When you realize
how perfect everything is
you will tilt your head back
and laugh at the sky.
Buddha
'The Enlightened One'
Yesterday I took Rojo back to the magical naturopath. He's gained 10 1/2 lbs. 9 1/2 to go. So, of course, we also got the results from his allergy testing: gluten, dairy and egg. The big three. The three that are in everything. I'd prepared myself for this fact, it only stood to reason that if I got him eating and gaining weight, he'd be allergic to everything I was giving him.
Since he was a toddler different people have suggested the GFCF (gluten-free, casein-free) diet which has been hugely helpful to so many children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It's never been because I doubted their claims, it was always a matter of feeling so overwhelmed with the thought of getting him to eat anything, let alone GFCF foods, that I just didn't take it on.
Until now.
The naturopath agreed we are still months away from diving in, and that at this point (because he is asymptomatic) we are still just trying to pack on the pounds and get him to try new foods. I will slowly turn this ship around, introducing more GFCF foods and slowly replacing some of his favorites with their healthier options.
My brother has an expression, "Slowly, slowly." It's his answer to most things, and it infuriates me every time because it's so counter-intuitive to my way of being. But I'm seeing its wisdom.
It may have been "perfect" to have put Rojo on a GFCF diet years ago, and perhaps he would have been a different boy all these years. But we didn't.
We will, slowly, slowly.
17 comments:
I love what your brother says, though it's counter intuitive for me too.
Were here, by the way. Would love to see you if we can! Will you email me your number? So I can give you my new cell phone #? Xxxxx
Your brother sounds like a wise man. I need to remember that, slowly, slowly.
Glad to hear the Rojo is gaining weight so well.
Yes. Slowly, slowly. And with Love.
We do what we can when we can. Now is perfect.
Love.
can't go there. would have beens, could have beens, bad news those. moving forward. slowly, quickly, sideways or on all fours. no matter.
xo
Wow! I'm so glad he's packin' on those pounds. One thing at a time. There's no comparing what Rojo got from you all those years instead of certain foods - he is a loved and loving boy. That is no accident.
Glad he's still gaining! And the diet change will happen as it should. You'll get there with it.
Wanda said it best - we do what we can when we can. I think I'm going to make a sign out of that and put it on my desk.
10 1/2 pounds! Wow! How does he feel? Is he proud of himself?
Remember you and Rojo are co-creating. Together. He's not a victim. Perhaps he would have been a different boy all these years. Perhaps he wasn't supposed to be. Perhaps he had things to teach us just the way he has been.
Remember your quote from the Buddha. Everything is perfect, in perfect time.
P.S.
I hope you do get together with Kyra while she is there. She is heaven.
Breathe and remember that you are on Rojo time. My boys also have the same big three foods to avoid. With my youngest I had to make sure there were foods in place that he would eat before removing anything because he was so underweight. I came up with a brownie that contains all the food groups and lots of calories. I can send you the recipe, if you think Rojo might be interested.
to everything turn, turn, turn...
it's the perfect time.
period.
one day at a time.
(my god, i'm a plethora of platitudes today!)
I agree with Wanda. We do the best we can at the moment and when the right time comes you will be ready to take it on. Slowly. Sometimes it is slowly. Just like your bro says. Congrats on the weight gain. That is fantastic and a very difficult thing to do. My daughter's weight is still an issue but we are working on it.
I know this feeling -- what if, that feeling. But I think, with my better part, that there is no such thing as "what if." One does the thing when the thing should be done.
Keep us posted!
slowly, slowly is a good reminder. Totally reminded me of the Eric Carle Slowly, Slowly, Slowly book about the sloth. Congrats on the weight gain!
Yay for the pounds! Boo for the allergy. I feel you. It is a hard diet-- but, BUT, my bff put her son on it, and it really has made a WORLD of difference to him. She can now tell if he has anything he shouldn't, because his language and behavior back tracts within hours.
I am going to an GI doc, and I have a feeling this will be what he tells me, too. *sigh* Slowly, slowly...sound smart.
:)
"Perfect" is overrated and underrepresented.
GFCF is hard, but do-able (especially in a town where there is a Whole Foods!).
Thrilled for you and Rojo that some answers (and pounds) are coming your way. Happy to provide food insight where ever I can.
Love you.
It takes a village. Call me everyday if you must - how lucky for me. We've made it three years - gluten, dairy, soy, egg, goat, blueberries, etc. It gets SO much easier. And you live in the ideal city - so many wonderful gluten-free foods. Head to New Cascadia Bakery asap. Also, Kinnickinick has a great flax/sunflower seed bread. I know, I know. I know what you're thinking. But this will simply be another opening, more surprises, more amazing Rojo strokes of insight to be had...and possibly some new found clarity, functioning, ease.
Let me help if I can. Big hugs, lots of love. Miss you daily.
Yes, slowly slowly.
And remember, New Seasons is your friend. They will even give you a tour of the relevant items. And, you don't even have to worry about soy or sugar!
Love.
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