case you want to share it with another mama-to-be in your life.  I’ll pray that all the new moms and dads have a plan to keep their babies healthy, safe, and surrounded by nothing but love.  

By Cathy Jameson

It doesn’t feel like we’ve tiptoed into 2023.  Some days, it feels like we’re barreling through it.  It especially felt like that when I flipped the calendar page from January to February last week.  When I got an action alert from the NVIC last week also, I knew for sure that time was flying by.  The type of email they send this time of year means that legislative season is under way in my state.  Curious about which other states were also in session, I was floored when I looked at the map. 

Screenshot from NCLS.org

I’ve written about this topic several times but had completely forgot how many states are at work right now. 

Quite a few are!

You know what that means?

Across the country, representatives are talking about all sorts of topics that will affect all sorts of people – including you and me.  It also means that vaccine bills are back.  Unless you subscribe to an outlet, like NVIC, that reports on vaccine-related legislative issues, some people may not know this. 

Take a look at the most pressing bills NVIC has shared in their advocacy portal.  Two things jumped out at me when I saw the current concerns:  prior session vaccine legislation in Washington, D.C. rolled into 2023’s session with the push for B24-0942. And check out how many bills are were proposed in the commonwealth of Virginia!  The time to speak up there is now.   

[To get an idea of what’s going on locally in your state, and not just about vaccines, search the LegiScan portal.]

By Cathy Jameson

If you’ve been following the saga, praying about the issue, or are just curious about whatever happened with all of the things I was so worried about in December, here’s an update.  That’s how I started a post to family and friends midweek last week.  Since so many in our community here have reached out about the recent issue that’s still not fully resolved, I want to share the update here as well.  Edited just a tad, here is more of the story…

We finally got name brand Lamictal late last week!  It wasn’t the right form of the medication though.  Does that matter?  I don’t know.  Ronan had been taking the disintegrating tablets, not the non-disintegrating tablets we were sent, nor in the tablet dosage that was sent.

While we waited so desperately for the name brand, Fiona - Ronan’s big sister and future Biologist, helped me create a spreadsheet.  It tallied the dwindling supply of the disintegrating name brand tablets we had on hand and the cheaper, generic pills we were told to use.  Even with her very well thought out calculations, I was apprehensive when the day came to mix the meds.  Since adding in more of the generic, Ronan’s been napping a tiny bit more than usual, he’s been a lot more drool-y, and yesterday, he put himself back in bed within half an hour of being awake and slept for about 2 1/2 hours.

You cannot tell me that the generic comes without risk.

Look at the price difference.

It is astronomically different!

Don’t forget, unless I forgot to tell you, we have had two medications switched to generic form recently.  The second one also had some supply issue problems that caused delays.  Ronan had been on the generic of that medication a little bit longer, so hopefully we’ll see some improvement now that we have the correct form.  The pharmacy manager at the specialty pharmacy went to bat for us and overnighted the correct form of the second medication just this morning.  I’m not sure what strings she had to pull or what strong words she needed to say, but she was able to override all the red tape within hours.  Insurance had to be put in its place, so thank you Miss A. for kicking some major butt for my kid!

By Cathy Jameson

I recently shared that our main caregiver is starting a new job.  Like other caregivers who’ve joined Team Ronan, they are actually on a bigger team…Team Jameson. The longer they are here, they become family.  That’s because this person, who has willingly stepped into our home, ends up helping all of us.  I don’t mean doing chores or assisting each of us individually.  I mean that they naturally fit right in.  As each year goes by, the more they get to know us.  The more we get to know them, the deeper the friendship has become.  When something else comes along in their life, like a new job, the loss we feel when it’s time for them to go is great. 

We hate it when the good ones leave, but we always wish them the very best. 

While searching for a new provider these last few weeks, I’ve run into several brick walls.  This week, I looked beyond our community but still came up short.  Many people have offered great suggestions, which I’ve taken into consideration, but I’m still without a reliable replacement.

Without the loving extra pair of hands we’ve grown to love here, life’s been a little bit…scratch that…life’s been a lot out of sorts.  I wasn’t working outside of the home last time we looked for a new caregiver.  This time, I’m juggling different demands and a different schedule, including trying to keep my own part-time hours. 

I love a challenge, but this is proving to be more than a challenge. 

While looking for community college job boards and investigating day programs this week, I thought back to the last time we lost a caregiver to see how we handled it.  Originally written in 2015, we posted the story here 3 years ago.  I’ll use some of the same tips I shared, including asking even more people if anyone knows someone who’s looking for a job.  God knows who we need to join Team Ronan, so we’ll pray that our paths will meet soon.  We’ll also hope that, in time, they’ll become an active member of Team Jameson, too.  

