Mid-Singles Conference Reflections

Many of my friends can attest to how difficult it can be to be single, too old for the young single adults AND live in Spokane. Spokane started a mid-singles group last year, patterned after groups they have in Utah, California and other states. There are many single members of the church that go inactive when they are single and over the age of 30. Its hard to feel like you fit anywhere.

I'm SO happy that I went to the conference this year. I really enjoyed it last year too. Last year was about 2 months after I had some serious trauma and 1 month after losing my dear friend Brooke. I almost didn't go this year, thinking that it would be the same crowd as last year. I remembered how I was spiritually edified last year, just when I needed it the most.

I had a blast making new friends this year and was also spiritually edified. I felt like I commented too much in each of the classes, but there were times that I felt the feeling the Spirit gives you prior to bearing your testimony. I'm really happy I went and received some great inspiration and impressions.

I couldn't participate in the "get to know you" games that were Friday night. I enjoyed a conversation that I had with Cap. Blake George. I had the privilege of hearing him speak at a fireside and was really happy to hear him speak again. I sat on the side lines during the get to know you games that required physical activities that I couldn't do. But during this time, I had a chance to talk to Brother George. He is a great example of how you can serve our country and be a wonderful servant of the Lord. His Christ-like countenance strengthens my testimony of how the atonement of Christ applies to all aspects of life. There is nothing in this life that the atonement of Christ cannot conquer.

My pain level is directly affected by my quantity of sleep, and I only got 3 hours Friday night. (It was totally worth it cause I met and made some new friends) So Saturday was a really bad pain day, in fact, its the worst I've felt in over 6 months. I was missing Brooke all day. I couldn't do any of the dancing and wished I had Brooke there to keep me company. I have wonderful memories of people watching with her at dances, being very entertained. I almost wish my chronic pain would have started before she died. I wish I would have taken more time to learn about how she is so graceful when faces with adversity. I've prayed that her example will be brought to my remembrance and that I will be able to have her attributes for facing trials.

I'm determined to have fun wherever life takes me. I love to people watch and enjoy watching others have fun. I will do all that I can, but even if I have to watch from the sidelines, I can always bring my camera with me.

Jason's Diagnosis

Early on, Graham and I knew that Jason wasn't developing along the average curve. When he was still a toddler, we thought it might be autism as Jason has a cousin with autism and demonstrated similar behavior. Jason has qualified under the category of developmentally delayed since 2 years of preschool and 5th grade. He did a re-evaluation test (IQ) test in May this year. And with that test he no longer qualified for an IEP allowing for the accommodations that has allowed him to progress and learn. Graham and I were obviously upset at this news and I knew with a certainty that Jason would fail without any of the assistance he was used to. Graham, being an attorney, at this meeting in May asked what our legal options were. The school psychologist said only a medical diagnosis of ADHD/ADD would allow him to continue to receive accommodations.

We went to our idiot of a family doctor, who I can't wait to get rid of. He then referred us to a specialist. We waited 2 1/2 months for Jason to do his evaluation. It was 4 hours long, and I had to pack a lunch for him. The psychologist was a very nice and friendly woman. When I picked up Jason, he said he had a lot of fun. He was in such a good mood for the next 2 days.

Graham and I had an appointment with the expert this past Saturday to go over the results. Jason was diagnosed with deep dyslexia along with ADHD, sub-diagnosis inactivity. (ADD is no longer a diagnosis, it all falls under ADHD with subsets) I had actually never been more relieved to hear a diagnosis as I had at that time. It has always bothered me that Jason was labeled as developmentally delayed, without an actual diagnosis. When Graham and I were shown how Jason did on his spacial/visual recognition testing, we were completely blown away. Jason had 4 minutes to study a very complex image composed of shapes and lines, we are talking really complex. Jason had to recall and draw this 3 separate times. Graham and I were astonished as we think either of us wouldn't do as well on that as Jason did. Jason is definitely a visual learner, with severe audio processing and retrieval deficiencies. This made perfect sense to me. Jason has never been able to tell back to me any details of any story being read to him, or that he has read himself. His right hemisphere of his brain is awesome. We need to "exercise" his left hemisphere.

So Graham and I have a lot of research and learning to do. We are both relieved and ready to start doing what is best for Jason to grow and learn. I know I will feel greater joy as all of our family is able to support Jason as wee see Jason grow in knowledge and confidence. I hope I will practice better patience in this new endeavor.

Positive Update

So yeah, I'm not doing a good job at blogging. Life has been so crazy lately. I moved a few weeks ago. It has been SO awesome to not have to worry about noisy neighbors and all the other crap that was going on. We moved into a large duplex that we share with the Crawford family who had just moved out of the Glenrose ward. It was wonderful how everything fell into place for us and I can definitely see the Lord's hand in all of it. I thought it would be difficult adjusting to NOT being alone half of the time, but it has been so nice. Bernadette and I could talk all night long. The Crawfords have a dog and it has been great having that therapeutic outlet. In fact, Angel is snuggling up to me as I'm typing this blog.

I'm still looking for a job. I'm trying to get more photography gigs, and am really excited about becoming a Dove Chocolate Discoveries Independent Chocolatier. Yes, I said chocolatier!! My launch party wasn't as successful as I wanted, but I'm really excited for my first hostess party!!

Kids are happy and healthy. They had a great time at Camp Morrow, which is the bible camp in Oregon they go to. This was their 3rd year. My listening to mainstream Christian music keeps them from being total outsiders, with them being the only LDS members there. Jason has grown so much. He actually grew 1/2 inch in the 11 days he was in Oregon! Its kinda freaking me out that he will be 12 next month, which means he goes into Young Mens, no more primary. How did I get that old so quickly?!

I've learned how to listen to my body. I know when I'm on a trajectory of pushing myself too much. I'm constantly learning more of relying on the Lord. I've learned how to find joy in whatever circumstances I find myself. Now, I don't always remember that, but I'm making progress. The last year has been the most challenging of my life. I'm truly grateful for the spiritual, emotional and parental growth that I have had. It hasn't been my doing, but with me relying on the Lord more. I'm eternally grateful for my savior Jesus Christ. I know that He lives and loves each and every one of us imperfect souls.