tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60386417432738268382012-01-26T14:02:48.648-06:00Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.comBlogger941100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-6825798690341420342011-11-28T20:06:00.000-06:002011-11-28T20:06:37.846-06:00

This is our "Life with Autism" Christmas Mantle decoration for the holidays.  Well, the picture represents our "Christ-Giving" decorations.  For all of November, I have Fall/Harvest/Thanksgiving decorations out.  Then the week of Thanksgiving, we put up the Christmas decorations.  Thus, our "Christ-Giving" week of family & fellowship at Thanksgiving.  Then after Thanksgiving, all the "Give

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-47748907592645758822011-11-21T11:46:00.005-06:002011-11-21T12:12:58.690-06:00

I think it's the Asperger's in me that dictates how sometimes I relate better to animals than people. So it's no wonder that my 40-something years of life on this earth have always been filled with animals. I remember when we were looking for a family dog a few years ago after our previous dog had been hit by a car and needed to be put to sleep.  Being an autism-family, you can't just go "pick

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-63257023522742420842011-10-31T12:43:00.001-05:002011-10-31T12:54:40.160-05:00

I love to write, even though I'm quite sure my grammar & punctuation would make any publisher or English fanatic cringe. Writing is how I think. How I record the craziness that is my life at times. How I preserve the thoughts I want to always remember. So as a disclaimer, this writing is not about Matt wanting me to take these pictures. Or share what he's doing. What he wants to be. It's my idea.

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-58744312020753954042011-10-24T22:35:00.004-05:002011-10-24T22:52:54.610-05:00

I'm not sure what made me think of doing this... I guess for an escape from the heavy issues I've been facing lately my mind must have needed a bit of levity. Or lunacy. Knowing me, perhaps both. Either way, I found myself thinking about my husband and how he has changed over the years since I first met him. As he casually remarked this past Sunday, "Nothing about our life is normal.....

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-47841598981228506162011-10-21T12:09:00.001-05:002011-10-21T17:09:59.146-05:00

This is Tonya. She's awesome. She's real. She's really quite amazing for a biker chic. That's what I first thought of her when I very first met her.  Er, judged her.  I mean really, what kind of clue would a single mom of five children have? Surely no clue at all.  How wrong I was.  She is one of the most amazingly clueful people I know.  And not only her, but her kids as well.  They're almost

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-22478089549176428732011-10-19T22:06:00.002-05:002011-10-19T22:26:55.244-05:00

Life with Autism - in pictures:  Matt Ok, so in this picture is my son, Matt.  I was in my office minding my own business, and the picture shows what suddenly popped in from around my office door, scaring me about as much as the empty water bottle with a fire cracker in it that he rolled in my office a few weeks prior!  Always a few more gray hairs popping up with this boy! This boy... This

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-75930619824853840422011-10-18T21:51:00.001-05:002011-10-18T21:58:08.346-05:00

Life with Autism -- in pictures... This is my son Brandon.  It had been two weeks since his last Grand Mal Seizure. But today, the day after I was bragging about that "seizure-free" factoid on Facebook, -- he had a hard seizure.  It took three of us at school to get him in my van, and it took my neighbor and I to get him out of my van once home and into my bed.  (Note to Self:  Always be

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-23635268262788512542011-09-28T15:39:00.000-05:002011-09-28T15:39:53.389-05:00

It's not often that I use my blog as an "Editorial" sounding board... but today I am. And while typically I don't specifically address the medical community in my blog, today I will. This is to you. You, who are physicians, administrators, board members, etc -- of any hospital in the medical center of downtown Houston.  You, who have abandoned a population you have never really thought of of

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-52690876490275463712011-09-26T11:27:00.005-05:002011-09-26T11:39:20.954-05:00

Some days autism gets to me. Like this picture for example.  It was taken yesterday, a Sunday, in the early afternoon. This picture bothers me for three reasons: 1)  Brandon is seventeen years old,  2) Seventeen year-old boys should not be in bed on a Sunday early afternoon,  and 3)  We should be just getting back from church, we should be about to have a nice Sunday meal together talking about

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-2780759562840177622011-09-19T10:52:00.001-05:002011-09-19T10:59:25.826-05:00

I couldn't sleep last night and was thinking of the funny things people say. Well, actually the stupid things people say, for a brief moment there I attempted to be politically correct. I think it was my friend and her e-mail to me a week or so ago that got my mind on that train of thought.  She shared with me how she struggles with how to handle when parents compare degree of difficulty in a

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-61668579291805675822011-09-16T14:48:00.001-05:002011-09-16T15:28:47.269-05:00

As many of my fellow warrior moms can relate sometimes --- it's been a tough season. Tough advocacy issues to battle, tough prayers to pray, tough medical issues to sort through, and tough times to tackle. It sometimes seems too tough for even a tough warrior mom like myself to face. But I must. We must persevere, saving the pity-party for another day when there's time for it.  And though

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-82192325290864428632011-09-07T19:47:00.002-05:002011-09-07T19:53:59.278-05:00

