tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937833385707548980.post5724569986378918036..comments2023-10-12T06:43:01.444-05:00Comments on One Autism Mom's Notes: Woman's Day MagazinePam Byrnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11693728509115670248noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937833385707548980.post-18402202811232475442012-10-28T09:55:19.733-05:002012-10-28T09:55:19.733-05:00Dear Gretchen,
Thank you for your note. Bless your...Dear Gretchen,<br />Thank you for your note. Bless your heart, you really have your hands full, but I think you have a wise perspective on life. All I can tell you from our experience is to keep searching for people who can help you. Other parents who have children with autism have been a tremendous help to us because they understand and they often share resources that can be useful. Also, keep seeking professionals with autism knowledge; they're often hard to find but are worth the search. While we weren't happy about putting Alex on medications, the difference in his behavior and the peace in our home has been amazing. Most importantly, hang onto your faith, which will get you through each day stronger. I pray that your children will get better and better and that you will find everything you need to help them. Feel free to contact me if you ever need a sympathetic ear, or if our experiences might be helpful to you.<br />Take care,<br />PamPam Byrnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11693728509115670248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937833385707548980.post-80420231261858402642012-10-28T09:47:15.583-05:002012-10-28T09:47:15.583-05:00Dear Marjorie,
I'm so glad you weren't a f...Dear Marjorie,<br />I'm so glad you weren't a fraud! This article not only helped me reunite with my long-lost junior high friend Karen, but it also allowed me to meet such a special person--you! I really enjoyed our chats and e-mails the past few months that made me think, but even better, often made me laugh out loud. If you ever decide to give up writing (which would be a terrible loss to your readers!), you should think about being a counselor with your sympathetic ear and wise advice. Thanks, also, for all the kind words in your blog @ marjorieingall.com--you rock, too!<br />Fondly,<br />PamPam Byrnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11693728509115670248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937833385707548980.post-15643798309725325642012-10-28T09:37:40.477-05:002012-10-28T09:37:40.477-05:00Dear K.C.,
Thanks so much for your sweet note! You...Dear K.C.,<br />Thanks so much for your sweet note! You and I were blessed to have parents who taught us well, and I've also been blessed to have friends like you who encourage and support me through all life's ups and downs. I'm pleased you think of me as a mentor; I'm proud you turned out so well, Grasshopper! :)<br />Much love,<br />PamPam Byrnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11693728509115670248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937833385707548980.post-56101579130326497822012-10-28T09:33:11.950-05:002012-10-28T09:33:11.950-05:00Dear Karen,
What a nice surprise to hear from you!...Dear Karen,<br />What a nice surprise to hear from you! I'm so pleased that the WD article allowed us to reconnect after all these years. I had to explain to Ed about tricking Mr. Rhinehart into playing "Take Me Home, Country Roads" in German class; I'd never told him that story before. :) Did you know that my mom wouldn't let me get my ears pierced until you got your ears pierced? She thought that you and your mom had good sense about things like that and waited for you to make the first move. I'm really looking forward to catching up with you and hearing more about your family and life in California. We will definitely be in touch!<br />Fondly,<br />PamPam Byrnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11693728509115670248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937833385707548980.post-82958481919269068102012-10-28T09:17:37.228-05:002012-10-28T09:17:37.228-05:00Dear onemomstips,
Thank you for your note; I can t...Dear onemomstips,<br />Thank you for your note; I can totally relate to your feelings and fears. I pray that you will be able to find all the resources and help your son may need along the way, but I also pray that a cure for autism will be found soon so that our sons and all the children like them won't need care their entire lives. Feel free to contact me if you ever need a sympathetic ear to listen. Wishing you and your son all the best.<br />Take care,<br />PamPam Byrnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11693728509115670248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937833385707548980.post-85089146110148935882012-10-21T08:31:05.090-05:002012-10-21T08:31:05.090-05:00Thank you for sharing your life Pam. The article w...Thank you for sharing your life Pam. The article was both encouraging and discouraging for me. I am step mom to 2 children with autism, Matt (14) and Anna (13),as well as 5 other children. Hearing your story made me feel like we're not the only ones dealing with this. The aggression in Matt is particularly troublesome. But it also made me a little fearful for the future. What advice would you give me at this point in helping Matt? I, like you, am a woman of faith, and rely daily on God's strength and ingenuity, and He has enabled me to walk where I never thought I could. But if you have any specific actions that you would suggest, I would be most grateful!<br />Gretchenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17094860053540550995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937833385707548980.post-10283907791310951542012-10-19T10:27:43.635-05:002012-10-19T10:27:43.635-05:00Hey, I would have Googled me too!
I was so honor...Hey, I would have Googled me too! <br /><br />I was so honored to get to talk to you -- I think you're a terrific writer yourself and a wonderful mom. I'll continue reading the blog (I just got caught up -- Pseudo Red Solo Cup made me laugh!) and wish you all and your beautiful fam all the best. marjoriehttp://www.marjorieingall.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937833385707548980.post-5124340806636885992012-10-17T16:36:09.647-05:002012-10-17T16:36:09.647-05:00The article is really amazing, Pam! I think it...The article is really amazing, Pam! I think it's going to be such a breath of fresh air for other parents out there who are feeling like they're all alone. You have a knack of putting people at ease and promoting the positive without ignoring the fact that there are always bumps in the road. I'm so proud to call you my mentor and my friend. xoxoxoxoK. C. Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06413803866958657369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937833385707548980.post-45779951593896806702012-10-15T18:22:55.628-05:002012-10-15T18:22:55.628-05:00Hi Pam,
I was surprised to see your picture in my ...Hi Pam,<br />I was surprised to see your picture in my Woman's Day, and recognized you right away. I am Karen Anderson (now Schoonover). I really enjoyed the article. Although my youngest daugher, adopted from China, does not have autism, at one point we thought she did. She has had lots of early intervention support and occupational therapy. She is now in kindergarten, and doing pretty well, all things considered. I can relate to much of what you wrote. My older daughter has many health issues also, so I can relate to how your life changes to meet their needs. I am a teacher also, mostly elementary, but I have been home full time for the last 6 years.<br /> I think you will probably remember me. I remember our friendship from early junior high, spending the night at your house for new years eve. And I remember with laughter when you played that John Denver song in Mr. Rhinehart's class. I have told that story several times over the years.<br /> I live in California now, and don't have much reason to be in Valpo. I'd like to think that we could be friends again if I were still there. I think we have a lot in common. <br /> God's blessings to you and your family! You have certainly been a blessing for your son. God knew that you would be able to provide for his needs.<br /><br />Fondly,<br />KarenKarennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937833385707548980.post-17163850820339389292012-10-15T11:07:50.962-05:002012-10-15T11:07:50.962-05:00I just ready your article and sobbed. It was the ...I just ready your article and sobbed. It was the first time I have read an article that let me know it was ok if I have to seek help caring for my son. He is only 10 now but I am so fearful for the future that I try not to think about it. I wish I could put this article away and pull it out in 10 years. Yes I sobbed but in a way it was out of relief. Special needs parents are some times treated like super heroes and really we are just regular people facing the reality of taking care of our children for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much and my God bless you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com