It’s been about 6 weeks since I’ve posted on the blog. A lot has happened, but I couldn’t find the headspace to sit and write. So I’m at the office this afternoon waiting on a late patient and I think I can let it all flow out of me in this quiet…

A couple weeks ago, Tommi started talking about how he hopes there’s someone who can take him places and mow his yard and help him order at a restaurant when I’m gone because he’s still gonna need help and he’s pretty sure jackson won’t have time. Oh shooters, I wasn’t ready for that. It was just something that ran through his head in the moment and he simply stated the thought. He wasn’t upset or anxious…he was just genuinely curious. But it made me think. And made me realize that we needed to update our will. And I need to get back on the fitness bandwagon. So I recommitted to my R3 Fitness program and Todd and I had a consult with a lawyer and Tommi is at least now taken care of financially when we pass and he won’t get it in one lump sum that he would spend on Etsy in 10 minutes flat. 😂

Tommi is still doing well. Started 9th grade with INCA again this year, and is definitely taking more responsibility for his schoolwork. This first quarter, Tommi only has 3 classes, and he does 2 of them during the day while I’m at work. The 3rd class – Algebra 1 – I “teach” him. There’s a reason I’m an Audiologist, not a math teacher, but we’re holding our own so far. I’ve learned how to learn the lessons myself, then teach Tommi how to do the math in a way that I’m not doing the actual math homework. We’ve had frustration, but no anger and no walking away, so I call that a win! He has a school counselor this year who he has to meet with weekly. She’s a LMFTA therapist, contracted out to the school and she’s really good. Tommi has met with her 3 times, via zoom, and Tommi really likes her. That is an answered prayer.

Tommi’s hair is growing like wildfire! He does still pull, and if you know the spots to look you will see where he pulls, but it’s only in a couple spots, and they’re not noticeable unless you’re really looking, another win. He can actually part his hair if he wants….although he usually just wears it standing straight up! There are some little curls starting in the back, but everywhere else it’s pretty straight.

He’s still trying to do his baking business. Hasn’t had many orders, but still practicing non-stop and starting to try some dog treats! We hired him at Meridian Audiology for our physician marketing gifts and he made some amazing cake balls and thumbprint cookies for the physicians we visited in August. He’s making our September gifts as well – already planning on what he’ll do for those! It’s a good gig – the people who hired him treat him very well and pay him more money than he’s ever had (that’s not really saying much!).

Tommi went to the first Purdue Football game of 2022 with us. It was a late one – and a long one – but he stood when I stood, he clapped the school song, and he had a pretty enjoyable time. He even asked for a Purdue tshirt! We may win him over yet. He went to game number 2 also! Even got and wore PU Gameday bibs! I think we’ve got him! 🖤💛

He tends to be outside waiting on me to get home every afternoon, likes to go on every errand or trip I make after work or on the weekends – likes being in the same room with me. I love his love, his humor, hearing his insights and his questions. Somedays it really ramps up my compassion fatigue, but I’ve also learned how to step away and take a few minutes for myself.

Tommi is missing Jackson, but this transition of Jackson heading back to Purdue was the smoothest we’ve had to date. When jackson calls, Tommi makes sure to get a hello into the conversation. And it melts my heart. I thank God for the love they now share.