By Cathy Jameson

This was a recent update I shared with family and friends.  It’s not the medication issue that I’d asked them to pray about last month (for that medication, it’s the same status as before…we’re still running out of it), but here was a new thing I asked them to pray about…

For the love of all that is holy and Name Brand ONLY.  Don’t send my kid the generic form when his prescription clearly states he needs name brand.  And don’t let me catch you stretching the truth to make it easy for you when I ask you to read what the doctor wrote.  “The doctor wrote Name Brand Only.”

SO DO THAT!!!!!!!!!!

FYI, the doc wrote it correctly but didn’t add the crucial code.  Words are good but that code! Computers respond to codes, not well-intentioned words anymore.  Without that info, unbeknownst* to a patient, the pharmacy can “legally change it and fill the script with generic”.  

At that point, if I was the pharmacy tech, I’d ringy dingy the doctor and ask, “Did ya mean to leave the code out, or do you wanna maybe fill it in?”

DEAR LORD.

Can we please get a tee tiny break with the meds issues?!

*I beknownst it.  We’ve run into this horrible, worrisome issue before (generic can cause worse issues for Ronan).  Plus, when I called the Rx in on Monday, I asked for the medication by its brand name.  “Yep. Yep, we can send it,” the pharmacy tech told me.  “We’ll have it to you by Wednesday.”  THANK GOD I read labels and package inserts.  I immediately called and let the tech who answered know of the error.  I then asked her to refill the supply with the name brand. 

I was shocked, and actually pretty angry, when she asked me, “Ma’am, can you have him finish out the month supply we just sent?”

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??

No!  Fix it!!

We’re already dealing with a potentially scary med issue.  I, and Rone, don’t need two potentially scary med issues.  I’ve called the doc’s office and will pray that one of the amazing nurses jumps through hoops for us again.

Those nurses.  We love how much they help us. (…had to end this on a positive because I was getting all kinds of stabby there for a few minutes…)

--

As happens when I share a prayer request, people immediately started to pray.  And Ronan’s nurse quickly attempted to fix the latest problem. 

--

I feel absolutely helpless when situations like this happen.  As the parent, I can only do so much.  I am not the pharmacist.  I am not the pharmacy tech.  I am not the insurance company nor am I the delivery driver who will deliver needed medication in a timely manner.  I am the Mom who hopes and prays that things will go only well for my son. 

While that is true, I am also the Mom who will fight like hell to keep my son healthy and safe. 

When I followed up on Friday with the specialty pharmacy, which is a few hours away from us, I spoke to a different pharmacy technician.  She shared that since the insurance covered the generic form that was just delivered, they won’t allow a refill until February 2^nd.  I told her how disappointed I was and blurted out, “Who do I need to fight?”  I was stunned when she said, “The pharmacy manager is working on this for you.  I can ask her to call you when she’s off the phone.”  I quietly answered, “That would be great, thank you so much,” and made sure to keep my phone close by.

Less than an hour later, the pharmacy manager called me with new and hopeful information.

It’s all over Ronan’s profile that he needs and is dispensed name brand medication.  When the doctor sent in the updated refill form with the correct wording at the end of December, the system didn’t ‘see’ the code that pushes Ronan’s name brand prescriptions through.  While everything states name brand medically necessary, the DAW 1 code was missing. 

DAW 1: This means dispense as written; no substitution allowed. [Pharmacy Tech Review]

If it’s left off, the pharmacist can, by law, dispense a generic form – a therapeutically equivalent drug product.   

I’ve heard about that for years, but never thought to look at that law closely.  Today was the day to do that and to tell my family about it.  I oversee most of Ronan’s medical care.  If, God forbid, something happens to me, and my husband or our back-up guardians need to call in a script, they, too, must know to check if that critical wording and code is being used.  

If you also oversee a loved one’s medical care, including managing their prescriptions, it’s important for you to know that “The mandatory substitution and patient consent laws are separate statutes, and each state can choose any combination of the two policy tools.  In any case, the consumer can overrule the substitution, but the laws determine the default option and consent requirements for the pharmacist.”

She didn’t go into all of the legalese, but the pharmacy manager gave me just enough information for me to start a search.  I’m glad she went into some detail.  Before we’d had a chance to talk, I was ready to ask for a patient advocate to assist me or to consider using a tactic my Mom shared in response to my prayer request: 

Long ago, before our world turned upside down, a friend of mine was trying to get treatment. It was legit, insurance allowed, but doc was resistant because in HIS opinion it wasn't needed. My friend, exhausted and ready to stab him with his expensive pen, said through gritted teeth, if I were your mother, would you want her doctor to put her through this crap??