This is a picture I took with my camera phone standing in the street in front of my house. There are wildfires burning around us, and though we are not in any immediate danger, we can still see and smell the smoke from those areas that are in danger. I've felt hurt by some things lately, today.  And for a fraction of an instant it seems, I let those trivial, humanly emotions allow satan to

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-66256527383230672992011-08-29T11:17:00.001-05:002011-08-29T11:37:33.458-05:00

I talk to God a lot. In the early years of having one son who was diagnosed with autism, and a typical son only eighteen months older, I really talked to God. A lot. Things like, "Lord, Really? You're killing me. One son you give me cannot talk. I've spent a fortune on therapy to try and get him to talk. I've begged him, pleaded with him, and bribed him to talk. But he won't talk. One son you

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-57428461889821940462011-08-25T23:52:00.006-05:002011-08-26T10:02:03.221-05:00

I want to invent a sin scanner for churches. Yes, this is Michelle being her perhaps to some, not so humorous self.  But it's how I cope with things. How I help sort them out in my mind. How I not go mad in dealing with the maddening. So back to my sin scanner.  I think all churches should have one. It would make things much easier on those who want to serve, who have served, then find they're

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-48955946871769158732011-08-25T22:31:00.001-05:002011-08-25T22:31:35.706-05:00

Put the prayer request down and walk away. That's more than a cliche' spin-off to me.  It's been a very real lesson lately. In trust. In hope. In faith. In everything that as a Christian we must have, but often fall short and don't. In simply "layin 'em down" when it comes to giving my prayers to God. The lyrics to the song by that name go like this: Come down to the river Come and let

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-71516381589570237912011-08-24T10:50:00.003-05:002011-08-24T12:16:44.539-05:00

satan, Take your lies Take your deception Take your temptations I don't need them. Take your doubts Take your betrayal Take your bondage I will escape them. Take your deals Take your destruction Take your captivity I'll keep my freedom. Take your anger Take your fury Take your impatience Faith doesn't hurry. Take your pride Take your blame I'll confess to Christ I'll bear no shame. Take

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-16246421390689734322011-08-22T13:16:00.002-05:002011-08-22T14:24:10.074-05:00

 Sometimes life is not fair. I read stories like Kobe Bryant who get off charges scott-free, and despite immoral behavior, still get to enjoy millions of dollars and a lucrative career.  Stories like his are a dime a dozen, if worth that.  Politicians who lie yet get re-elected. Criminals who kill, get off on technicalities, never at least repent, get away with it and go on with their life. All

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-39949668299623970012011-08-07T16:51:00.004-05:002011-08-08T10:30:22.127-05:00

Today is Sunday. It was the first Sunday in a long while that I have actually attended church. Many Sunday's missed because of Brandon's penchant for having seizures on Sunday mornings.  Many more times because of a period of personal "pondering" and getting things back in focus that needed to get back in focus to return. And two things I was reminded of today, on my first day back: 1) The

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-69992561110959993642011-08-04T20:29:00.001-05:002011-08-04T20:52:29.382-05:00

 Recently I've been a bit bummed-out by Religion and how it has affected those I care for, as well as myself. The hurt feelings that fester simply because someone chose to take the easy way out of ignoring instead of being open and truthful. The rumors that start, and spread, because someone chose to assume and not verify. The misunderstandings that go without being asked and clarified because

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-85705573005358642392011-07-27T18:31:00.004-05:002011-07-27T19:02:10.061-05:00

My Superman. Looking at the picture of him laying there in the PICU the morning after his surgery humbles me. I find myself using that word a lot... humble, humbles, humility....   I can't help but use that word when it comes to my son.  My tasmanian devil. My hurricane. My roadrunner. My son. And for this "Life with Autism" - in pictures...  My Superman. Just the day before he was in for

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-54570780130798775992011-07-20T20:32:00.000-05:002011-07-20T20:32:01.685-05:00

Resilience:  – noun 1.   the power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched; elasticity. 2.   ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyancy. My word of the day is resilience. As I was sitting here thinking about that word, I remembered taking this picture above.  It was taken a few weeks ago

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-75517172170333831132011-07-20T13:13:00.001-05:002011-07-20T13:33:22.403-05:00

Sometimes I marvel at the simplicity of Christ's story. Christianity and what it means. Even though I know very well it's far from simple. It is a complexity theologians spend a lifetime 'ciphering. So I won't try to. I'll just relate to it as I can, and hold fast to it as I do. Like yesterday. It was just another day in "Life with Autism". I picked up Brandon from school to go to Texas

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-30737312274569681572011-07-17T15:49:00.021-05:002011-07-17T19:11:22.864-05:00

This blog entry is not for everyone.  It's not a rant.  It's not a plea for pity.  It is not meant to be disrespectful to any Epilepsy organization, nor any Public Service Announcement type project.  I applaud efforts of all to truly try and make a difference. This is merely my own view.  My own honesty.  My own reality check in "Life with Autism....and Seizures". Reality that today hit me in

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-51794132150981308542011-07-17T12:05:00.003-05:002011-07-17T21:29:50.065-05:00

