A TOUGH DAY

Today has been filled with emotion and I can't even imagine how it affecting our youngest daughter and her family.

You see.... 19 years ago our grandson, Owen, came into this world, one beautiful baby boy.

He always had a smile

And, then the smile, the giggles, the eye contact, the words all disappeared and Owen had gone into the awful world of autism.  The years of heartbreak for the family had begun.

He often played alone wherever he was, the beach, the yard, the house or in the midst of a dozen kids.

His favorite place in the whole wide world was Disney World. The family spent a lot of time there.

He started to a school for Autistic children. He is very smart and loves to draw. He's never without his Magnidoodle so when he has images pop up in his head he can draw them.

He loves to cook but unfortunately he doesn't grasp the temperature thing... That is not good!!

His big brother Griffin has aways been there for Owen.

                     In 2007 Owen became the 'big brother' to Tighe. They love to play together.

And, Owen loves his family. He loves to cuddle with his Mom, go skiing with his Dad and wants to go away to college like Griffin.

And, that is why today is a TOUGH DAY. Owen's wish to go away to college just like Griffin sort of came true today. . He moved into a 'college' (residential school for autism). How will he adjust? How will his Mom make it through the days without Owen by her side? Tighe is going to miss his playmate. And, Owen will be away at school when Griffin gets a rare weekend home. Oh, yes, we know this will most likely be great for Owen. Big adjustments to make for all concerned. It's just getting to the realization that he is doing well, that is so tough.