She embarrassed him into submission.

You go, Mama, wish I could give you big hugs.

But I didn’t need to ask for an advocate or for the pharmacy manager to put herself in my shoes.  When I’d asked her if I needed to put my dukes up, she said, “We’ll fight the insurance company for you.  In fact, I’ve already made one call to them and will make another one when we hang up.” 

PRAISE BE!

The problem, though, is that the medication is out of stock, just like the other name brand medication is out of stock. 

“Could you come to us, if I can find it anywhere local, and pick it up?” the manager asked.

“Yes,” I told her.  I’d crawl on hands and knees on shards of glass if needed.

“I may be able to find it at the hospital’s pharmacy,” she shared. 

“Okay,” I said while imagining myself driving up there already.

“Wait!  I think I can get you an 8-day supply.  The systems don’t like to ‘partial control’ the medications because it can potentially mess up what the original script states, but you’d get what your son needs and...” the manager trailed off for a second.

“…you’re eligible for a Saturday delivery, so I can have it shipped to you overnight.  It’ll be to you tomorrow by 11am.  How does that sound?”

OHMYGOLLY!

“That would be so helpful.  Thank you so much!” I replied gratefully. 

While she set up the delivery, I kept the conversation going.  I told her it always seems that these sorts of panicky situations happen at the end of the month, at the end of the year, or right before a national holiday when places shut down for 3 days.  “Oh, that’s right.  Monday…we’re open on Monday,” she shared.  While many Americans will have the day off to honor the late Martin Luther King, Jr., the pharmacy manager let me know that she’d be at work that day.  When she’s there, she said she’d keep looking for the remainder of the month’s supply Ronan requires.  She also said she’d make sure the partial order didn’t reset the order back to generic in the system.  She added one more thoughtful thing.  Should I ever encounter another problem, I am to please ask for her by name.  I told her that’s why we picked her particular pharmacy.  Other places have seen Ronan as a number, or a dollar sign, and never a human.  Where the younger pharmacy techs there could only do so much for me, they don’t have the years of experience the manager has under her belt.  They couldn’t think outside the box as quickly as I needed them to.  I know that my frustration unsettled the one who asked me to just use up the generic we’d just been sent.  I won’t apologize for my snappy response to her.  She needs to know that her suggestion was a horrible suggestion and one that could result in devastating side effects for my non-verbal, medically fragile son. 

This manager, though, had everything under control and in Ronan’s favor within just a few short hours. 

Crisis averted.  Thank the Lord!

For the next time, should there be a next time, I’m now a tiny bit more knowledgeable.  Everything I learn, even after all these years, helps me to advocate for my son a little bit quicker than the last time I had to speak up for him.  It can be overwhelming at times, and I do hate that I immediately feel the need to go into fight mode.  But if I let things slide, Ronan suffers.  He’s already suffered enough.  It wouldn’t be right for me let that happen again.  I can relax a bit today, but dukes up next time if I need to do a little bit more to make things a lot better for Ronan.

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism. 

 --

Tidbits from that paper that stuck with me after I discovered more information on DAW laws:

“…Mandatory substitution laws require pharmacists to use the generic as a default, and presumed consent laws allow them to assume that the patient agrees to the substitution.  Both situations can be overruled by the patient.

At one time, laws in most states required pharmacists to fill a prescription as written, precluding generic dispensing when the physician had written the brand name. The last of these anti-substitution laws was repealed in 1984.

There are currently two types of laws that regulate a pharmacist’s substitution of generic drugs... The first determines pharmacists’ options when they are filling a prescription for a brand name drug. Some states require mandatory generic substitution, and others are permissive to pharmacist discretion. That is, in the mandatory substitution states, the pharmacist must default to the generic version of a multi-source drug, and in the permissive states they have the option to substitute, but it is not required. While this law determines if the pharmacist has discretion over generic substitution, both forms of the law allow the patient/purchaser to overrule the substitution. The second type of law determines if the patient’s consent for substitution is presumed, or if it must be explicitly acquired. In a presumed consent state, the pharmacist can substitute without informing the patient. This law regulates whether or not consumer consent is required for substitution, but as always, the consumer maintains their right to overrule the substitution. 

As expected, the generic drugs are substantially cheaper for consumers. 

In reality, a patient’s consumption of prescription drugs is a joint decision determined by both the physician and the patient. 

When explicit patient consent is required, the patient is given a clear chance to persist with their preference, rather than substitute, as the pharmacist and payer of the drug costs would have wanted them to do.”