Today is Saturday. Brandon had multiple seizures yesterday and was hyper today to make up for it. Hyper and still a bit wobbly, not a good combination. He was turning lights on and off all day long. Wanting to eat all day long (while tiring for me, a very welcome thing considering with the seizures these past ten months, he's lost about fifteen pounds). Finally at 4 pm, I sat down on my bed

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-24329093891970482502011-06-27T11:47:00.021-05:002011-06-28T08:17:48.533-05:00

Sometimes our dreams may scatterOur tears fall to the earth like rain But Hopeism whispers "I'm the rainbow"  That will always shine after the pain. (Michelle M. Guppy) This picture captivates me.  It reminds me of a song by Matt Nathanson called "All We Are", and this Guardianship process I am beginning for Brandon. I tasted, tasted love so sweet I see my beautiful brown-eyed boy in the

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-52698760269022996262011-06-23T12:33:00.011-05:002011-06-23T21:33:44.551-05:00

Dear Todd, Believe it or not, I've been thinking about our Anniversary all week.  It seems neither you or I have had the luxury lately of thinking of such things amidst "Life with Autism" - let alone "Life" itself.  I even ventured to Hallmark during a time Matt didn't have my tan minivan, but even then there were no "Happy Anniversary" cards worthy of "

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-30168899585850463722011-04-29T11:53:00.000-05:002011-04-29T11:53:11.543-05:00

Please click here to view blog and participate!

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-71664595896577268742011-04-21T10:22:00.000-05:002011-04-21T10:22:17.661-05:00

An Autism Awareness Message for reporters like Susan Dominus from The New York Times, who feel they can trivialize anything for a good spin... The above picture is my son. I didn't take this picture for the purpose of sharing it anywhere, except for my own personal documentary of my "Life with Autism".  The picture was sweet and peaceful to me, taken right after he had yet another chaotic

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-5007266221622377452011-04-06T12:38:00.002-05:002011-04-06T12:54:48.820-05:00

Welcome to Autism! I guess I should explain. This is my version of "Welcome to Holland!" or "Welcome to Beiruit!" -- two very different "Welcome's" floating around this National Autism Awareness month, describing what it's like to have a child diagnosed with autism. I actually love both versions. (links to both at the end after signature line) In my role as facilitator for an autism

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-67897250765923169982011-04-05T11:09:00.001-05:002011-04-05T11:27:05.990-05:00

Autism awareness is interesting, I'll give it that! In my fifteen years now of "Life with Autism" -- I've learned a lot.  It makes me not so regretful that I never finished college.  I could have never learned half of what I've learned since autism, with a degree, no matter how many letters preceeded or followed any title I would have had upon such graduation. (go to, and finish college Matt..

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-29932963990685176702011-04-02T12:24:00.005-05:002011-04-02T20:36:27.655-05:00

On this Blog, on my Facebook page, in any e-mail or conversation, -- I am very open and honest about everything in my life.  The good, the bad, and most often as others seem to take that honesty lately, - the ugly.  I simply know no other way to live.  Having a son who is non-verbal and who has autism, the real kind, not the cute Rainman kind, has taught me to be nothing less than real.  My son

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-62971832983997329442011-03-31T23:31:00.003-05:002011-04-01T09:22:24.350-05:00

My friend Lenny had this picture on his Facebook profile in reference to autism and money wasted on genetic research. I like it. Probably too much.  I keep staring at it and smiling. Especially in light of April being National Autism Awareness Month, where a prominent autism organization has once again organized a "Light it up Blue" Autism Awareness publicity stunt, er, campaign. I know I

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-90016539524740368372011-03-23T14:49:00.009-05:002011-03-23T17:53:37.507-05:00

150 days... On January 3, 2011 when as a family we spent the entire day, my Birthday, downtown as our son Matt went through the enlistment process for the U.S. Navy, - that casually remarked August 16th "Ship off to Boot Camp" date seemed so very far away.  But now, 150 days is awfully close to only 100 days. Then 50 days. Then 10 days. Then 1 day. And so I find myself both laughing and

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-47867642834051219202011-03-23T10:11:00.002-05:002011-03-23T16:52:29.641-05:00

The Houston Autism Disability Network took a school-year off this school year.  Kinda.  We only stopped our monthly meetings for a time of regrouping, and for me as the facilitator, to spend this last Senior year with my son before he graduates and leaves for the Navy. We did organize a special event here and there, and still answered as many e-mails and phone calls as we could. We still share

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-90140888529154599672011-03-21T11:59:00.005-05:002011-03-21T20:11:57.625-05:00

My typical son Matthew wants to be a Navy Seal one day.... So... much like I did when my son Brandon was diagnosed with autism -- I researched and read. Anything and everything.  My subscriptions of Good Housekeeping and Greenpeace replaced by Autism Journals and letter writing campaigns. A different kind of home improvement, a different kind of activism... And so... when Matt said he was

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-69745442713247972502011-03-19T14:55:00.001-05:002011-03-19T14:56:06.826-05:00

