Through the Eyes of a Thirteen-Year-Old Sister

This is a letter written by my niece to raise awareness on autism and encourage people to support related projects for a good cause, and those with big hearts for children, residing or are in the US, to take the step of donating (but this is a walk donation in the US, through www.walknowforautism.org, no harm in publishing in case somebody there is able to read this).

This is my brother Jareth. He might look normal but he is Autistic. Autism has affected my family ever since he was diagnosed. He is now 10 years old and I’m his older sister, Julia, age thirteen. Life’s been hard for my family. Thanks to my brother I’ve gone through many challenges and experiences not every teen would go through. My family and I can’t go to the mall together quite often, it's hard to watch movies in theaters never knowing when he may get upset, sometimes my brother keeps us up all night yelling, and sometimes we can never have time for ourselves watching over him. Those are some downs but there are so many more ups by far. Thanks to having a sibling with autism I’m more aware of others around me, I want to be an occupational therapist so I can help other kids like my brother, I am more patient, I try to understand when someone in the public is having troubles with there young ones, and I also see life in a very different way. Don’t feel sorry for me or anything, okay? Trust me, I actually have it better than other people with brothers or sisters with autism and I’m grateful for that. My family is very blessed with wonderful friends and family.
Now my family and I are coming to you for help. We hope you will be willing to donate to this important cause. We are participating in Walk Now for Autism to help find a cure for this still incurable disease. Autism affects one in every 150 children born today. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of autism is still unknown and a cure does not exist. Research is crucial. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism, but we also must find a cure, and soon.
Walk Now for Autism is our chance to make a difference in the fight against autism by raising funds for autism research and heightening public awareness. We will be walking on May 16, 2009 at Soldier Field, Chicago and would like you to support those affected by autism. You can donate to Walk Now for Autism and/or join my team online through my teams webpage at www.walknowforautism.org. Donations can also be mailed to Autism Speaks using the donation form located on my page or send me a check made out to Autism Speaks. My team name is Woodland Autism Team; please note this on your check and the donation form. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the more than 1 million Americans living with autism today.
Yours Truly,
Julia

Flood Cleanup

Typhoon Ondoy aftermath through the lens of photographers. Though it starts with shots artistically presented, the scenes get worst as you proceed viewing the files.
http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/ondoy

We continue to ask for prayers, assistance and donations for the typhoon victims.

Here's Bo Sanchez' Kerygma Team:
“Yes Bo, I want to help!”

You can assist and donate (even if you're not in the Philippines) through:

http://sourpolitics.wordpress.com/2009/09/26/typhoon-ondoy-emergency-hotlines-and-relief-operations/

Flood Damages (next day)

Rain has stopped, the sun was felt at after 7 am, but traffic in most areas make it impossible to really move along.

The AFP announced they rescued about more than 800 individuals until very early this morning. More rubber boats have been supplied and trucks have been moblized. Assistance and donations are accepted through television programs. Rescue operations are in full force.

Since it is a Sunday, churches have been offering the mass to the typhoon victims.

Floods Waters

Heavy rains that have been continuously pouring since very early this morning had caused flood waters in Metro Manila (knee-high, waist-high in Manila, chest-high even higher in Rizal, some houses are even under water, even the two-storey houses in Marikina).

A lot of people are requesting for rescue due to flood damages in Quezon City, Pasig City, Antipolo City, Montalban, Malabon and Cainta. Rubber boats (though limited in number) have been released in Marikina for rescue operations. The people themselves help each other using small rubber boats and ropes. The LRT and the MRT will be operational all-night at a discounted rate. The Rescue Teams and the DSWD are doing their best to help the victims of typhoon Ondoy that greatly affected the Central and Southern Luzon which were declared in a state of calamity.

The problem is there are no evacuation centers because most of the buildings are flooded, even the schools and the hospitals. Cell signals are fluctuating, making communication difficult.

Passengers are also stranded at the airport for flights have been canceled. Taxis are very few to take them home. They are worried about their relatives affected by the floods and they themselves are getting hungry and thirsty.

Banawe, Biak-na-Bato, Talayan and Araneta Avenue in Quezon City are flooded and traffic not moving. My in-laws in Munoz, Quezon City, near Roosevelt called breaking the news that their house had been under water early this morning. They transferred to the renovated house which is higher than the old house but still the rain has not stopped. Other residents in other areas were already on top of the roofs of their houses, others have climbed trees.

We can't do anything but just pray. I prayed Psalm 91 and the rosary.

There are a lot of people stranded. Some of those in their houses have no electricity starting 4 PM and those in the offices have no food. People in their cars who have been stranded, had to look for nearby places to go to the restroom, forced to leave their vehicles. Stores have started closing for flood waters entered the building and drenched the furniture, equipment and other items.