--

More DAW codes to know, also found on the Pharmacy Tech Review website:

Ed Dowd's Cause Unknown can't be updated fast enough as we see a steady stream of sudden heart attacks and deaths in the news. Dr. Robert Malone's Lies My Government Told Me and the Better Future Coming speaks to the power of action and personal growth based on knowledge.  See you on Sunday with Cathy's post.

Cause Unknown Hardcover
Kindle Edition

Lies My Government Told Me Hardcover
Kindle Edition

By Cathy Jameson

I shared back in November that my husband and I got to go Up, Up and Away.  At the end of that post, because Ronan had gotten sick unexpectedly while we were gone, I asked for prayers for another trip we had planned. 

I’ll pray that the upcoming trip we have planned together is a success.  I’ll pray that Ronan and the kids will be just fine this next time also.  I’ll pray thankful prayers in advance for the people who’ve offered to help us watch the kids.  If you’d like to pray with me for all of that, too, I’d be so very grateful.

That next trip was something we were both very much looking forward to.  Gifted to go away, it would take loads more planning.  It would take needing to ask for extra help from friends.  It would take using a passport also.  My husband and I were invited to a Christmas party in Germany.  I haven’t been to Europe since 1999, so of course I wanted to go!  Since it sounded crazy to go that far just for a party, we decided we’d make at least a long weekend out of it.  But could we still manage that, especially after the worrisome texts we’d received as soon as we landed on that last trip? 

We wouldn’t know if we could manage it unless we went. 

After very, very careful consideration – and knowing we’d be blessed with two caregivers willing to look after the kids, we got ready for an overseas adventure.  As we prepared to tippy toe out of the country, I could hardly contain my excitement!  We’d both made lists of things we hoped we’d get to see, and I couldn’t wait to just be there at those sites.  I had a few absolute must see places.  My husband, who for years has gotten to travel the world for work, had some definite musts also – places he’d already gotten to tour but had always wished I could’ve been with him. 

With that list in hand, I took time to find the best route for us to take.

While looking at which airlines we could afford and factoring just how little time we’d be in country, I was excited to see that an Aer Lingus flight could get us to our destination.  Their flights were hundreds of dollars less compared to other companies flying the same route.  A little skeptic, I did some extra reading and looked up customer reviews to see if the lower airfare meant lower quality travel.  Some customers loved the airline, absolutely loved it.  Others hated it.  Before purchasing, I looked at recent flight history and could see that yes, some flights were delayed.  Some luggage was misplaced.  Some customer service calls were unfortunately dropped.  But so was all of that true for the other airlines I’d been looking at.  Getting tickets to Europe would be risky no matter which carrier we flew. 

So, Aer Lingus it was!    

Lately, when we travel, we’ve booked non-stop flights.  Always considered a luxury because of the cost, I shied away from non-stop flights most of my life.  If you recall, though, summer travel was a nightmare for many Europeans.  I’d started to look for flights when overseas airports were still packed, when many flights were delayed, and with countless connections cancelled.  After years of traveling with the kids and always concerned about layovers with them, I now try to only travel on non-stop flights.  They may be a bit longer, depending on where we’re going, but we eliminate the need to run like crazy people through airports.  We reduce the risk getting stranded as so many other travelers had been when trying to make connecting flights.  It was a no brainer that we’d pick a direct flight for this trip. 

Until I saw that Aer Lingus had stopovers.

A Monday treat - Cathy Jameson has an update on her quest for medication for Ronan. MANY people have reached out with options, ideas, alternatives for Cathy. We embody the spirit of Christmas. Thank you.

###

Prayers Answered, Prayers Continue

By Cathy Jameson

Last week, I wrote about a dire situation – the manufacturer who makes one of my son’s seizure medications informed our pharmacy that they were out of stock of the medication.  I spent most of Friday fretting about that discovery.

All of Saturday, I was still consumed with finding the mediation.  Since it was the weekend, I could only do so much.  Places were closed.  Phone lines went straight to answering machines.  The internet could guide me only so far before I’d need to talk to a human.  Unfortunately, the ones I needed to speak to directly wouldn’t be back at their phone lines until the work week resumed. 

Monday morning couldn’t come fast enough. 

We still had Sunday to get through though. 

Then I remembered something hopeful.   

We know a couple who help run a free medical clinic!  As I got ready for Mass on Sunday morning, I thought maybe they would have some advice about what I could do.  The Holy Spirit definitely guided that thought because as I entered Church that morning, that couple was sitting in the pew on the same side of the church where we like to sit!  Kneeling before Mass to say some prayers, a wave of relief fell over me. 

Then I made a mistake. 

My mind was all over the place that weekend, including during Mass. 