Over the years people have shared with me that I need to write a book. About what, I'm never quite sure when they suggest that.  To me, this "Life with Autism" blog is my book.  It's a daily reflection. A daily adventure. It's not anything that can be typed as in a "period." "the end." type thing.  No, I'm constantly going back, changing perspectives.  Re-writing that which I once thought was a

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-13576232437666739882011-03-12T00:21:00.011-06:002011-03-12T10:34:41.404-06:00

I love the logo for my friend's new non-profit organization, Desperate for Respite.  I love the colors of it, the brightness, and how it's so very perfect for the purpose for which it provides. I have stared at the float thingy (can't think of the proper name for it, so "thingy" will have to suffice for now as I'm too lazy to google, "name of life saver round floaty thingy") for a while now,

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-72833692628305587672011-03-10T12:22:00.002-06:002011-03-10T12:32:42.013-06:00

It's the season of Lent. I don't consider myself Catholic, Methodist, or even Baptist.  I don't really have much consideration for religion. For denominations. But I do have much consideration for Christianity.  For Spirituality.  For a relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I don't see Lent as something only a certain group of people participate in, even though it is something

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-51491181870429651002011-02-25T20:22:00.000-06:002011-02-25T20:22:46.420-06:00

Jefferson Award for Public Service I remember many years ago receiving an e-mail from what was then the non-profit organization, Cure Autism Now. I was selected as one of their "Hero's" to receive an award for my autism work at a Breakfast with other recipients in the prestigious "Galleria-area" of downtown Houston. Filled with pride at my awesomeness, I promptly e-mailed my husband as to the

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-68084655131422748442011-01-17T11:38:00.001-06:002011-01-17T11:44:30.849-06:00

Webster's defines "gospel" with the following words:  good news, the teachings of Jesus, anything proclaimed or accepted as truth.... I chose this title because to me it mixes both sets of emotions I have right now about Wakefield and my beliefs as a Christian. And to be clear, - no, I don't view Wakefield as "God" or "the Messiah" or anything idolatrous like that.  What I do have for

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-14285276387220199142010-12-22T09:41:00.002-06:002010-12-22T09:41:36.600-06:00

I thought I knew Christmas. As a child it meant Santa, Rudolph, and gifts galore. It was a winter wonderland perhaps not always of snow, but always of the magic of it all. Christmas as a child was a carefree time with no worries. When my husband and I became Santa & Mrs. Claus with the birth of our first son Matthew, Christmas was all those things and more, but perhaps with deeper sentiment.

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-58788008020680945872010-12-17T11:48:00.000-06:002010-12-17T11:48:22.833-06:00

Dear Todd, I know you didn't want to be late to work this morning, or have to haul your son out of the tub yet again from another seizure. I know I didn't want to have to take the dog to the vet, nor have my plans changed or made more difficult to complete yet again by Brandon having to miss school... Yet again. That seems to be the key word of late!   You and I remind me of Joseph and Mary.

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-59599208772706260382010-12-03T21:34:00.001-06:002010-12-05T08:59:01.956-06:00

(originally written in 2004) I want to share a very personal story about an answer to a prayer about what my son thinks; and about what that taught me about how to find peace….    I especially want to share about  finding peace;  --- because especially at this time of year,  many people are frantically looking for it as they dash from mall to mall and party to party.  Peace seems to be

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-52065249676942420422010-12-02T22:30:00.002-06:002010-12-05T08:57:54.777-06:00

It's no secret to those who know me well, that I'm a "Hallmark Channel" gal.  More specifically, a "Little House on the Prairie" gal. There's a scene in one of the episodes where Charles & Caroline had just lost a baby boy.  Caroline was in a strange town where they had taken their son to get better help, and it was there where he died.  She stood staring out the window at the busy street down

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-14448454719166976212010-12-02T21:29:00.002-06:002010-12-05T08:57:07.571-06:00

    Christ gave to me unconditional love. I never really understood what "unconditional love" meant, until my son Brandon brought "Life with Autism" into my life. Here is a child who by the world's standards, can give me nothing.  He cannot show his love for me by searching for or making me the perfect gift.  He cannot tell me he loves me.  Most days I wonder if he even knows me, let alone

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-76217781138344526462010-11-17T13:23:00.003-06:002010-11-18T19:11:26.710-06:00

I have a hot date tonight. Let me explain... Our son with autism has seizures and has been in a very bad seizure-cycle for the past two months. Finally, after watching him go through hell with each one and me getting no help to help him, -- a not-so-nice letter to his primary care doctor resulted in tests scheduled and referrals being made. In preparation for all that, we had received a

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-86939657602882276622010-10-28T17:36:00.001-05:002010-10-28T20:27:14.969-05:00

I took the above picture from my Uncle's boat in Georgia this summer.  We were out fishing and a summer sea-storm came in about as fast as it went out.  The picture was taken after the "went" part, when the storm passed and the clouds were moving on and the sun was breaking through. That description also depicts the song  "Hold On" by Toby Mac ---and the lyrics of that song describe our Life

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-47013879587900241242010-10-14T13:06:00.001-05:002010-10-14T15:55:10.042-05:00

