Autism and the Love of Simple Things

I’ve been struggling with what to write about for a few days.  I found my topic with the last ten minutes by talking to Casey and Rob about what they would like to do this summer.  They taught me a lesson – again.  I want to be more like them.

I’ve been thinking about trying a few long weekend trips – to a beach, to the mountains.  Maybe Niagara Falls.  Trying to work out details in my head for what sometimes seems like impossible trips.

But when I asked Casey what she wanted to do this summer, her answers were simple.  Go hiking at Mohican (a state park). Go to a mall.  Sleep at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.  See fireworks. Have a cookout. Tie-dye shirts.

Rob wants to go hiking with Tracie. Ride in Cory’s truck. Go to a car show. Sleep at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Go swimming with Mandy, Andrew and Tory. Go to Steak -n- Shake.

Simple, easy ideas. While I think they would both enjoy a few days away, that’s not what they dream about. They both stick to simple plans and are happy to do that.

I want to be more like them. I am, mostly. I love hiking (assuming I can walk by summer!) and going to the pool. But – I think about lounging on a sandy beach. Or wading in a mountain stream, too. I’ll admit – I get jealous at times at how easy it is for others to decide to go on a vacation and just go.

I try not to be, but sometimes, it happens. I wouldn’t be human if it didn’t.

On the other hand, my life revolves around a simple routine. One that makes us all happy. We aren’t constantly running here and there. Tonight, we had plenty of time to sit on the patio together and enjoy this gorgeous day.

Casey is swinging and giggling and talking about Kylie and Julie. Rob is just completely relaxed in a lounge chair watching the clouds and the birds.

Autism isn’t always this easy, but if they didn’t have autism, would I have evenings like this? Would I be too busy following a crazy schedule to appreciate just sitting?

I don’t know. I can’t imagine my life any way besides this. We are happy. We are healthy. We are together. What more can any mom want? I’m going to be more like them and look for the simple things in life.