Preparing for the Perfect Storm

A few weeks ago, Skye commented that things might be lining up in Austin's life for the perfect storm.

1. Aidan had just been promoted to the next level in swimming, so he's now in the same level, and the same class, as Austin. Austin has been making excuses about why this could happen, we assured him that it's not unusual for siblings to be at the same swimming level, and it takes a long time to complete the level - it will be difficult for Aidan at first.

2. Austin's occupational therapist, who has built up a beautiful rapport with Austin, and has had such success with him in the sessions, is leaving the practice to operate his own occupational therapy practice in Surrey. Austin has been assigned a new therapist, a gentle and well-attuned woman, who is favourably impressed by Austin so far.

3. Austin is turning 11 in less than 2 weeks. We haven't booked a party space yet. We haven't sent out any invitations. Austin's not sure he has any friends to invite. Well, he has a few friends, but this does seem to be a metric he uses to determine his value...many friends = popular, likeable, valuable person. I'm not keen to spend about $200 on a party, when Austin has hardly socialized this year, and I feel uncomfortable inviting kids we haven't seen most of the year, having them feel obliged to bring a gift. Is this just my own hang-up, or is there some validity to it?

4. Melissa, our dear Korean student, will be moving out of our home on April 10th. We will miss having her around, and Austin will miss her the most. I hazard a guess that he's missing her already, even though she's still here.