I am home alone , fortunately no flood waters and thank God, there is electricity.

It is a Friday and I was expecting my sons, who stay at their dormitory during schooldays, to be coming home for the weekends. I called their dorm to find out that my youngest son was still there waiting for his older brother who has not arrived yet from school. Finally, I got a call from his brother, who was not returning my call, informing me that he got stuck in the school campus. They won't be able to go home, with the look of things. We agreed that they just stay at the dorm for it is safer, though there is no power. He had to leave his car at the campus to go to the dorm where his brother was, but had to come back to get his car for it is not allowed by the school to be left there overnight. However, things got worse so he had to just leave it there.

My nurse sister stayed in the Clinic and would be staying there overnight with biscuits for dinner with the other Clinic staff. They can't go out of the Clinic to buy food for water is too deep outside.

My dear husband also called me to explain his situation, though I have anticipated what he is about to say. He too got stranded and would not be able to travel back home. He would be staying at the store together with the staff to relocate things to the second floor. He had no option but to close the store and shut off the power for safety reason since the flood waters started to rise and they noticed sparks in one of the plugs. But he continued to extend help and assistance to those in need, the stranded car drivers, his acquaintance whose car battery conked, those needing a restroom and a little food supply.

Good thing my mother just stayed at home, me as well. She has my niece as company while I have my miniature schnauzer as my guard.

Let's keep on praying. (Rain started to stop around 10 PM and the storm is to leave tomorrow at 5 AM per Pag-asa.)

Psalm 91 - Abiding Under the Shadow of the Almighty

Whoever goes to the LORD for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty,
can say to him, "You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust."
He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases.
He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you.
You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight.
A thousand may fall dead beside you, ten thousand all around you, but you will not be harmed.
You will look and see how the wicked are punished.
You have made the LORD your defender, the Most High your protector, and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home.
God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones.
You will trample down lions and snakes, fierce lions and poisonous snakes.
God says, "I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD.
When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor them.
I will reward them with long life; I will save them."

The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy

(recited on the rosary beads for 9 days)

Begin with: Our Father . . . Hail Mary . . . The Creed.

On the 5 large beads: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the 10 small beads: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and the whole world.

Conclude with: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and the whole world. (3 x) Amen.

Prayer at the Hour of Mercy

You expired Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fountain of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelope the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us. O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus, as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in you.

Research Center for Autism in the Philippines

Moms have different challenges in raising their kids. Some of them are faced with children being diagnosed of having ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorders. Any support or additional information, including moves of both private and government entities towards research and awareness on Autism is highly appreciated. Knowing that we are not alone in looking for early detection, prevention and better treatment for this may as well serve as support, as the published news below state.

PGH TO GET P10-M GRANT FOR AUTISM
By Jun Medina, Special Correspondent of the Manila Times.Net

NEW YORK CITY: Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo announced on Tuesday a P10-million (about $200,000) donation to the state-run Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for the establishment of a research center for autism. Speaking as one of the honorary co-chairmen of the Second Annual World Focus on Autism held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel here, President Gloria Arroyo’s husband said that the P10-million grant will come from the private funds of the First Gentleman Foundation Inc. (FGFI). He is popularly referred to as “First Gentleman.”

“This center, to be located within the PGH, will be dedicated to research and development on autism cases, especially among the poor sector of our society,” Mike Arroyo told foreign dignitaries and delegates attending the conference on autism sponsored by Autism Speaks.

Headed by Ban Soon-taek, the wife of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the international forum was sponsored by the United Nations and autism research and advocacy group Autism Speaks.

The conference was attended by many First Spouses and some of the leading authorities in the emerging global efforts to fight autism.

It was moderated by popular American television talk show star Meredith Vieira, co-host of NBC’s Today show.

Besides the donation to the research center, Mr. Arroyo said that the FGFI would also donate $20,000 or P1 million to San Francisco-based Autism Hearts Foundation, which will lead the first International Autism Conference at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila on February 3 to 5, 2010.

Mike’s invitation

He invited UN officials, spouses of heads of states and various international organizations to participate in the February conference on autism that according to him will showcase the launching of Autism Institute of Asia, a newest research and development and specialized training center on autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

“With this center, we hope to achieve milestones on research for early detection and appropriate interventions [on autism],” Arroyo said in brief remarks that also included a short audio visual presentation on the Philippines’ efforts to deal with autism as a serious public-health problem.

Among those who indicated their attendance in the Manila conference include Ban Soon-taek and Bob and Suzanne Wright, the founders of Autism Speaks.

