A Place of His Own

Levaughn's Comfort Zone
 

The post for the remaining weeks of April took me a while to assemble. I thought of support groups for families, both online and in the general public. I will attempt to list a few at the end of this post, but there also something else that came to mind, your child's environment.


What I have done here is added a picture of my son's favorite spot. Yes, it's a tent. When my son was younger, I did not understand the need for him to have his own place to go to in order for him to reboot.

There were times where he might have gone into a dark place such as a closet or behind a bed. It wasn't until one Christmas when I purchased a play tent that I understood the importance of this simple toy. At first, it started with me buying a tent for my daughter, who is not on the spectrum. I soon discovered that Levaughn loved playing in the secluded space.

The next Christmas, I bought tents for them both. They enjoyed romping and hiding and going back and forth between the two tiny forts. Then there were times when Levaughn could not regulate his emotions well and he would just go to the tent and hang out. He would reappear some time later fresh and ready to move on. Since then, tents have been a part of my Christmas shopping list as a staple. This year, we bought a real tent. I wanted something that would last for more than a year, if I was lucky. On Christmas day, we assembled his tent and he quickly put his sleeping bag and his light saber inside. He zipped himself inside and that was his own place. He doesn't use it as much now, but when he needs it, be it play or self regulation, it is there for him.

Self regulation is a big step for children with Autism. We as parents, might not understand the signals, especially when the child is non verbal. I can only give you what I noticed:

1.  Crying for no reason
2.  Going off to be alone 
3.  Easily upset with no reason
4.  Tantrums that last longer than usual

The funny thing about these clues is they occur in children with and without Autism. Some of our children just need reboot space. So if you are a parent with a child that is not on the spectrum and you are reading this, don't panic.  All children have some little quirk that makes them who they are. This doesn't mean they are on the spectrum and someone misdiagnosed them. This is just a tool that I found that seems to work for my child.

Autism Support Groups

I live in a small town, therefore support groups are few and possibly non existent. However, thanks to social media there are a number of online groups that offer discussion and sharing:

1,  http://autism.supportgroups.com/

2.  http://www.autism-society.org/

3.  http://www.myautismteam.com/users/sign_in

4.  http://www.autismspeaks.org/about-us/social-networks

5.  https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Autism-Social-Network/160555103982991


Parenting Support Group In Lake City, FL area

1.  http://www.momsclublakecity.webs.com/

Autism/ADHD Medicating Our Children

In keeping with the theme on Autism and the ones we love, I thought I would further by sharing my experience with medicating my son. Not only is Levaughn a child with Autism, he is also diagnosed ADHD.  Where his stemming begins and the ADHD ends is a good guess, but with the help of a good physician and little self experience we recognized the signs when things weren't going to right.

Stemming:

As you all know, most children with Autism, stem. This is a repetitive gesture or motion that soothes their anxiety, yet drives the parent insane. That's putting it mildly. For my son, beads and repetitive motion of twirling the beads seems to be his thing. He is also the perfect mimic for certain cartoons, characters and movies.

ADHD

For my son it is the inability of him to slow down from his stemming and focus in order to learn.  That simple.


The Doctor

We have had two doctors that specialize in ADHD/Autism. Both of them are very good. The first one actually diagnosed my son and started him on medications at age 3.  These were drugs to calm the constant stemming and help him with changes in the classroom. This was the office that said he would never adjust to change.  Well two things happened, we learned quickly that strawberry milk was excellent in mixing liquid meds and Levaughn did learn to adjust and was not violent so we were down to one med.

Another interesting fact, for those of you who are new and just getting into this. These medications tend to cut the appetite of the child. I would be feeding my son 3 or 4 peanut butter jelly sandwiches in the morning because I knew he would go the entire day without eating. Then when he came home, I would let him eat whatever he wanted. By the way, yes he is a picky eater. Still working on that one. No, I don't do GFCF diets because he is already limited in what he eats. I can't afford it and since he is coming along as is, will hold off on that one.