Then there were donuts.

By Cathy Jameson

On my birthday and at Christmas, the kids ask me what gifts I want.  Every year on my birthday and at Christmas, I say that I want a nap and for someone to make me lunch so that I don’t have to make it myself.  The kids laugh, “MOM!  No, really.  What do you want?”  Truly, I’d love a nap, but I tell them that whatever they want to give me (hint hint, dark chocolate) would be wonderful. 

Last week, specifically on Friday at 4:27pm when the doctor’s office was about to close for the weekend, I wished for something else—I wished that Ronan’s seizure medications would be filled correctly and on time.  The kids wished for that with me as well.  In fact, they had prayed for that special intention the night before when I shared that we were facing a potential problem filling one of the prescriptions. 

Thursday morning, I’d called 12 local pharmacies asking for their help because the specialty pharmacy we have been using (and love) shared that they couldn’t help us this month.  The manufacturer of the medicine is out of stock.

“Call around.  See if any has the drug on hand, on their shelves right now.  We can transfer the script to them right away if they do.” 

One by one, each of those 12 pharmacies said, “Sorry, no.  We don’t have it.”  Each one shared the same message we’d already gotten – the manufacturer is out of stock, and no expected date of availability or delivery has been given. 

Later that evening, right before family prayer time, Izzy asked quietly, “Mom, if the company doesn’t give us the prescription, can this cause something worse for him…like death?” 

I wasn’t surprised that her mind went there.  Mine had, too. 

“Oh, sweet girl,” I started, “We’ll hope that it doesn’t come to that.”

By Cathy Jameson

I have some pretty smart friends.  One group of patriotic friends helps keep me updated on current news here and abroad.  We’ve chatted about lots of topics over the last year, to include political news and also covid-related information.  One day last weekend, college covid mandates came up in our group chat. I jokingly said, “They’re still playing that get vaxxed or else game?”  

It was no joke.  Colleges still are requiring the vaccine and boosters.  

Several days later, news of Yale’s latest mandate for the Spring 2023 semester quickly made headlines.  In that same group chat I’m in, one of my friends shared a link to Dr. Naomi Wolf’s passionate response to Yale’s announcement.  Her message to her alma mater is very clear - cut the crap.  

Withdraw the mandate. 

Protect the children. 

Now.  

Dr. Wolf cites what other parents have expressed - this is coercion.  This is a violation.  This, all of this, is wrong.  Data shows that what colleges are doing is potentially harmful to students’ health, to include negatively affecting women’s reproductive health.  But schools, and businesses also, still aren’t listening.  Neither are the manufacturers.  

Instead of slowing their roll, it’s full speed ahead for those who may financially benefit from the vaccines. 

College can be expensive already.  It should never cost one’s life though. Those who are unwilling or unable to fight the latest mandate may end up paying an extra price for their education - physically or psychologically.  Physical risk may come in the form of an unfortunate side effect.  The coercion and exploitation felt could surely cause some damaging psychological effects, too.  

The future looks bleak for students whose colleges are in fact playing the covid vax game.  It is my wish that those who can fight the fight will do exactly that.  May their efforts be heard.  And, like my patriotic friends provide to me, may these students be guided by light and truth always. 

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism. 

The Truth about Wuhan: How I Uncovered the Biggest Lie in History

By Andrew Huff: The day that Dr. Andrew G. Huff left his senior scientist and vice president role at EcoHealth Alliance was one of the happiest days of his life due to the corruption he had witnessed at the organization. However, he never thought working there would be of any great consequence to the future. He was wrong. Because, as an EcoHealth Alliance insider, Dr. Huff had had a ringside seat to one of the biggest cover-ups in history. 

By Cathy Jameson

I had a few extra minutes to myself on Friday morning.  I’ve been hoping for some extra time in my week to get a few things done.  Sorting through some paperwork, catching up on laundry, writing out some lists—they aren’t major things, but they are adding up.  Having extra time to get to at least one thing completed was exactly what I hoped for and got that morning.  But first, breakfast.  While eating, I decided to scroll through Facebook.  

I felt awful after. 

Not because of what I ate.

But because of what I read. 

Longtime advocate Karen Kain had posted a link https://www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/michael-mike-granata that caught my eye.  I don’t usually read stranger’s obituaries.  As sad as it was, I’m glad I decided to click on it. 

If you feel moved by what he shared, please forward his link. 

With all that we’ve learned.  With all that we’re witnessing.  With all that this family will continue to suffer, it’s the least we can do. 

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

###

Lies My Gov't Told Me: And the Better Future Coming (Children’s Health Defense)
A guide for the times—breaking down the lies about COVID-19 and shedding light on why we came to believe them. 