Citing Philippine General Hospital data, Mike Arroyo said that developmental disorders—autism, mental retardation and cerebral palsy—have become the fourth leading cause of pediatric morbidity at the government-run hospital from 2000 to 2008.

The UN chief’s wife, meanwhile, underscored the urgent need for global cooperation to deal with autism, a serious disorder that afflicts an estimated 67 million people globally.

Raising funds

During the conference, which drew one of the biggest gatherings ever of First Spouses, Autism Speaks founder Suzanne Wright unveiled the “Decade for Autism” initiative aimed at raising $100 million in 10 years to fund autism research, awareness campaigns and support services for families in their countries.

“We must do all we can to confront the challenges that autism poses on families and society as a whole,” Wright said in an emotional appeal. “We must not stop until one day we can collectively solve the mystery of autism.”

During a brief interview after her speech, she commended the Philippines for its “remarkable” efforts in the growing campaign to raise the people’s awareness about autism that leads to early detection of the disease and, consequently, to better treatment.

Wright cited the efforts of Qatar, through the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, which is investing $9.8 million in research and treatment of autism on the initiative of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah, the center’s patron.

Awareness campaign

During the same forum, Oscar-nominated director Alfonso Cuaron and Grammy-nominated songwriter-producer Billy Mann unveiled a moving video they created intended to generate public awareness and support to the fight against autism. The families of the two famous artists both deal with the challenge of having a son afflicted with autism.

The video I Am Autism, is a shockingly powerful short film that combines footage of individuals with autism from around the world and their families with a poem written by Mann and read by a multitude of voices to show the global face of autism.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationship, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges to those afflicted and their families.
Autism spectrum disorders, or ASDs are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, and an estimated 67 million globally.

The prevalence of autism, which afflicts four times as many boys as girls, has increased tenfold in the last decade, according to Autism Speaks, the world’s largest autism research and advocacy organization.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described autism as a national public-health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by spouses Bob and Suzanne Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is a senior adviser at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman of General Electric and CEO of NBC and NBC Universal for more than 20 years. Suzanne Wright has an extensive history of active involvement in community and philanthropic work mostly directed toward helping children.

Since its inception, Autism Speaks has funded researches into the causes, prevention and treatment of autism and is actively involved in information campaign to increase international awareness on autism.

Mothers Inc

Apr 7, '09 10:54 PM

Teens, yeah, that's what I heard over the radio. The difference with teens nowadays is that they are able to "blog" their feelings. I told myself, why not try it on for size. There could be something propitious in there.

Heheh, I learn more now from my kids than from books. I continue to read books though, simply because I can always read them whenever I want to, unlike my kids. From my husband, on the other hand, I get precious wisdom through his actions and how he handles urgent or difficult matters. I get to see his views and values based on how he responds to situations.

Wisdom. Now that is what I continue to pray for before plunging to just about anything . . . wisdom for my kids, my husband and myself. If you have wisdom, you can go on doing things confidently. I am aware that my working efficiently, harder and even faster may result to me ending up somewhere I don't truly want to be. It may not be the right path, for the time being, but not in the final assessment.
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Ok, ok, don't get bored. I had to write you know. That's what my mentor, Ms. Loree Mante of DBM Consulting advised me after retiring in 2003. You know what? My former employer offered this DBM program for retiring Executives for a significant dollar price, o di ba? That's why I did my best to get the most out it. It's worth it ha. Loree is superb in her work. She has helped me cope with early retirement. Actually, I wasn't expecting any help, for I believe there was no problem, but you do not need a problem pala to accept help and support. You just have to be grateful and confirm that there is a reason for everything. There is good and valuable things in each person. With others you can find gems, in them and in you. Again, thanks Loree!

Comfort rooms, yan, yan ang binabanatan ko ngayon, but I am able to sit down and compose this kasi nag-iipon ako ng tubig sa banyo. Yup, getting out of my comfort zones na rin. Kaso, I start to tire doing my chores, sabi ko grabe nakakapagod ito a. Oo, excited ako may bagong cleaning brush ako with a long handle. I got to test it and bravo, it serves its very purpose. Gawin mo raw exciting ang task at hand. Aray, ayan, naumpog noo ko sa handle . . . hindi sa handle ng brush, sa handle ng pinto ng CR, solid bakal pa naman, magandang klase, kaya magandang klase rin bukol ko. Sakit ha.

Teka, teka, at teka pa . . . todo emote pa ko e. Nakakapagod naman talaga e. I thought, mabuti pa yata yung nag-o-office tulad ng husband ko or nag-sku-school like my sons. Kasi naman, nagpapakahirap ako dito maglinis ng buong bahay, e buti kung may nakakapansin man lang kung na-escoba ko ng husto ang mga singgit singit ng tiles na ito o ng kaloob-looban ng bowls, o sa pag-i-is-is ko ng mga timba, tabo at jabonera. Hay kapagod, naiintindihan ba nila ang dinaranas ko dito sa bahay ??? . . . Kaso eto na si "Bro." . . . bumubulong.

