Enablex, Miralax, Dulcolax, Levit…um...Viag…, Oh My!

Thank you to Cathy Harvey, Administrative Assistant to Shepherds College for writing today's blog.

 

Bet the title got your attention, didn’t it?  It is from a great book I read recently called Autism, The Invisible Cord: A Sibling’s Diary by Barbara Cain (2013, Magination Press). I picked it up at the library simply by perusing the shelves as I walked throughout on a hunt for arts and crafts books. (Read on for how the title relates!)

Since I began working here in 2009, I appreciate even more than before some of the excellent portrayals and stories of people with disabilities in books and movies. I used to relate to them from a distance, but now I do so with more personal interest and ability to apply what I learn from them.  I grew up with an aunt who had Cerebral Palsy and a daughter with undiagnosed Asperger’s, but their lives were our norm, so I never considered them in a way others probably perceived them—with a disability.  It is probably why statistics show 53% of parents are in denial about their children’s disability because a mother’s love does not see her child as anything but a beautiful tug at her heart.  Of course I did know my aunt and daughter had a disability (though my daughter’s was a mystery for years), but life traveled on as usual and we adapted to whatever they needed.  It wasn’t until I interviewed here and was asked if I knew people with disabilities that I thought of them more clearly as such. My first thought was that I didn’t know anyone which is why it surprised me that God led me here.  Then, like a light bulb moment, I realized I had grown up around it, so it was a natural part of life’s flow.

But back to the book-- The Invisible Cord: A Sibling’s Diary is a tender rendition of life from 14-year old Jenny’s perspective, of her school and family dynamic and what life with her younger autistic brother brings to her.  His name is Ezra, an atypical 6^th grader whom she loves and defends passionately, wondering if she will ever be able to cut the invisible cord that binds her to him to explore her own dreams one day.  As she rises to occasions to defend him and gain a little revenge with his worst bully (a girl), she spearheads a story about bullying in her writers club to bring awareness to the school and her community.

He has his patterns and amusing routines, like regularly reciting a string of commercials, “Enablex, Miralax, Dulcolax, Levitra, Viagra!” in the most inopportune times that can make her want to disappear, or that keeps her laughing with his pure innocence.

She finds comfort in writing to her diary which she names “Dee,” sorting out her feelings about boys, friends, school, the principal, Ezra, and the dynamics of family members who love and accept him unconditionally, and those who never make peace about his permanent condition.

It a simple read, but so touching in the way Cain spins the tale, develops the character of Jenny, and draws the reader in to her home and school life.  It’s real (even though it’s fiction) and has a great ending which I will not give away!  I hope you will check out this Silver Medal Winner, 2013 Mom's Choice Awards book.  The back of the book includes tips for self-advocacy for siblings of children with autism.  It a great Sunday afternoon read, and I plan to read it again before returning it to the library.

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.edu.