Last night after Brandon had two seizures, Matt from his room upstairs texted me while I was downstairs in my room with Brandon. He simply asked: "Mom whats wrong with him ?" That's exactly how he typed it. It broke my heart. And as I laid there beside a raspy-breathing Brandon, I wondered what to text back to my sweet son who was supposed to be sleeping, not worrying about his brother's

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-35836491878059514572010-10-14T11:06:00.001-05:002010-10-14T11:16:49.310-05:00

I would like to go undercover in my own house one day. As a complete stranger. A fly on my own wall -- so to speak. To see our Life with Autism as a stranger might see it. I'm sure at first glance, heck, any glance, it would seem like pure discombobulation. A mom trying to keep a resolution to be like "Julie & Julia" and cook something new each week for her all too deserving husband.  To

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-56673957575843425402010-10-13T15:35:00.002-05:002010-10-13T17:20:02.312-05:00

I do love Facebook. It's given me freedom.  Freedom to connect with who I want to, and the freedom of not being burdened by connections I don't want. I wish I could say the same for the battle of getting control of my e-mail account. In the isolation of my Life with Autism, Facebook is sometimes my only opportunity to see anyone in the outside world. I've enjoyed connecting better to

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-29124803851704764012010-10-12T22:59:00.001-05:002010-10-12T23:08:21.745-05:00

This picture is one I took after a day of sailing with Captain Dave of "Heart of Sailing" in Kemah. We were on our way back to the car, and where Brandon would normally be lagging behind us taking in the sights, he suddenly hurried up ahead to where his brother was walking -- and kept up with him, just a step behind him, walking stride for stride. So much went through my mind as I was

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-59482804042893485382010-10-06T15:12:00.000-05:002010-10-06T15:12:21.949-05:00

I love the movie "Alice in Wonderland". Because of Johnny Depp, yes of course.  But more for Alice. I've watched the movie four times now, each time so drawn to Alice in how she so emanates the things I struggle with in my own life. I've never been one for the world's "stockings", "corsets", or "proper behaviors". I've never been one to conform for the sake of conformity. I've always

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-60845426594946971692010-10-01T00:10:00.001-05:002010-10-01T00:18:51.140-05:00

Entre lo sagrado y lo mundano is the name of my friend Laura Stewart's Blog. I think the first time I saw the below translation for what it means, I just stared at the words across the top of her blog for what seemed like an hour.... Between the Sacred and Mundane Something about those words captivated me, and I still don't know quite why.   I told Laura I was sure I would steal that title

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-91310005540708232352010-09-17T09:45:00.000-05:002010-09-17T09:45:37.108-05:00

http://www.despair.com/blogging.html Blogging:  Never before have so many people with so little to say said so much to so few.

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-67435502864274344592010-08-26T14:10:00.000-05:002010-08-26T14:10:55.616-05:00

I'm sure it's a morbid thought that I shouldn't share...but each time Brandon has a grand mal seizure, I think of what I would miss most about him if he were not to live through it. I mean, other than praying, there's not much else one can do while watching your child shake and tremble and choke uncontrollably while their lips turn blue and their face goes pale during those 1-4 minutes that

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-8363480804764345282010-08-07T11:28:00.004-05:002010-08-08T08:20:25.717-05:00

Worship is prayerthat movesthat soothes It is seekingfeelinghearing Embodying trustand forgiveness Calling us to abandon all that hinders So that we are healedSo that we are hopefulSo that we love Worship lifts us SwiftlyPowerfullyCalling us to run to places unknownAllowing us to live out dreams never forgotten Worship is musicwith a beat that is invigoratingit is the silencethat only we can

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-80531710564830935372010-08-07T00:15:00.003-05:002010-08-07T10:23:21.315-05:00

He gazes ever so peacefully at the waterCalmed by its movementTranquil I smile at himAmazed And think of all the people he's touched Hope he's givenScriptures he's livedLaughter he's broughtLessons he's taughtTears he's sharedAnger he's tamedPain he's enduredObstacles he's overcome His complexity of need reminding me to be content with what I haveHis timelessness of a moment mocking my pursuit

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-33041049992977784292010-08-03T15:49:00.001-05:002010-08-04T09:20:54.935-05:00

There was a shocking statistic linked to an article on one of my Facebook friend's pages a few days ago about the number of people who have disabilities who are not being served by a church.   So shocking was the statistic that I can't even remember it, nor did I think to save it to share here. But trust me, it was shocking. One of my good advocate-friends Clay shared this personal commentary

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-9506966371146722102010-07-30T12:13:00.005-05:002010-07-30T22:12:51.123-05:00

Why yes, that is my husband in that picture above, sitting on a statue of a lion.  The lion that is sitting on a stadium roof.  The stadium roof of his alma mater.In the dark of night. For security purposes, I won't say what university, and if that picture should fall into the hands of police/campus security, I will plead 'photo shop'. While that picture does represent breaking & entering, (and

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-49544358292194809372010-07-29T22:41:00.004-05:002010-07-30T08:01:26.843-05:00

