Grant is our GRANDSON

It's been a while since I posted, but this definitely deserves attention. I am the grandfather of the neatest grandson in the whole world. His name is Grant and this is his picture. He is the best grandson a grandfather could have. I wish I could see him more and take him with me to Lowes and Home Depot with me. Those are my favorite hangouts and wouldn't it be neat to be able to take this boy with me to my favorite places. Realistically, I'd take him to McGee's or the park or just hang out with him someplace he'd like. We don't get to see him very often as he lives 2500 miles away; nevertheless, I love him with a passion.

Lately, I have been reading the story of Emma Smith. Yesterday I read the chapter when Emma had her first baby and he died shortly after birth. The author portrayed well; at least in my mind, the feelings that Emma and Joseph must have felt during that ordeal in their lives. They were living in a "make shift" shack on her parents property, nearly destitute. My heart ached for the this dear family and what they went through both physically and spiritually during this time. I wondered why the Lord would allow something like this to happen to such good people who were trying their hardest to do His will. We won't fully comprehend why things like this happen until the next life. Regardless, it made me appreciate them in a way I'd missed somewhere in my life. She married a prophet of God; yet, that did not take away the tribulations and hardships that the Lord had in store for their lives. Little did they know what the next few years would bring. Their lives would be plagued with difficulties. It made me feel almost guilty. I've had such a comfortable and good life. Nevertheless, I prayed again that I might know that he was truly a prophet.

Now I say, "I know he was a prophet of God," and I love him. However, I also appreciate his dear sweet wife. I have thought of her in ways I hadn't imagined before. How wonderful she must have been. Thank the Lord for mothers like Emma.


Now back to Grant. My heart ached when I was made aware of his diagnoses. I wondered what life had in store for him. Where would he be in 1st grade, 2nd grade, etc. How would others treat him? What about as a teenager? Aspirations of missions and marriage flooded my mind. Then, came the guilty feelings of not being able to comfort and console Travis and Melanie. How would they endure this? How must they feel? I cried then and do now as I write, but tears of sadness can also be tears of gratefulness. Grateful that Grant was born to such wonderful parents who have made sure he receives every opportunity and help that can be given him. I am so thankful for their example and the willing way they are spreading the word about autism to others through blog postings such as this.

We have a little boy in our primary here in Pocatello who is severely autistic. It amazes me each week as I see one of his parents sitting by him in sharing time and in class. Sometimes the child acts out and makes shouting noises, but it is amazing how his spirit has influenced the rest of the kids in the ward. The Carlson boy has brought a special spirit into sharing time, and given me a greater understanding an appreciation of a parents love.

Now to Trav and Mel. We love you a lot. We worry about your needs and pray daily that they are met. We know you live in a good area, have wonderful friends (like the Burdick's who we are jealous of), have good medical facilities and all of this has been such a blessing; perhaps more so because of Grant's needs.

Lastly, Melanie, you are our Emma. Tammy and I love you so much.


We love Grant. He is the BEST GRANDSON a Grandfather could have.

-dad

I am posting the red flag signs of early autism detection. Please see a physician if you have a child that may exhibit any of this signs.


Watch for the Red Flags of Autism

(The following red flags may indicate a child is at risk for atypical development, and is in need of an immediate evaluation.)

In clinical terms, there are a few “absolute indicators,” often referred to as “red flags,” that indicate that a child should be evaluated. For a parent, these are the “red flags” that your child should be screened to ensure that he/she is on the right developmental path. If your baby shows any of these signs, please ask your pediatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation:

* No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter

* No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter

* No babbling by 12 months

* No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months

* No words by 16 months

* No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months

* Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age

*This information has been provided by First Signs, Inc. ©2001-2005. Reprinted with permission. For more information about recognizing the early signs of developmental and behavioral disorders, please visit http://www.firstsigns.org or the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/actearly.