By Cathy Jameson

On weekends, my husband and I have a simple routine - whoever wakes up first gets Ronan ready for the day.  That means taking him to the bathroom, getting him changed, and giving him his meds.  While one of us tends to Ronan, the other gets a bit of a break to ease into the day.  It’s a sweet relationship my husband and Ronan have.  Father dotes on son.  Son looks up to father.  They don’t need me to intervene or butt in the way of their weekend routine.  One recent morning, though, when I got up later than my fellas, I hadn’t heard Ronan take his meds.  

--

Sausage, eggs, a gluten-free waffle and a cup of coffee - it’s a breakfast I make almost every day.  Ronan gets the same, sans the coffee.  He’d been awake for about 15 minutes by the time I’d gotten our meals ready last Sunday morning.  Assuming my husband had already gotten Ronan his morning meds, I hovered over my chair just about to sit down to eat.  I hadn’t gotten a good night of sleep the night before and was less than chipper that morning.  So, I blurted out, “I assume he’s just waiting for his meal, right?”  My husband apologized and said, “No, he still needs to take the meds.”  

Grumbling, I sat down and then stood back up saying, “I’ll do it.”  

Looking at me shocked, it was my turn to apologize. “I’m sorry.  I’m just really hungry.  I can do it.”

Feeling frustrated, and embarrassed that I’d been a bit put off, I got Ronan what he needed.  Since we have to feed him his breakfast, which can take about 20 minutes to do, I quickly gobbled up mine first.  It felt like a selfish move in the moment, but on days that start off on the wrong foot like that day had, I thought it best to try to take care of me before I attempted to take care of Ronan or the other people in my life.  

Ronan takes up the most of my attention.  

He always has. 

By Cathy Jameson

My husband and I had the opportunity to jet away last weekend to attend a gala in Texas.  We’d just gone to a dinner hosted by the same non-profit group a few weeks prior, but it was at a local venue not too far from home.  With how much we have going on, we always look forward to going out on dates when those chances pop up.  We especially like going on away dates when we can find an overnight sitter for the kids.  My Mom would be available to keep eyes on Ronan and his siblings for the 29 hours we’d be gone, so off we went. 

When we’d gone to the local event, Ronan’s siblings watched him.  I almost didn’t get to go to that evening dinner because Ronan hadn’t been feeling well the day before.  He had a low-grade fever and was very tired.  Even though the fever had broken, he was still more tired than usual.  Ronan doesn’t tell us when he’s hurting, but when we see changes in his behavior we know something isn’t right.  I’d already decided that I wouldn’t join my husband at the local dinner.  But as quickly as Ronan’s fever came on, it went away.  With no other worrisome symptoms, I changed my mind just minutes before we’d have to leave.  Darting into a dress and heels, I got to join my husband at the event for a few hours. 

Keeping in constant contact with the kids that night, it was a good decision to go.  This would be the first time this group met in our area.  While there, we mingled, we met new people, we reconnected with friends, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves supporting the organization as it established itself in the local region.

By Cathy Jameson

While looking through the news late Thursday afternoon, I saw an article about Tylenol. 

I had meant to read more about the topic after seeing this link a few months ago.  Life got busy with the kids’ school year starting, and I’d forgotten to take time to check it out. 

Those two articles brought back awful memories.

While the recent news stories don’t mention an acetaminophen connection to vaccines, I won’t be surprised when that information is acknowledged.  For many, it’s been a go-to pain reliever for all ages, including for babies post-vaccination.  

I’d obediently given the name brand Tylenol to my children when they were very young.  That’s because our pediatrician at the time had provided me with free sample bottles of the drug at vaccination visits.  Thankful not to have to buy it, I followed her directions at those ‘well-child’ visits – “Give it to the baby when you get home.  If they’re fussy later, give them a second dose.”  

I know many other mothers who followed the same orders from their pediatricians. 

My children’s early childhood years are now but a memory, but I still cringe when I see chatter about Tylenol making the rounds in online parenting circles.  In the past, a blanket statement from officials usually followed that chatter: 

Don’t panic, the experts tell worried parents.

It’ll be fine.

In fact, it is fine.

Read more after the jump

Note: Our Matching Gift Fall Campaign is in full swing. Please consider a tax-deductible donation. Paper: Autism Age, PO Box 110546, Trumbull, CT 06611 Thank you.