Oo raw, kung paano ko naiintindihan ang dinanas Niya sa pasyon Niya sa kalbaryo. Lagot. Naisip ko, naku po e wala nga itong hirap ko compared dun. Ngek! Tsaka di ko rin naman alam pinagdaraanan ng mga tulad ng anak at asawa ko, surely may mga super-hirap moments rin sila. Kaya pala tama yung "seek to understand before seeking to be understood." E, baka mas mabibigat pa dalahin ng the likes ni hubby at ng mga kiddos. Baka di ko kaya mga krus nila. Mahirap ng mag-compare. At least, yung daily cross ko sure na kaya ko kasi, kahit feel ko na di ko kaya, my belief remains na the Lord will not assign a cross na di natin kaya. He will provide us with the strength we need at times of trials.

Tsaka, minsang nasa complaining mood ako, remember ko, nagpapasalamat pala ako at nakakapaglinis na ko ng bahay. Kasi for more than 2 months I was nurturing an injury. Hindi ko matapak paa ko. Mas grabe pala ang wala kang magawa kasi di kaya ng katawan mo. Buti na nga lang I have a sister who pushes me to the doctor. Also, my mother, a cancer-survivor, has become my true inspiration, kasi wala masyadong complain yun, samantalang hirap ng chemotheraphy ordeal. Envision the experience of losing your hair, darkening of your nails, drying up of your skin, hilo, nausea, etc. O sumasama ba pakiramdam mo, binabasa mo pa lang yan.

Hay, hay, Inday. So eto, kuskos muna. Ayan, super clean ever ang mga banyo. O say, "mga", mga banyo ha. Di ba blessing yan, ang daming banyo, at ang laki ng tahanan. Okay yan until the day you find yourself doing the cleaning of the whole house yourself, by yourself, heheh. Oops, not complaining ha. Blessing nga di ba. Many dream of having a house of their own, yung iba nga basta may matutuluyan lang. Ok, ok ala-Santino drama na yan.

At di ka ba magpapasalamat at nakakapaglinis ka, say ko sa self ko. Aba, you can be stuck to tutoring your kids pero hindi 'day, kasi they don't ask for your brains to support them, only your wallet for their allowance.

Kasi naman I want to do everything at the same time and be perfect. Kaso mo, I end up stressed-out, frustrated, with unfinished work, so far from perfect, and close to super annoying. I want to be right pero for whom? A verse crossed my mind, "Martha, Martha, you are worried over so many things, but only one thing is important." Ayun na nga.

The other reason why I am writing this down is for a need in the future. At least I know that somewhere in my lifetime I am at a right state of mind. Later, on something not so good may happen and I will slip back into a negative mode. It's like cleaning the house, sorry for the analogy, I just happen to be cleaning right? After you have polished the house clean and placed everything in their proper places, warm bodies arrive and we all get to contribute in building-up a mess once more.

Ganun rin sa isip natin. After some reflections, you are rewarded with a mind that you have placed in the right perspective. As trials come and go, it kinda end up in an entropy again. There is that need for re-organizing, feeding of fresh nurturing thoughts, and some strong detergent-like principles to get you back to the proper God-pleasing state of mind.

Live, learn and love . . . that I remember.
P.S. Papa, kids, dogs . . . luv 'ya guys.
Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Ikaw, what's on your mind, heheh. Have to go and get my dogs and myself a bath.
Mothers Inc
Today is Easter Apr 11, '09 10:05 PM

I feel so small, insect-like really, reading my first blog, full of written complaints, huh. Something just washed me this Holy Week and after watching Bo Sanchez on TV yesterday.

A personal discovery hit me, I want to be praised for things I do ( well, don't all of us do.) Also, there are two persons I want so much to please. I have high regards of their opinion of me. Yes, I value what my mother and my husband think of the things I do. I'm not sure why. Probably because most of their decisions turn out right.

I have just finished cleaning the house and am left with some free time (ayoko pang gawin my paperworks, Sunday naman e).

Good for me, I finally came in terms with myself regarding housework. I carry it out now with an open heart and mind. Why? I offer it to Him, and in so doing, I perform it to the best of my ability, not just pwede na. I do that extra scrub, that double washing with detergent, until I am satisfied it looks superb (yung kitang-kita ang ebidensiya na dumaan sa paglilinis.) I do tire, but just physically. There is that certain peace and joy after seeing it done.

How timely. I do feel resurrected, and what do you know, it's Easter today. Thank God!!!