Long Overdue Update

Sometimes no news IS good news. It has been just under 20 months since my last post. While the day-to-day progress has been inching along, it has been amazing the progress that has been made over the last year and a half.

Freshman in College Now!

When choosing a college, there were two top choices that were fairly equal. One was a major university near our home and the other a 2 hour car-ride away where Colin's middle brother attends. He ended up deciding on going to school with his brother.

Colin is residing in the Honors dorm, and decided to go the random roommate route. We were a bit concerned how this would go. His roommate is the polar opposite in politics and a bit passive-aggressive.Colin is taking this in stride and both boys are avoiding conflict.

The first semester went extremely well! Colin made the varsity E-sports team, and seems to have found his tribe. He also made Dean's List with a challenging set of classes that included Organic Chemistry. While we rarely hear from him unless he needs something, it has been comforting for us to have his brother nearby to keep an eye-out.

So far, so good!

New Home

 Just over a year ago, we moved into a new custom home designed to be quiet.

During Colin's senior year in high school, he had his own room on the 1st floor with no room above. We have the refrigerator in the insulated pantry as well as an insulated laundry room. Couple that with the older boys away at school and getting his driver's license, the sense of freedom must have been intoxicating.

We have no idea where he was with his trigger sounds, having more control over his environment could only have helped.

Spring Break

Colin and his middle-brother were just home for Spring Break. He turned 18 right before break and we were able to celebrate a little late. He did not want much for his birthday, other than a new gaming mouse and a few minor things for his computer and was extremely appreciative.

The day before the boys left to go back, I took Colin to our local Botanical Conservatory to photograph flowers and butterflies. Afterwards we grabbed a bite to eat. It warmed my heart to be able to spend quality time with my son. Almost like old times. I will treasure this memory.

Work-In-Progress?

I am not sure how much more progress is left to go. We still do not discuss "that year" where we bottomed out.

I am amazed how far my son has come. He has matured and does not show signs of his sound issues. We believe his gaming habit has helped change his brain and have no idea what triggers might be left.

Who knows what the future holds?  I am living in the moment and soaking up and savoring all the "normalcy" that I can.

At the moment life is good.  I guess we will always be a "work-in-progress"!