Siblings

People forget sometimes about your other kids when you have one that stands out so much. Most of the time these are the people that don't know how to treat the one with a disability, so they just find it easier not to talk to anyone close to them. When Jordan was younger being different was "Cute". If he put all the rocks he could find in his backpack and wore it all day and all night, it was cute. If he climbed up the walls like a spider we heard "Oh, he is so strong". If he did cartwheels during a soccer game people said "It doesn't matter, he is enjoying himself". As the parent we smile and roll our eyes, make a funny comment back and love him just as he is. As an older sister who knows that he is different and that he is special and makes up his own world, she is protective. Our daughter was old enough to know the world wasn't kind to kids that were not "normal". She watched as kids laughed and teased him, and she became his protector on the playground. She cried as he got older and lashed out at her. She hid when he got angry, and retreated into her own world. Oh how I longed for the "normal" relationship of bantering, sharing stories of sports and friendships, of "normal" things. But what I received was a far greater gift than I could have imagined. A daughter who loves people, who sees beyond their faults to their hearts. A young lady running toward something bigger than herself, toward God and the love He has for families who are struggling. One who has a deeper understanding of people, their motives, their hearts, their dreams and listens to them for hours. She watched her brother be hurt by his peers, his family, and schools. She got mad for him but didn't know where to direct her pain. She listened as her parents tried so hard to figure it out. She tried twice as hard it seemed. I love this girl, now a young woman who with a song in her heart sought understanding from church, from her mentor, and finally from Jesus.

He is the lover of our souls, and oh how Jesus loves my daughter more than I can ever imagine! I am so glad! I know now that God kept an Angel beside her every step of the way. He protected her heart, and her mind. Todd and I prayed all the time for our kids. We made it a point to have "date nights" with all of them. My favorite thing for years was watching my girl play soccer. She loved soccer, she loved her friends, her coaches and the time on the road. I loved watching her play, and we became close during those years. When we moved to MT, we became farther apart as we watched Jordan fall apart. Part of me has so many regrets. How could I have kept her closer? Could I have spent more time with her? Should we have gotten respite? Why didn't we seek out more-or any- support groups? I know now, God kept her close. So close. I am so thankful! Now, when she calls me she is filled with joy! She is growing confident in who she is, in who God created her to be, and has a huge part to play in His church on earth! She has so many friends, and is reaching beyond herself to make a difference in the lives of others. She is in no way a normal college student!

Now I am content with my abnormal kids! They are perfect just the way they are. We are not a perfect family. Far from it! But we love each other so much. We love to read stories, especially ones written by that abnormal college student in her funny voices. We love to make dinners who's roots originated in far away places! We love to play games-board games, and watch funny You-tube videos. We loved our traditions. Who cares if we are "Normal". Not me. Nope not one bit.

Washington DC Bound!

It all started with a letter. "Mom, I have to write about JMG and how it has changed my life, or something I like about it". After the election, I didn't think Jordan would bounce back so fast. Yet here he was two weeks later telling me he was going to enter a contest at school. I was thinking, "Here we go again"....but also so proud that he would take the initiative and go out on a limb again at school. Something Jordan has taught me is that he never ever ever gives up! Jordan spent the better part of the weekend working on his letter about what being in JMG class and club has taught him. He read it out loud, edited, read it to us again, edited. He had to do it by himself and wouldn't let me edit for him on the computer. Aspie's are know for that black and white rule; "No one can help me!" So I couldn't even sit down and read it. Monday morning came around, Jordan headed off to school, and instead of letter writing focused on math for the next couple of weeks. One day he nonchalantly told me his letter had won the school contest, and he was headed to Helena to the state convention to participate in the leadership conference there with students from around the state. WOO HOO!!! I was more excited than he was! I had taken a trip out of town, and after my plane landed, I checked my voice mail. Jordan's JMG teacher called me to tell me he had won the letter writing contest for the State of Montana, and would be headed to Washington DC along with three other state winners to compete at the national level, and represent Montana. They were headed to the state competition in Helena in two weeks and Jordan would be told then! I was so over the top excited, but couldn't say anything, because Jordan wasn't supposed to be told until the conference! So I did what any mom would do, told my husband! Then my mom and sister far away! Then my best friend, and some co-workers! It was torture looking at Jordan, and especially when he was having bad moments not to tell him! I wanted to shout it from the rooftops! Here is the speech:

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Jordan Monroe and I am a senior at Paris Gibson Education Center in Great Falls, Montana. I would like to be a part of the JMG leadership event from Great Falls to travel to Washington D.C. this year. The reasons are many; I want to learn better leadership skills, communication skills, and gain confidence in my social abilities. I believe I understand the mission and goals of the JMG. JMG is a class that will help me increase my ability to communicate with peers, people in my community, and with employers. It will help me have confidence to succeed in my goals both in high school, and in life. After serving as the civic officer for a year I understand the meaning of giving back to others in our community and in my school through service projects. We volunteer to better our community, to gain understanding of the city we live in and its needs, and discover what we can do to make it a better place. I also know it can help me make the transition between high school, to work/college and beyond. Transitions are hard for me, so this is very important to me. The job shadowing experience will help me to know what employers expect of me in the workplace, and also for me to discover what I really want to do with my life. For most of my life I have struggled with many issues because I have Asperger’s Syndrome. This is a form of autism, sometimes called high functioning autism. It has interfered with my social abilities to make friends, communicate my needs, how to express myself so others will understand, and my understanding and empathizing of others thoughts and emotions. Because of this I went through middle school and the first year of high school without friends. It has been a lonely time. JMG has and will continue to help me learn better communication techniques, listening skills, and being more sensitive to others and their needs. I now speak to parents, educators, and professionals on the skills and strategies I have developed to succeed in a classroom, as a swim instructor and lifeguard, and in the real worls. In addition, it would allow me to be a part of a group of people working together toward a common goal. In reading about JMG I was really excited because it can help me with my Asperger’s which hinders coping and decision making skill. It will also help me learn to maintain a positive attitude while developing goals for my future, build self-confidence, and assist me in making smoother Through JMG I pledge to be committed to the program and whatever goal I set individually and also as a team with others in my class, seeing these goals through to completion. I love to serve those in need, whether a cause such as the Great Falls Rescue Mission or the Great Falls Pet Paw See, mentoring younger kids with Asperger’s, or volunteer puppy raising with Canine Companions for Independence. I am excited to be a part of a community at Paris that will serve our school, our community, and learn leadership skills to enhance our futures. Last year I was fortunate to be a part of a fundraiser called the Bolta Benefit, where we raised $30, 000.00 to help a family in which the dad was diagnosed with a form of Lymphoma. One of the biggest reasons I want to serve with JMG in our community it to have a positive impact on those who need some light, encouragement, and help in their lives. I have watched my parents serve others in volunteer capacities for most of my life. A few examples are: PTA, Boy Scouts, Royal Rangers, Soccer and Baseball coaches and managers, Military functions, church committees, Fundraisers for non-profits, and more. Watching them has taught me to work without thinking of what I will get in return. It has taught me work ethic, perseverance, duty, and loyalty. Over the years I have helped them and spent time serving alongside in hospitals, fundraising, and other events Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing this further with you and the leadership team. Sincerely, Jordan Monroe

Well, Todd and I are so proud. He just keeps amazing us day after day! You know what else blessed me? He told me, "Mom, you taught me to never give up, so I don't" What a kid! 6 years ago, I could not see beyond the next moment, today I can cherish each moment and look to the future! Mom's, Dad's, never give up! Jordan is leaving with his teacher and 3 other students for Washington DC next week. After years of thinking "will he ever be able to go out on his own?" We have our answer! 5 days in DC, competition, tours, shopping...social behavior, leadership, and friends! Jordan, enjoy each moment! blessings for this moment, and the next! Kim