I don't mind having a child with autism.  I wouldn't have asked to be such a mommy, but then one rarely asks for anything unpleasant or hard in life. Like an enema. Ok not so much. So while I marvel at the miraculous moments I've experienced on this journey with autism, -- I admit that I have shared with God now and then about some things he could have better provided for. I'm sure he took

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-38444680409782206322010-07-26T23:06:00.001-05:002010-07-26T23:28:23.673-05:00

I'm not sure why this sign got my attention as it did --- maybe it's because each day that I walk this trail, a new human "rule" sign pops up. I mean really.... Isn't it time that nature put up it's own sign for us that reads:  NO HUMANS ALLOWED! Really, you don't know how much I want to make one and post it next to that. It's a nature trail that I walk on daily, one where I've never even seen a

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-23972524092892233812010-07-26T10:19:00.002-05:002010-07-26T10:35:31.507-05:00

I saw this tree in the picture above on one of my daily walks.  It made me think of the movie I had just watched,  Johnny Depp in "Alice in Wonderland".I love to get lost in my imagination sometimes!  I walked around that trail imagining going down that rabbit hole in the tree to a whole new world full of adventure! An adventure other than autism I might add.I think that's why I so look forward

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-31359342438093358412010-07-23T13:55:00.002-05:002010-07-23T14:05:31.890-05:00

I was restless the other night.  Tired, but could not sleep.  So I went upstairs to the movie room and laid down on the couch.  Irritated because I knew that whether I had a good nights sleep or not, Brandon would still wake up the same time, for the same routine. An exhausting routine.  So, I lay there with my eyes closed, grumbling about another night of insomnia.... From where I was laying

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-27999079326740807312010-07-22T14:21:00.000-05:002010-07-22T14:21:47.375-05:00

I took this picture because for me it brought a smile to my face as I so related to it. It seemed to represent so many struggles in my life as a person, a Christian, and a parent. Which am I? The perfectly mowed, manicured, conformist; or the imperfect, wild, non-conformist? As a Christian do you have to be one or the other, or can you truly be both? I laughed as I walked...  Asking God his

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-57041730299406929162010-07-17T09:53:00.051-05:002011-12-01T14:18:09.860-06:00

His childhood a carousel laughter heard round and round always busy always exploringexcited by new treasures he found  His life carousel music playfully gleehis soul so very tenderhis spirit so free Bright lightsand bright colors his potential easy to see the wonder in his eyesstill fascinates me His life a carousel horse strong, steady, and truemiracles, magic moments, & memoriesand the day he 

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-65588876031697135542010-07-14T23:17:00.000-05:002010-07-14T23:17:44.674-05:00

The world knows about my Brandon... the one whom most of my writings are inspired by.  But I do have another son, Matthew. He just turned 18 on July 6th. And a Navy Recruiter just left my living room. I sit here stunned by that.  Not stunned in horror that he wants to join the Navy, or become a Navy Seal. I'm quite proud of him for wanting to serve our country in one of the finest ways

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-10183242970281304872010-07-13T13:08:00.000-05:002010-07-13T13:08:39.636-05:00

Life is sometimes like the trees in the picture above from the nature trail I walk on.  A seemingly tangled mess of obstacles you have to dodge as best you can -- only to be unexpectedly smacked in the face with a stray branch. I was reflecting on that today... the events of the past few days of credit card fraud, decisions to be made about autism work, and the ugly argument with my husband

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-19844955747830143102010-02-08T09:27:00.000-06:002010-02-08T09:27:18.223-06:00

Diary of an Astrodome Volunteer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This was published in September 2005.... I dedicate it now to Joshua Hooker in honor of the New Orleans Saints winning the Superbowl. Joshua's mom never called me when she arrived at wherever her final destination was, but nevertheless, I have prayed almost daily for her and Joshua. I can only hope with tears in my eyes that both

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-73348987572224746732010-02-02T13:55:00.001-06:002010-02-03T21:54:14.753-06:00

It's the middle of the night and I'm wide awake. Finding myself joking about how God couldn't have given me two more opposite children if we wanted to. We're talking as far as the east is from the west. Not two hours ago I was in the kitchen at 11pm as one came home from Firefighter cadet training listening to his stories of what he learned. Not three hours ago I was listening to the sweet

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-81491407912628898302010-02-02T10:39:00.001-06:002010-02-02T10:41:22.194-06:00

(poem A Different Kind of Valentine is posted on this site as well) I’m not sure why I found myself thinking about this, but I was recently pondering what holiday or celebration is the hardest for me as the mother of a child with autism. My son does not understand the concept of “Holiday’s”. Too many unfamiliar people crowding his space and talking to him at once at Thanksgiving is hard for

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-83965311545763499992010-02-01T10:03:00.000-06:002010-02-01T10:03:13.192-06:00

On Valentine's Day, thanks to the volunteers in our church - and to Tonya, the Respite Coordinator for the Disability Ministry, -- my husband and I were able to go out to dinner on Valentine's Day! Yes, write that down in the blank date book for us as a married couple.... probably the first time in years we've actually been able to go out like "normal" people do on Valentine's Day... But as

