Relief

I met with her Academic Advisor, and I am SO relieved. Daughter is doing brilliantly academically, but of course is struggling with the group dynamics and the abstract thinking required to write papers at a college level.

Then there is the P word.

She wants to be PERFECT. Oh dear. I always feel *responsible* when someone brings that up...and they always do.  Have I been a bad example? Not been Perfect enough as a Mother? Teehee...you see where this is going....in a circle, as it always does.

The good news is that they wish more students would set their sights high and work diligently and never miss a class, but they worry that she doesn't know how to fully experience the college experience and have FUN. She seems to think she is having the appropriate amount of fun, and I am so glad that my biggest worry might be that she is working Too Hard at her Studying....

She wants to have her birthday party with her *friends* in her dorm commons room. I asked her who she wanted to invite (so I'd know how much PIZZA to order...) and she named almost a dozen students. Oh, she said, I'd better call one of them early so she can make plans. I thought maybe it was a busy social schedule. No, Mom, it takes her a little longer to do things because she is in a wheelchair. We are friends because I made room for her to sit with me at lunch in the cafeteria...

Did I mention that I love this child?

She is Such a BLESSING.

She is excited about watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in our jammies like we usually do, and making au gratin potatoes and pecan pie and the famous stuffing from my Grandmother...it has grape nuts cereal and pecans and oh YUM.....the recipe was lost eons ago, but my sister and I can make it blindfolded with one hand tied behind our back...we always call each other and say *how much onion do YOU put in?* It's a tradition.

I am giving Thanks for so much this year.....

Comments

[Kim]

Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Greta. xxoo

[lillium]

Oh Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I will email you in the next couple days to update you on the Jbird issues. It sounds to me that you daughter is adjusting just fine. It's the heart of our children that blesses me.

[Sharlene]

Have a wonderful Thanksgiviing Greta. I am Thankful this year for my wonderful *imaginary* friends and this wonderful place where I come to play every day. I think of you and the little birds often and keep all of you in my prayers.

[Margene]

The very best of Thankgivings to you Greta. We all have much to be thankful for and friends are high on the list.
Margene

[Gina]

Howdy, G! (just wanted to say that!) Am so glad that Daughter Bird is thrivign at school (not that there was ever any question about it!)... am in middle of mad holiday rush (with the show adding further to both excitement and anxiety), but am looking forward to getting together sometime soonish (Jan.?)

[Norma]

Have a fabulous Thanksgiving with your little birds. Such wonderful news about college -- it's something to be proud of and thankful for.

[cari]

Have a wonderful, happy Thanksgiving, Greta!

[debbie]

Oh Greta, what a girl you have!
You just know enquiring minds want to know the recipe for that stuffing too!
I needed warm fuzzies today!
Thanks and have a great Turkey Day tomorrow.
We'll be watching the Macy's parade up here in Canada too...the joys of homeschooling!

Debbie

[Vicki]

Oh, how wonderful -- it's all so wonderful! Good bird news, blessings, a parade, special stuffing, and traditions...

It's Thanksgiving! I know yours will be happy.

[Ann]

So, what's this year's DealyBob? ;) We love her, too.

[Kathleen]

Oh Daughter bird has compassion! I love that. I see bits of it--sometimes--in Owen but I am always looking out for it. Cameron and Gracie have it in abundance. Also, is Daughter bird happy? It is so hard for us as parents of our children, especially ASD kids, to want so much for them. Every time you mention a conversation with her--she sounds happy. I think it sounds like she is doing terrific. Doing her work well--it seems--makes her happy too. :) And look at the party she is going to have for her birthday. Sure it has pizza but no life size mouse! I think you are doing a perfect job Greta! Inspiring as always. Thanks for that. When ya gonna visit Long Island?

[Bethany]

I'm sending love and thanks your way, as you are radiating them out every other direction. Have a wonderful time, and I promise a long email somewhere in the near future. Love you!
Bethany