Meds we have tried (*) current medication:

Daytrana  (Age 3-4)  
-Patch Form
- Worked pretty well until he outgrew it

Resperidal
-liquid
-Worked for a limited time during the day, needed longer lasting med

Vyvanse (Age 5-7)
-Capsule
-Sprinkle in food (Mixed with strawberry milk or juice)

Concerta(Age 8-9)
-Capsule
-We taught him to take pills (Med did not work well for him, made him angry and violent/discontinued)

*Focalin XR
-Capsule
- Can open and sprinkle in his mouth with water, if unable to get the capsule down.  This is his current medicine and it works well. However, it had to be combined with Intuniv.

*Intuniv
-Tablet
-Works well with Focalin XR in helping him maintain focus throughout the school day


For those of you wondering why we have had so many medications, well as my son's body chemistry changed, he outgrew his meds or his system just acclimated to his medications.


Over the years, I have used strawberry milk or juice to deliver medications to my child. But as you know medications that are extended release are not that plentiful in liquid form. At least during those years there weren't any. Now there is a new med that is available called Quillvant. It is the first extended medication in liquid form. http://www.quillivantxr.com/

Know Your Child

As I have stated before, we could always tell when it was time to adjust Levaughn's meds. His behavior would change drastically. His teacher would notice that the medication would wear off earlier or just was not taking at all. The next thing was his appetite. If he started eating a lot at school, we knew that it was time for a change.

Also, watch for negative changes after the medicine is administered. The anger and unwillingness of my son to work for his teachers was our immediate cue that Concerta was not right for him. In addition, earlier on he was given Intuniv and it made him very sleepy. However, now that he is older he can tolerate it better when paired with the Focalin XR.

A Hard Road

No. No it isn't easy, but take it by the horns and learn the cues, learn your child's language. Most of us with children with this disease communicate in Autism all the time. It is up to us to translate that to our teachers and physicians. I say that yes, I am bilingual, I speak English and Autism.

I hope this has helped.

L Redd

Autism: Battle on the Home Front -L Redd



Autism: The Battle on the Home Front

So today I have been asked to submit a blurb about my life and autism. I am quite pleased to do so because I feel my story is one of success in the making. My son was a blessing from the beginning. Born at 28 weeks and weighing in at 2lbs 10oz, we were faced with a number of uncertainties. I sat by his NICU bed praying and hoping for any miracle that would keep him alive and well. You can imagine when he suddenly stopped eating and was diagnosed with meningitis how crushed I was and unsure of where life was taking us. However, Levaughn pulled through and shortly after valentine's day in 2004 I was able to take him home. You can only imagine my joy and elation at packing his bag and saying goodbye to his sterile but loving environment at the Shands in Gainesville, Florida.

As a new parent, you have no idea what to expect. Yes, you buy the books, your watch the many shows on TV about bringing home a new baby and the nine months before and after, but nothing really prepares you. The months following bringing Levaughn home were doctor's visits to make sure he continued to gain weight and stayed healthy and thank the Lord, he did.

We made it to birthday number three and by then, things were starting to manifest that I knew were not typical behavior. My little man never spoke and seemed fixated on the television and twirling objects. Looking back on it, he seemed confused with the world around him and was just taking in what he could. I have to admit that as a new mom, I had no idea what was going on and am sure that I didn’t handle things as I should have. It wasn’t until a trip to the pediatrician that I was made aware that he may be a child with autism. I contacted the school system for testing and at that time my son was evaluated and due to his delays, was placed in the school setting. It was in the spring when he was officially tested and labeled as a child with moderate to severe autism. That was the worse day of my life. My world crashed around me like a mirror in a bomb factory. The shards of glass for every moment in his life that I wanted to cherish now lay crumbling in piles at my feet. Pieces of graduations, first driving lessons, marriage, grandkids, all of those events were now shattered and unrecognizable. I drove home from that meeting in tears and wondered what I could do and what was going to happen to my little boy. I arrived home exhausted from depression and endless amounts of tears. Autism was and still is, a disorder in which cases are increasing daily and no one has any idea of how it happens or how it is cured. Back to me at home from the appointment and sitting at my dining room table contemplating options. It was then that a sliver of hope reached out and gave me strength. Levaughn wanted a toy that was on top of the entertainment center. I watched him get a chair and climb up to the unit and retrieve his toy. It was in that instance that I realized that if he can think, he can do, autism or no autism. My crusade was fueled with a passion to find the right educators and environment for my son. We have had many battles since and have overcome a number of obstacles.

