Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Out to Lunch (again)

I have purposed to wear myself out this week and, with a little help from My Darling, am doing a very good job. He has been making sure I don't slack off too much while I play.

Today Priscilla and I met our cousin Kim for lunch. We went to a little Italian deli in Canandaigua where Kim and I ordered the strawberry spinach salad and Priscilla opted for a sandwich. We ate outside on the patio where the breeze whirled Kim's hair around her head, threw a feather at her, and we could hear each other talk without having to shout. I have decided I really like meeting cousins and learning more about who they are. It's too bad there aren't any grand family reunions anymore...

(The photo is a very old one from a family picnic at Kim's grandparent's house. That's me with the white hair and Priscilla is the baby sitting on the lap of my dad's cousin Patty. The little boy is Kim's cousin Larry who is now a doctor. Our grandmas are sitting behind.)

I took my camera along with me today, even had it at the restaurant, but didn't take any pictures. Bad, I know.

After lunch with Kim, Priscilla and I met Rachel in Newark, NY for a visit with our brother Tim. He is in a new residence now, one with handicap accessibility and just across the side street from his other residence.

I don't always know exactly how to communicate with this brother of mine, so I often take the "little sister" approach and try picking on him a little. He was in the front seat on our ride, Priscilla and I were in back. I put my bare foot up between the seats and gave his arm a few taps with my toes. Rachel made reference to my "stinky feet" and he laughed out loud which made us laugh too. Later she said something else, which I can't recall, and he laughed again. It's so good to hear and see those kind of things.

He seemed happy in his new home and they claim to love him already. I'm liking that.

9 comments:

  1. Very cute old photo! So, is Kim holding Priscilla?

    So fun to hear your brother likes his new place and they love him. That's one thing I always pray for is that my boys' teachers and aides will fall in love with them. I think that just makes everything better if they care for and enjoy them and it isn't just a job. How fun that he laughed while you were out. That just made everyone happy!

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    1. No, I think that is my dad's cousin Patty. Kim is closer to Priscilla's age. She was likely a baby at the picnic too.

      Yes, it was great to hear Tim laugh out loud. He seemed very happy in his new place and the workers from his other home can always walk over to say hello. His friend Erin especially misses him.

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  2. You got out and about....lots of lovely lunches...
    I would quite enjoy that!
    Happy about your brother....must be difficult for you...
    I think you are handling things very well...
    Can be overwhelming I'm sure...
    You have had a lot to deal with this year....
    Glad you are enjoying the summer weather...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. We're all challenged in different ways. I've never been without a sibling with autism, but I've not always known how to deal with it either. The sad part is that I know he's in there even when he appears unreachable. His laughter, tongue clicking, and eyes full of adoration (especially for Rachel) give me a glimpse into who he really is.
      It's been an interesting year for sure! But it's also had some really bright spots, and I'm loving this slightly cooler summer.
      :0)

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    2. I don't think he adores me any more than he does you guys, but I've seen him more in the last 5 years and I sit in the front seat with him. Maybe that's why I get the "adoring" looks. :) I enjoyed his laughter so much. The first time was when you tapped him with your toes I said, "Why don't you tell her to keep her stinky feet to home?" He looked kind of surprised at first and then burst into laughter, haha! The second time he laughed was when I handed all of you a frosty. I took the top off of his and made a comment about me getting to lick the top. He's a funny guy. I love him too. Wish we could get into his mind more.

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    3. It was a good visit even if he did some clapping. He didn't hit himself and he didn't cry.
      :0)

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    4. The clapping confused me a bit because it usually means he's upset, but he smiled after he did it yesterday. Maybe he was excited because we were all there. Yup, that's it! :)

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  3. Hi Martha...I wish I could have lunch with all my cousins. I do get to see a couple of them from time to time.
    How nice to hear that your brother seems to like his new home and having some laughs.

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    1. Yes, seeing Tim happy is wonderful. Perhaps this change will bring about many more positives for all of us.
      I miss those days full of cousins, but I'm enjoying the chance to meet "new" ones.
      :0)

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