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By Cathy Jameson

A breeze whipped this way and that as I drove through my neighborhood one morning last week.  I loved seeing the colorful fall leaves as they danced in the air in that breeze.  I continued to smile as I slowed down near one of the main roads.  Before I turned onto that road, I tuned out the news I had been listening to and glanced to the left of me.  A family was sitting outside enjoying the fall day.  Two children in cozy sweatshirts, pre-teens if I had to guess their ages, were happily tumbling down a hilly front yard.  Their parents laughed as the kids rolled and rolled.  Seeing them reminded me of something I said when I saw a big hill last weekend, “Wouldn’t it be fun to roll down it like a kid again?” 

Wheeee!!  

Changing the channel of the talk radio station as I drove passed the children, I stopped smiling.  An advertisement, sponsored by Pfizer and BioNTech was on again.  Every few hours, every single day, it’s the same sponsored ad:  Get vaccinated!  Get boosted.  Covid is still here.  And it’s not going away…  

Neither are these annoying commercials going away, I thought.  

I grumbled as I found some music to listen to instead.  

Later that afternoon, I had a doctor’s appointment.  It had been months since the last time I thought to bring a mask anywhere with me, so I was completely taken aback when I saw a sign on the front door.

WEAR A MASK

I didn’t have a mask. 

So I walked in without one. 

Heading toward the receptionist, I saw another sign.  It was still demanding but with a cutesy drawing:  

Bee safe.  Bee kind.  Wear a mask.



(There WILL be a cute photo here if TYPEPAD ever works out the kinks in their media upload!)

That’s so last year, I said to myself as I looked around. 

I was happy to see that other patients had been unaware of the mask request as well.  When I’d made the appointment two weeks ago, the scheduler failed to inform me that their practice was holding onto a covid protocol that many other places have dropped.  I may have considered the request had a mask been provided when I arrived to their facility.  I would have taken the request a bit more seriously, too, had the employees worn their masks over their mouths and their noses.  But when I encounter a ‘rules for thee but not for me’ attitude, I can’t and won’t feel the least bit guilty about not going along with the request.

Note: Our platform provider has been having technical issues with media uploads, so our photos are missing or wonky. We hope for a solution ASAP. The photos are often the fun part!

By Cathy Jameson

For today, I wanted to write about a news story I heard on the talk radio station. It was all about the Halloween candy safety tips, to include trusting the FDA - experts in food safety.  Truly an on-topic topic in our community, I changed my mind about what to write.  That's because the next day, a friend sent a link that was much more terrifying than encountering botched Halloween candy. ENTER IF YOU DARE.

Watching the link, a trailer for a soon-to-be streamed documentary, I gasped. I’ve heard of the phenomenon, but have shied away from diving into it. It’s a worry, for sure, because close family and dear friends have opted - or were forced into taking the vaccine.  Even so, I wasn’t ready to see video of people dropping dead, seemingly out of the blue.  It’s always important to know the pros and cons of taking a medical product, but I still didn’t know if I’m ready for all of the information. 

Someone wants people, including me, to know though. 

Died Suddenly, The Movie 

If you’ve recently lost someone who died suddenly, my condolences. My heart aches for those who didn’t know this might happen. 

Whatever you call it, the jab, the clot shot, or simply the fastest tracked vaccine, could this died suddenly be a true side effect, or is it simply just a coincidence people are experiencing? What do you think? Have you been brave enough to read all about it? As terrifying as it is, I know that I really do need to read more about it. 

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.
Note: Our Matching Gift Fall Campaign is in full swing. Please consider a tax-deductible donation. Paper: Autism Age, PO Box 110546, Trumbull, CT 06611 Thank you.

Donate###

Click the cover or title to order:

Profiles of the Vaccine-Injured: "A Lifetime Price to Pay" (Children’s Health Defense)
Are vaccine injuries really “one in a million,” as governments and public health experts constantly tell us? This comprehensive look at the evidence by Children’s Health Defense, illustrated by nine real-life stories of serious vaccine injury, exposes health agencies’ soft-pedaling of vaccine risks as a dangerous lie.

By Cathy Jameson

A friend’s son recently asked me a question.  Like what the other young fella said to me, our conversation stayed with me long after it was over.  We were out to dinner the night this kiddo and I got a chance to talk.  After getting Ronan settled in a seat next to my husband, the only other available chair was at the other end of the table with all the kids.  I’d miss out on the adult conversation but was happy to catch up with the kids.  I’ve known them for years, and they’re really fun to be around.  

Plus, I was happy for a tiny break from keeping constant eyes on Ronan.

While eating my fajita, the friend’s son and I started talking.  He’d watched me make sure Ronan had everything he needed before I sat down.  He’d watched Ronan get settled in and also watched my husband get Ronan fed.  I like to see typical kids quietly observing Ronan.  I can always tell when they are genuinely curious and politely thinking about Ronan and what’s happened to him.  I like it when they later ask questions that are thoughtful, too. 

