Going Home

So I’ve decided to start a Monday Morning Catch Up. I’m doing it because although I try to keep my recipe posts clear of too much of my personal life, (and all about the recipe itself), My readers aren’t getting to know me as a person.

You have been wonderful, loyal readers and after last Monday’s post, I want to continue to connect and share who I am with you so you know the person behind the food.

So, on Monday mornings I’m going to write a post to just catch up and let you know what’s happening – just in case you’d like to know! 🙂

If you’ve been a regular reader of my blog then you know that I live in the UK (I’m a Jersey Girl originally).  I married my English husband and moved here with him after a whirlwind romance 15 years ago.  We’ve had a wonderful life together and have an amazing 10-year-old son.

About a year and a half ago, our son was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism Disorder (AKA: Aspergers or ASD) and it changed our lives.   Finding out your child may struggle with life for the rest of their life, isn’t easy for any parent.  It turned our whole world upside-down, and it was a long tough journey to where we are today.

In the Summer of 2017, we went home to NJ to visit and during that visit, we saw a change in our son.  He thrived.  He interacted with people and he smiled.  

He had long conversations with my parents and joked with his cousins.  At one point, I cried watching him sit on the couch and chat with a friend’s daughter.  He sat there leaning back with his arm stretched out on the back of the couch looking casual and comfortable as they talked about everything and nothing.

Anyone who knows anything about Aspergers (or my son), knows this is not a common occurrence in social situations.  He was like that with almost everyone he was around that visit and when we left, he experienced emotional anguish for the very first time in his life.

This kid who spends most of his time trying not to feel anything – howled in tears as the plane took off because he didn’t want to leave.  That was when I knew we had to go back – for good.

Life in England hasn’t been easy for me.  I’ve had very few friends that have stuck and I’ve lived a very isolated life.  I work from home and have had little to no social life and no family which translates to – No Babysitter (or date nights – ever).

I have family and close friends back home as well my life long, best friend (and soul sister).  I need them to help support me through this journey with my boy (and not to mention babysitters for those long-awaited date nights)!  In 3 short months, we make the big move!  I’m going home! 🙂

Next week, my husband has his green card interview.  OMG, I am SO nervous!  It’s the only thing standing in our way!  Wish us luck!