Levaughn was already enrolled in a pre k classroom for two years. I held him back an additional year because I knew that his next placement would be a school where they would pigeon hole him as a child with autism and stick him in a room with other children with disabilities. He would be there full time and never be allowed inclusion in a regular classroom. In my mind, that would never do. I understood that he needed the special classroom as he learns at a slower rate and stems, however, he had so many other qualities that were not being addressed in that special class. In addition, I knew that school system would not be as accommodating, no matter what the rules are. If the regular education teacher felt that him just being there was too much, he would be moved immediately back to his special class on a permanent basis. I was at the proverbial fork in the road.

In the meantime, I was starting to hear good things about the Hamilton county school system. A small quaint town, Hamilton is west of Columbia by fifteen minutes. The town, the hometown of my husband, is a place where people care for each other and outsiders are welcomed, but they better know their place until they are accepted. The move was not a difficult transition and Levaughn did well. He started off at the Greenwood school, which was dedicated to children with disabilities of every level. The facility had gained a strong positive, reputation for working with children and getting them mainstreamed and/or placed in the ESE, Exceptional Student Education classrooms at Central Hamilton Elementary. When I transferred Levaughn, some people were shocked and asked did I know what I was doing. I didn’t care, anything was going to be better than him being placed in a room where he would be forgotten. We moved to the new school and met a wonderful teacher name Mr. Torres. He immediately saw the potential in my son within weeks of his enrollment and began working with him on language and self control. At the end of his first year, Levaughn was starting to speak and request items that he wanted. He was able to use one word to do these things, but that was fine with me. He seemed happier and smiled more and actually looked forward to school. One year with Mr. Torres and he was starting the rudimentary skills that he needed to carry on to the next level.

Following summer school that year, Mr. Torres called me and told me that my son would go to Central Hamilton, which is the elementary school in Jasper, Florida. He would be in a classroom with other children with disabilities, but it would be a small class that ensured more one on one with Levaughn. In addition, he would be mainstreamed for the purposes of observation. I was thrilled and scared, my son had tested out of Greenwood but he would be under someone new. That was when Mr. Torres lowered the second bomb, he was moving to Central and would continue to be Levaughn's teacher. I was smiling and crying at the same time. My prayers had been answered. Someone who was familiar with my son and knew what it took to work with him was going to be at the healm.

The first part of that year was amazing. Levaughn added more words and began to be curious about his environment. In addition, the greatest thing in the world happen, he started calling me, "mama." Yes, he had said the word before, but it was with a blank stare, almost like a speech to a stranger. However, now when he said it, there was feeling and love in his eyes. I shouted out his progress to everyone we knew. I could tell that some people did not believe me and some were ecstatic. The reason being, In addition to his Autism, he is a child with ADHD. He is medicated to control his impulses and by the end of the day the meds wear off. So if we attended any functions, you would see the side of him that was unmedicated, especially if it was after 3pm. Anyway, I knew the progress and none of the other naysayers mattered.

That was when I learned for sure that with every positive a negative would rear its ugly head. Mr. Torres, guru, became very ill and had to leave his position. I was devastated. Levaughn's team called a meeting and I met with a new group of teachers to discuss what would be done. Once again, Hamilton was all over it. Levaughn would have a new teacher, but not as thrilled as Torres. She was good, but was a teacher that was meant for regular education students. Nothing bad about her, but once you work with special needs children you have a better understanding of what it takes to make them learn and how they learn. He remained mainstreamed but I felt that I had reached a pit yet again. That was when another wonderful blessing came my way in the form of Mrs. Amy Bailey. She had been asked to take over Mr. Torres' class as she had a background in working with children with disabilities. She was the spark that we both needed. With some hesitation, she took on the class and Levaughn's world exploded into a loving environment filled with discipline and caring once again. Levaughn was able to come off of one of his medications as he learned how to transition without causing a stir and using negative behavior.

Since the induction of Amy Bailey, he is starting to read (sight words) and doing very basic mathematics. He is now only on ADHD medication as he is a true hyperactive child. He plays with other children and is atypical in his autism in that he has compassion for others and loves hugs. Amy is on top of every moment keeping a photo diary of my son and sharing his special class moments through text messages and videos. We talk all the time and share ideas of what works and what doesn’t. My son is an A B honor roll student. Yes, he is in his special class, but that does not mean his accomplishment is any less. I know now that if I had kept him where he was, he would be just that kid in “that” classroom. In Hamilton, he is Levaughn Brown and everyone adores him. He gets up on stage to get his certificates and trophies with a smile. Even though, we know the road ahead will be paved in stumps and cracks, it’s easier to maneuver with Hamilton county and Mrs. Bailey at my side.

So if you are reading this and have a child with a disability and are at that point where you feel your child can do more and you are not getting what you thought you should, speak up. The only person who can truly have a voice for your child is you. Lachelle Redd

The Christmas Dinner L. Redd

Amanda Locke was on her feet for most of the night. The preparation and planning of her annual Christmas dinner was well into its tenth hour. Family and friends, eagerly awaiting the joyous event and looking forward to the soiree of the year were calling nonstop to lend a hand as needed. Antonio, or Tonio, had been in and out with the men folk hunting and drinking up his fair share of beer and liquor for most of the afternoon. Not a grateful man, her husband was more detached and unconcerned about her get together so this left Mandy on her own. She was not pleased with the situation, but dealt with Tonio's flaws with grace and charm, especially during the holidays. Her best smile, manicured hands, well trimmed hair and, as always, an exquisite red dress for the season always garnered the affection and admiration of those who knew her. Tonio would do his usual, sit back drink, belch, and fart out a compliment. Mandy' s father and close friends were less than pleased.

This holiday also brought about another year of an empty nest. The couple was still without children. Trying on so many occasions and failing to conceive, the last three years of their six-year union was more like a mating documentary than a marriage. However, a recent chain of events however would put an entirely new set of circumstances into play. I'm glad he's out of the house; it gives me time to think. Peeling potatoes and checking the large grill out back, Mandy continued to prepare the feast. Her long red hair tied up in ponytail she peeled and chopped away while potato skins stuck to various parts of the kitchen cabinet. You want potatoes you got 'em. I'm gonna stuff the fuck outta you with damn potatoes. Her thoughts had been racing most of the morning and she often found herself engaging in one-sided conversations where only she could answer. At that moment, another call was coming through. 

"Mandy, Merry Christmas how are ya? You need anything?" Chris, her best friend since high school and always bubbly and cheerful made her usual check in call. Volunteering was her thing. She was always there when Mandy needed her.  

"Hey Chris, I knew you would be calling soon. I got everything together over here. Just relax and know that you are in for a dinner that has no rival. Once I am done with these tons of potatoes I think I will be finished."

Chris' voice resonated with a question. "But you did potatoes yesterday, I thought?"

"Yeah, but you know my hubby, his father is coming and wants potatoes, those are his favorite. I got his damn potato. So now, I peel more."

Chris, noticing the sarcasm in her friend's tone, continued. "So make Tonio's ass peel potatoes. You been up all night and guest are coming at six, right."

Mandy took in a long sigh knowing exactly where Chris was going with her comment. "Darling, I know how you feel and yes, dinner is at six. I will be fine. Tonio is out of the way for now, so I can concentrate on making this the best dinner ever. I'm using that new grill he built at Thanksgiving, and it is working like you would not believe. Don't worry so much."

Chris, her disgust for Tonio seeping through every pore, remarked. "A fucking grill, he should have bought you that bracelet you been eying. It's the least he could do considering his most recent faux pas. Why the hell do you deal with him?" The obvious aggravation was making her blood pressure rise. Mandy, as always, calmed her.

"I know he appears boorish and selfish, but someone's got to love him. As for the recent issue, he hasn't been out to a beaver bar with his dad since our little talk. So for me, it's over. And I got my bracelet and will be wearing it at the dinner." The happiness in her voice was one that Chris had not heard in a years. Knowing her friend was well, she was able to hang up feeling that things were once again on the mend. 

Thinking back on their life together, Mandy's excuse was what they had been through so much that she did not remember his asshole moments as much. She knew he rubbed her friends wrong on more than one occasion with his lack of responsibility. Missing planned dinners, showing up drunk for office parties, staying out all night drinking and partying with his father and friends had ruined his standing in their eyes. Still Mandy forgave the chubby troll and took him back time after time. She had hoped that the love of a new family member, preferably a baby, would be her distraction, but they were unfortunate in that arena as well.

Around noon, the potatoes, all skinned and chopped, were ready to go in with the meat. Angered at a recent chain of events, another doctor's visit, another failure, the irate spouse stuffed the bird to the gills. Every seasoning she could find was stacked in order on a corner shelf built as an add-on to the massive grill platform. Taking notes from some of her favorite cooking magazines, the red headed beauty launched into a stuff and season mode that would make any chef proud. Her pale, freckled skin covered in pepper, poultry season, and paprika to the point she appeared to have a tan. Then it was time for the potatoes.

The finishing touch of your glorious meal and the main dish will be so pleased. The potatoes, last on the list, proved to be difficult in their placement. The legs were not cooperating sticking up and out and causing all kinds of culinary mayhem. The grill lid, just a little too tight she would have to make some alterations. Just cook them a little longer and chop 'em off at the joint. Spread 'em, cover in the remaining potatoes and that should do it. Filling each cavities with the well-trimmed spuds seemed to be the most arduous chore. Thank goodness, the head is gone, that would have really pissed me off. Can't believe that moron brought me a damn bird with the head last year. What were you thinking? Why did I wait so long? Oops, gonna have to chop this in parts to make sure it all gets cooked even. Positioning the meat on the grill, Mandy continued to sweat and season until it was time for cake and pie preparation. Prepping the baking are and gathering her favorite apron for the dusty job, Mandy brought out big momma to beat and mend the dough. A tiny smile escaped her lips as she thought of life following this afternoon's dinner. Things were gonna be different. She was sure of it.

As she started mixing ingredients, the phone rang again. Hands draped in flour and sugar, she picked up the nearby kitchen phone.

"Mands, this is Jake, calling for Tonio, you seen him? He was supposed to help me cut some wood this morning." Jake was one of Tonio's close friends and sometimes a partner in crime when things went bad.

"He left the house first thing this morning, came back briefly, and checked out again. Can't help ya." Her tone was one of sheer indifference. "I am sure he will be here for the dinner, you know how he loves potatoes."

Jake hung up and continued with his own "honey do" list. He spoke with his wife, Shelly, about the call and how Mandy seemed strange. Shelly figured that Tonio was laid up drunk somewhere. Knowing the kind of trouble he stayed in, kept most of Mandy's female friends on edge and pissed off. Shelly, had threatened divorce on many occasions when the men decided that hanging out at all hours of the night was their prerogative. However, Jake knew better. Child support for three children would put him living in a cardboard box on the cover of Wesson and Main. He was quick to apologize and decline his membership in the up all night club. Shelly had gone so far as to call the police and have him escorted to jail for breaking and entering. She had changed the locks on one of his long nights out. The realization of being homeless and possibly jail raped sobered his ass up quick and he never went out with that group again.