“Do you like taking care of Ronan?” the six-year old asked.  

Instant guilt hit me as I took a bite of my dinner.  I thought he was going to ask what apps Ronan had on his iPad, or why was Ronan wearing his yellow headphones in the loud restaurant.  Chewing slowly on that bite gave me a minute to formulate an acceptable answer to his weighty question.  

“You know what, buddy?  It’s a lot of work to take care of him, and I always hope that I’m doing it well.”  He nodded his head, but I could tell he wanted a more precise answer.  He wanted a Yes, I do like taking care of Ronan, or a No, I don’t like it kind of answer.  He did not want a vague holy moley, I’ve never been asked that question before kind of answer that I’d just given him. Read more below the jump.

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By Cathy Jameson

I saw a young boy a few months ago at a picnic.  We’ve had some ‘in passing’ conversations since then – a quick hello, how are you doing, it’s nice to see you again kinds of small talk.  Ronan hasn’t been going to church with us lately, but, last week, the boy remembered seeing him at that picnic. 

While in the parking lot waiting for my daughter after a game one day last week, the boy, who’s about 7 years old, saw me and said hi.  He asked what we were doing, and I told him we were going to go home since we couldn’t stay for the next game.  “It would be too much for my son.”  He very quickly replied, “He’s the one who was in the yellow headphones who was in the wheelchair.” 

Taken aback, I said, “Wow, yes.  Good memory!”

I continued, “It’s actually a stroller that Ronan uses when he gets too tired to walk.  But, yeah, that’s my son.”  I then gave the boy a little more information about why Ronan had those yellow headphones and why he sometimes needs that stroller.  “When he was much younger, he could do things like other little boys could do.  But then, Ronan got sick.”  I shared just a few things that happened to Ronan then and added, “Ronan is non-speaking now.” 

The boy’s sister was with him and had tons of little kid questions, like Can he say anything?  How did he get sick?  Is he okay now?  Since I don’t know their family very well yet, I answered each question with very simple facts and also kept the conversation very G-rated, meaning no talking of vaccines.  The boy had stayed quiet while his sister and I were talking. 

The next day, I saw the boy again.  “Hey there!”  I happily greeted him.  His greeting had a different emotion than mine.  “I feel bad for Ronan,” he told me with sad eyes.  Completely taken by surprise, I said, “Oh!  Why, buddy?”  I had spared him lots of details, like that we saw Ronan decline most after vaccinations, but I could tell what little I did share the day before had really affected him. 

“Well, he…” the boy started, “…he can’t talk and do things by himself.  What if he wants to tell you something?”  I told him, “You’re right.  Ronan still can’t do some things, but remember when I said Ronan can communicate?  I shared that he can type, and he can use sign language, and he can write with a pencil, and he can show us things that he wants.”  Quietly, the boy nodded his head and said, “Y-e-s, I remember.”  Still, the boy’s eyes told me that he was quite moved knowing that my son couldn’t do things the boy could easily do. 

My next words needed to be encouraging. 

“Ronan is a pretty happy kid.  We keep him safe and as healthy as we can.  When Ronan pops into your mind, like it did just now, maybe you can say a little prayer for him.  Or maybe you can say a little prayer for the person who’s helping him.  When you see me without Ronan, it’s because he’s being taken care of by someone else.  It would be so neat if you could say a little prayer and ask God to bless Ronan or bless our helpers.  It’s because of our helpers that we’ve been able to keep Ronan happy and healthy, too, and I’m so grateful for them.” 

It was a big ask, but the little boy said he could say a prayer. 

Knowing I’d captured his full attention, I continued, “And maybe you can add a thankful prayer for what you get to do, too.  You get to do lots of pretty neat things, don’t you?  You get to go to school, and play with friends, and go outside and explore new places.  Don’t feel bad that Ronan can’t do that stuff, but be thankful that you can do what you want to.  I think that it’s a really good thing that you’re able to things.”  Without saying anything, he nodded.  Then as quietly as he had approached me, he turned to walk away and said, “Okay…bye, Mrs. Jameson.” 

I thought I sounded convincing, but time will tell if I helped turn this kid’s frown upside down.  I’ll look forward to our next meet up.  I’ll wonder if the boy will tell me that he thought to pray for my son.  I’ll hope that he’ll share that he’s gotten to do something amazing.  I’ll also say a little prayer myself.  I’ll pray that he’s one of the kids who, when he grows up, will make the world a better place for a child like mine. 

Cathy Jameson is a Contributing Editor for Age of Autism.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtkTXBTTcAw