Hello, all. Currently I am putting my feet up with a cup of coffee. Note, the feet do not go in the coffee. The morning got off to a roaring start with Stevie, my blind, epileptic dog, having a clonic tonic seizure. This caught me off guard as he has been seizure free for nearly two years. When Boo has a seizure, he will need a good 12 hours of sleep to reset his brain. After Stevie comes out of a seizure, he is absolutely manic. He runs from one end of the house to the other, crashing into things. Normally, he can navigate the house and yard pretty well, but a seizure really disorients him. I gave him his meds, convinced him he was okay, and he has now, thankfully, crashed out at my feet. I am waiting for a call back from the vet, who will probably just tell me to keep an eye on him.
It is nearly 11 am, but Boo Bear is still asleep. He has a horrendous cold and I brought him home early from school yesterday. A student in his class has covid, so we tested Boo for it last night. Thankfully, it came back negative. I did not think he had Covid, as the last time he had it, the only symptom was a seizure. He has all his meds on board and is snoring away. School may or may not be in the offing for tomorrow. I just want to note that as soon as the schools took away the mask mandate both of my kids got sick.
Easter Sunday was a good day. I went to church for the first time in about 7 years. As an autistic, I take life very literally. In the Episcopal Church, one is supposed to be “in love and charity with one’s neighbor” in order to receive the Eucharist. Since there are definitely people I am not in love and charity with, I did not think I should go, or was worthy to go, to church. Good Friday I had a bit of an epiphany. Jesus hung out with sex workers, tax collectors, lepers, and the poor. He hung out with and broke bread with the people that the rest of society chose to ignore. I suddenly realized that Jesus came to be with and redeem sinners, and it was okay for me to go to church. I bounced this idea off of my dearest friend and spiritual advisor, April. She is the priest who officiated at our wedding 20 years ago. She and her lovely husband Rick, also a priest, pointed out that if everyone had to be in “love and charity with their neighbor” no one would ever be able to receive the Eucharist! Good point. I followed this thought up with another one. I bet there is not a priest out there who does not have some sort of niggling grudge against someone, and yet they celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday. Interesting. I guess at the end of the day, we just have to throw ourselves at the mercy of our Creator. Anyway, church was lovely, and due to Covid, socially distant. Everyone wore a mask. The peace was exchanged by gently waving at each other. Wine was not served, just a gluten free wafer. It felt very safe and welcoming. I will go back next week.
So, these are just some of the thoughts running around in my head. Seizures are hard. Coffee is good. God (dess) is gracious. Hopefully, when Mr. Boo wakes up, he will be feeling better. He has been using his AAC to tell me that his nose and throat hurt, which is a very good thing. I am sorry he is ill but am delighted that he can tell me what does not feel good.
Tomorrow, I am going to get my second covid booster. I will continue wearing a mask to protect those that I love and those who are vulnerable. Smile at your neighbor, it may be the only smile they get today. Peace.
Harriet's Hedgehogs and Autism Advocacy 