Memorandum #2: A marathon, orders and Autism

I’ve been more of a spectator here lately. Time for things to change. Here in Pensacola, weather hasn’t been too harsh to keep me out of the garage. I’ve been more focused on making upgrades and shop furniture than actual projects.

Just recently we got back from a family vacation to Disney World. The vacation was actually multipurpose. It was our first real family vacation, and my wife and I completed our first marathon. Both were great. My oldest son is 4 and a perfect age for him to see all his Disney pals. I know he had a blast as well as us. The marathon turned out really well too. At first we were both going to run it at our own pace but right before it started, I told my wife I’d be her running partner since she said this would be her one and only. Official chip time put us in at 5:49:05. Her knees got the best of her around mile 17 so it was pretty much walking from then. Any other lumberjocks make it out there?

Back on Thursday, I found out I have orders to MCAS New River on Camp Lejeune, NC for October. Finally moving on from here. Not a bad place, but I can only deal with so many students. Back to the real Marine Corps. I’m excited for the change. Any lumberjocks around that area? Don’t think we’ll do base housing, mainly because my wife is on board with trying to find somewhere I can have my own space. I guess she misses the garage when its 25 degrees out.

Lastly is more of a frustration vent. Back in November, my middle son was diagnosed with Autistic Disorder, which by no means has means had any negative impact or surprise. He has been in early intervention since before he was two. His therapies have been saviors and he has made so much progress. So we have know for a while but just got the official diagnosis in Nov. He just turned three on Christmas and is the sweetest boy ever. Now I know autism can be a touchy subject for people and causes are a debate but that not where I’m going with this. What is frustrating is how people (friends and family) seem not to just except that he is Autistic. It seems for everyone but my wife and I, there has to be a reason, a cure, something we are not doing, or just that it is something he will grow out of for his condition. If there is one thing Jerry has taught me, it is true patience. If you have never lived or truly know an Autistic child, then you may not be able to connect with what I’m trying to say here. I’ve long ago accepted Autism into my home, it has taught me so much. If you are not willing to accept it, please just let it be then, I don’t want to hear it.

That being said, time to do a little picking up and head out into the garage. It’s a nice 57 degrees right now.

-- Dan, Sgt/USMC, Jacksonville, NC, http://projectseveredcords.wordpress.com