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-83210552701981432562010-02-01T10:02:00.000-06:002010-02-01T10:02:45.778-06:00

A different kind of Valentine On Valentine’s Day many will be given a card that reflects the words that are sometimes hard to say; or a gift, some unique little item, - to express that they are loved on that one special day… But only few truly understand what love means, in the purest simplest way, Where no words are ever needed, what no gift could ever convey… Those are the parents, who have

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-32003519693080428342010-02-01T10:01:00.000-06:002010-02-01T10:01:47.778-06:00

A Valentine's Day Devotional Message from Michelle..... For someone who doesn't like to cook - I have found myself lately watching a cooking show that comes on Saturday night. Todd is usually at the church with his prayer group, Brandon is in bed, and Matt is usually doing a school project on his computer while tying to be the next Bill Gates of power point presentations. And me, it's just

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-33996471971325073212010-01-21T09:32:00.000-06:002010-01-21T09:32:24.662-06:00

A Call for Unity “There is one thing stronger than all the armies of the world; an idea whose time has come.” - Victor Hugo For several years now since my youngest son was diagnosed with autism, I have volunteered my time to help inform and unite parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. I know how lost and alone I felt during those “rookie” years of autism, and so it has been my

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-24703243736804115112010-01-12T14:03:00.001-06:002010-01-12T14:03:57.108-06:00

Todd and I occasionally rent a movie on a Friday night; and one such night we sat down, hit ‘play’, – and eagerly awaited a great movie. NOT! Ten minutes into the movie – Guppy and Guppy gave it a dismal 2 fins down. We thought about just going to bed, but the couch was comfy and cozy and neither of us wanted to move, so we decided to stay there get our money’s worth and endure watching it.

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-27860921222862192592010-01-12T14:02:00.000-06:002010-01-12T14:02:51.466-06:00

“From six calamities he will rescue you; in seven no harm will befall you” (Job 5:19-21, NIV) It was one of those endless weeks that sometimes plague me and makes true what it says in Psalms 69:1 – “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-81753009660739084842010-01-12T09:53:00.000-06:002010-01-12T09:53:31.711-06:00

If your life, as you are living it right now, were a story that someone else was reading, - what section in Barnes & Noble would they have found it in? Humor? End Times? Fiction? I thought about that one day during my quiet time when I was evaluating where I was in my Christian walk. Where I wanted to go…and in the legacy I wanted my story to represent for my children. More than

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-47169669474648356332010-01-08T10:41:00.012-06:002010-01-08T11:22:32.369-06:00

(handpainted by Brandon M. Guppy)This artwork above will be available for purchase in a notecard set with the poem inside, in Fall 2010. If you would like your child to submit a painted butterfly for the notecard set, please submit JPEG high quality picture to: MichelleMGuppy@yahoo.com. Right now, in conjunction with Autistic Artist Steven Knox, Butterfly prints and notecards are available

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-84362282138650015372010-01-08T10:18:00.003-06:002010-01-08T10:25:58.015-06:00

There is an opportunity for some Houston moms to participate in a photo shoot for the 'Warrior Mom' project in conjunction with Autism File magazine and the Autism One Conference... Warrior Mom's who are fighting for their kids with autism.... Warrior Mom's who are making a difference.....I put out a call to Houston "Warrior Mom's" - asking them to come to the photo shoot...One particular mom

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-63114831782262944892010-01-08T10:13:00.002-06:002010-01-08T10:15:56.705-06:00

A personal Message from Michelle M. Guppy: (Written March 2009)We've got work to do folks, we've not moved much since this quote from the full essay whose link I will post below – written in 1990 by Lou Brown. Mind you, it was written in 1990, and is referring to 20 years prior to that. It is now 2009.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Quote from Lou Brown: Finally, if we have learned anything at

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-51959227036479650952010-01-08T09:52:00.008-06:002010-01-08T10:05:12.796-06:00

(Brandon Guppy, Mr. Incredible himself, pictured in this 'just for fun one day' thing I wrote during autism awareness month a few years back....)The Autism Story: As told by Disney Movie Titles...Lady and the Tramp Bernadine Healy vs Julie Gerberding. Need I say more? It’s not ‘luck be a lady’, it’s truth and open-mindedness leading to being respected like a lady. And Bernadine Healy, you are a

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-59426253261460811962010-01-08T09:33:00.004-06:002010-01-08T09:45:04.108-06:00

To Captain Dave McCabe and Guy Hoover, You asked for a testimonial about our experience with "Heart of Sailing", -- but I don't know if I can come up with a short enough one to use. I have thought about what our experience with "Heart of Sailing" has meant to me, to us as a family, to my son Brandon who has autism, - and it's more difficult than I thought it would be. And I am someone who writes

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-28863556390432466892010-01-05T11:49:00.007-06:002010-01-05T12:35:21.867-06:00

All Things Bright and NewDear Lord…A new year lies before me -Cleansed and forgiven are my sins through you.Gone, are last year’s disappointments,Before me, new opportunities to pursue.Your mercy…Always near to comfort me - Covering me like early morning dew.To warm me through days of hardship,To draw me back when I’ve drifted from you.My Resolution…To focus on blessings that are many - To get

