Happy Labor Day

happy labor day to all!

we spent the first part of the day entertaining my mom and her boyfriend. they are in town from wichita. today was john (mom's boyfriend) birthday as well. we had pork chops, corn, potatoes, and tomatoes from the garden. no gf/ cf going on here. we finished up with lemon cake topped with whipped vanilla icing. yummy!!!! one of my favorites.

later after they left we started in with our labor: cleaning and cleaning and cleaning. we broke down the pool and the rest of the camping equipment from last week. we had a great time camping but it did bring up the memory of the first time we have put esmond on a leash.

esmond is autistic and a runner. around the yard we pretty much know where he is going to run to. he's fast. he's always in sprint mode. he always walks and runs on his toes. he's fast. should i say it again...fast!!!

as soon as i put him down at the campsite he ran for the lake. i told him "no" after i caught him, but he did it again and again and again. so out came the homemade leash. the ones at the store are to short so we used our own equipment to make one that did give him some more space.

he really didn't seem to mind, but i felt like i was walking my dog. i felt humilatied and shameful. he seemed occasionally annoyed.

i discussed this with one of our therapist after we returned. he assured me that it was okay. better to keep esmond safe and it won't be forever. i had to and still have to learn to put my own fear and pride aside.

so, what do other's think of the leash idea? do you feel strange or confindent in the decision? do you scorn those that choose the leash? any thoughts?

take care all,
sherri