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!
Aniela says
Oh my gosh Erren!!! So excited for you guys! Let us know when you reach state side – it has been far too long since we last saw you guys xx
Erren says
Hi Aniela! I knew you would be! Of all my friends only you know what it really means to go home. I’ll be in touch! 🙂
Kenny says
I’m excited about your move in 3 months. It’ll be here before you know it! This is such a good idea with your blog. America has missed you!😀
Erren says
Thanks, Ken! I’m excited too (especially for our more manageable time difference). I’ve missed America too!
Melissa says
I know it’s not been an easy road, but I admire your strength, courage and determination! Your Love for your child has been your drive for success. I’m so very proud of you! I think coming home and being with your support system is important and necessary for all of you. One that I’m sure will help you all thrive even more.
Looking fwd to your blogs on Mondays and to some more great cuisine!
Erren says
Thanks so much, Melissa! I can’t tell you how much it means! I think you’re right – it will be good for all of us! <3
Christie O’Connor says
I am so proud of the woman you have become against all odds living so far from your people. My son has ADHD. I know hearing that your child is different is such a blow. Having a support system is vital. So happy for you that you will be home!
Erren says
Thank you, Christie. That’s so very sweet of you! A support system is so important and I can’t wait to have it on a regular basis when I’m home. We’ll make sure we get together often! We’ll go from being school friends to Mom friends! xo
Carol says
Erren, the best of luck with the move and getting the family support that is so necessary when you have a special child. I have heard children with ASD are able to thrive very well. My friend has a son with ASD and he just started his freshman year at Cornell. When my son was diagnosed years ago with Tourette Syndrome, part of my family turned their backs on us. I found support through the Tourette Syndrome Association and that helped us. We also found great support with the school system.
Best of luck with everything!!!!
Erren says
Hi Carol, Thank you for sharing your story. It can be rough getting acceptance for a child that’s different. I try not to pay too much attention to that kind of negativity and I’m getting better at it! 🙂 I had an ASD counselor I worked with for the first year and she helped a lot and I also have some close friends help me through. I look very forward to everyday support that will come with going home. Thank so much for the well wishes!
Angela says
This post makes me happy and sad! I don’t want you to go, you are an amazing friend and we have had some great laughs, let’s hope that doesn’t end. It’s been a privilege to have been a part of your Uk life. Keep the posts coming. X
Erren says
Oh Ang, I am so happy we re-connected and my time here is ending with lots of laughter and the good times that will stay with me forever. Thank you for being my friend and for cheering me on with this blog (and so much more). Your support has been amazing! xx
Kim says
I’m so happy that you are including this component to your blog! I’ve followed you since your “Pondhopper” days and I always admired your style of recounting events and emotions. I for one, can’t wait to read all about your transition back to America with your family!
Erren says
Oh wow, thanks so much, Kim! Personal writing isn’t easy, but you make me want to keep going! 🙂
NICOLE says
Your raw honesty and fierce dedication to your family is unparalleled. You have taken on way more than most can handle and done it with such integrity. The success you have accomplished with Erren’s Kitchen is astounding to say the least. Thanks so much for sharing this part of your life. My family certainly appreciates your recipes!!
Erren says
I couldn’t have done any of it without you! Thanks so much for being my cheerleader and my rock! Love you!
Jade says
This was so heartwarming and lovely to read, thank you for being open and honest with us about how you feel, it must be hard being away from family, I don’t know what I would do without mine! Being a single mum with two children myself, one who has daily struggles also can be hard, never knowing if you’re doing the right thing or if you’ve chosen the right thing for them is a burden itself. It sounds like your little boy is a very lucky one to have a Mum that clearly loves and puts all his needs first! I hope America is everything you hope it will be! Ps, I don’t know what I would cook without your recipes these days they have become a way of life haha keep them coming 😉 Lots of love U.K Mum xx
Erren says
What a LOVELY comment! Thank you so much! Motherhood is hard for sure, but all we can do is the best we can! Lots of love back!!
Honor Munro says
What a fantastic read from your number 1 fan!
Such a great idea to start a series that lets us all find out a little bit more about you! Behind Erren’s kitchen is clearly a very inspirational women! Can’t wait to find out more next Monday!
Erren says
Ahh, Thanks so much Honor! You’re the best! xo