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-10290659206943161452010-01-04T08:00:00.000-06:002010-01-04T08:13:00.720-06:00

Acceptance is not submission; it is acknowledgment of the facts of a situation. Then deciding what you're going to do about it. -- Kathleen Casey Theisen~~~Wow.I never thought that when I saw that quote above, how true it would ring for me on this day.January 4th, 2010.My son's birthday.He is 16 years old."Sweet Sixteen".I can't comprehend that.I look at the picture above of him running and I see

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-42151616946811813592009-12-29T10:43:00.000-06:002009-12-29T10:50:46.294-06:00

My letter to satan.... shared for anyone struggling against the unfairness of the world, in whatever way...The Letter….By Michelle M. Guppy - 2002satan,I feel as if a battle is going on - with you trying to weave your way into our lives to bring pain and illness.I must admit, you WILL stoop to any level, the lower the better.You know you can’t win by hitting my husband and I directly - so you

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-91362076897043364852009-12-29T10:39:00.000-06:002009-12-29T10:42:55.539-06:00

A Mother's Day Card,written by Michelle M. Guppy~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I am………for mothers of Children who have autism or other disabilities.I am…….I am the little engine that did. When on my journey in life, my tracks led me to a mountain - a diagnosis of (child’s disability) - I looked at it with defeat - thinking there was no way I could climb over it. I then pondered the obstacle

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-42304847308171697912009-12-29T10:22:00.000-06:002009-12-29T10:29:56.476-06:00

A tour through my autism war museum....The thought for writing this started with this subject line in an e-mail from my mother, to me:“One Regret”Now, being the sassy little thing I am at times, my first reaction was to hit reply and start typing to her, “Only ONE????” (smile)I could think of so many she should have!For starters, making me go the grocery store with her wearing her bright pink

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-7926436982478711892009-12-29T10:13:00.000-06:002009-12-29T10:19:14.131-06:00

Seeing Mary c. by Michelle M. Guppy(permission needed to share, MichelleMGuppy@yahoo.com)Today I was totally frustrated,My son didn’t listen to a thing that I said.He was misbehaving and constantly humming,Giggling as he ripped my papers to shreds.I yelled, “Stop it!” “Be Quiet!” “Enough!”“Go to your room!” I told him a bit rough.Feeling drained and totally defeated,I wondered if life would

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-8895301178589817102009-12-29T09:58:00.000-06:002009-12-29T10:03:43.791-06:00

The American Dream.....What image or achievement does that conjour up in your mind?Close your eyes, think about that.....Graduating High School?Surviving your parents endless rules?A colllege degree?A career?Home?Marriage?Kids?Retirement in Florida?My typical son recently had an assignment in High School where they were to illustrate, the American Dream.A teenager lying on the ground while the

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-69210921437469715882009-12-29T09:51:00.000-06:002009-12-29T09:57:34.009-06:00

An Autism buddy recently asked a question for a vote for "Autism Hero of the Year"...Simply put, "Who is your hero?"I read all the names. Thought of a few new ones to add to the list. Heck, for a flicker of a moment, I even let my pride include myself on that "H" list.But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized how differently I see that concept of 'hero' in the autism community. Or any

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-80852379683492942692009-12-22T12:30:00.000-06:002009-12-22T12:41:39.707-06:00

I thought I knew Christmas.As a child it meant Santa, Rudolph, and gifts galore.It was a winter wonderland perhaps not always of snow, but always of the magic of it all.Christmas as a child was a carefree time with no worries.When my husband and I became Santa & Mrs. Claus with the birth of our first son Matthew, Christmas was all those things and more, but perhaps with deeper sentiment. In

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-73278279412178724302009-12-16T19:12:00.000-06:002009-12-16T19:28:22.852-06:00

Twas the Night before Christmas, And all through Merk’s house,Not a long-term safety study was completed, not even on a mouse.Pediatricians vaccinated the masses, hastily and without care,All while the many mothers, did not know to beware.Innocent children were all nestled, snug in their bed,While the neuro-toxins and viruses, danced in their head.And daddy in his kerchief, and I in my cap,Had

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-45170336580419980252009-12-09T09:18:00.000-06:002009-12-09T11:30:08.603-06:00

I've got better things to do than this......A Christmas toast to my autism friends, some of whom I've never even met....~~~I have a section in the little red spiral notebook I bring to church with me to write down notes, and admittedly when my mind wanders, titles of possible devotionals to write when I have the time....When I have the time.There's a future title right there.(Better stop and

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038641743273826838.post-16181207936360984112009-08-23T16:49:00.000-05:002009-08-23T17:00:04.150-05:00

If you are seeking joy in disability as I am, I welcome you to join my online networking group!This is a non-denominational online networking list for anyone to join and share insights you have learned about God through your child's disability - or to seek insights & inspiration from others!To join:http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SeekingJoyinDisability/On this blog, "Seeking Joy in

Michelle M. Guppyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847995187234831360noreply@blogger.com0