Mandy stood proud as the aroma of coconut, vanilla, butter, rum, and cinnamon filled the air. Other staples of her menu, macaroni and cheese, turnip greens, green bean casserole and of course, potatoes, potatoes, and potatoes were ready for serving. Potato soufflé, sweet potato pie, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes and of course potato bread were all a part of the Christmas feast. She had done it again, prepared his family favorites along with comfort foods that would make the average Christmas dinner look like Friday night special. To boot, she had done all this with the phone ringing off the hook as friends and relatives called for various reasons.

One more check on the meat and everything should be in order. The aroma was a sensation to the senses. Golden brown, succulent meat fell from the bones of the mighty bird. Seasoned to perfection, stuffed to the gills with potatoes and a side of dressing, the woman smiled at herself as she began to platter the mighty gastronomic centerpiece. For now, she would shower and prepare the home for the family gathering.

"I have always wanted to have your children." The conversation started in the doctor's office and continued on the way home. "What do you have against us having kids? It would be so beautiful and the house wouldn't feel so lonely." Mandy recalled the day that lead up to the events that took place later.

Tonio was quick and malicious in his response. "Kids cost money, they take up too much time, and I like our life like it is. You heard the doc, you just can't conceive so get over it." The man was against having children and did not mind telling her in any cruel manner he could. However, Mandy would not give up this time. She had never fought for anything in the marriage and this time she would dig in and would not give up.

When they arrived at their three-bedroom 1800 square foot home, she spoke of backyard birthday parties, sleepovers and football or maybe dance recitals. Her parents had given these things to her and her brothers without fail. Sure times had been hard, but they made it work and they were happy. "Why can't we have that same happy, Tony?" He large green eyes with flecks of brown were filling with tears. She would adopt, use a surrogate, whatever it took. For now, she just wanted an answer.

Tonio turned to her after slamming the front door with all his strength. He stood angered at the conversation, his dark thick black hair a mess atop his round fatted head. He gathered his most vile attitude when speaking with her, his machismo at its worse.

"We're not having children because we can't. I was clipped years ago. I have no need for children and I don't want them. So, for last fucking time, you stupid childless bitch, we will not be having this conversation. So there! Now, I am going to take a shower and you are going to start on the dinner. Oh and I did invite my dad as you were taking so long to getting around to calling him. He will be here and remember he loves potatoes."

The cold and callous coward walked away as if he had just ordered a pizza and expected immediate delivery. Mandy was in a puddle of tears in the kitchen. They fell like rain in a major tropical storm in the heart of the season. Her blue V necked T Shirt was stained with the droplets of her hopes and they drifted away. The realization that everyone had been right about him began to replay in her head as a bad memory you cannot get shake. You've wasted your life with this fool and for what? He has taken your money, your pride, you self esteem, and trashed your dreams of family. How much more must you endure?

The crumpled female listened as the shower head sprung to life. She rose from her sitting position on the kitchen floor slow and quiet. Part of her had died at the instant he spoke those horrible words. However, there was another part that surfaced for which he was not prepared. As she rounded the corner to the hall, the phone rang.

"Hello, Mandy, this is Shelly. Jake needs some help cutting firewood in the morning. We can keep Tonio busy and out of trouble if you like." Mandy was quiet at first and realizing she had picked up the phone she began to speak. "Oh, yeah that's a great idea, I will let him know." The wife seemed detached from the world, Shelly heard it in her voice. "Hey, Mands, you okay?" Mandy put on her best reaction. "Girl, yes, just planning this meal, and the holiday, you know just a little overwhelmed." Shelly understood those words and offered to help in any way she could. "I got it and thank you so much for offering."

Hanging up, Mandy snapped back to her own life. Walking towards the bathroom, she recalled the happier days in the sunshine. The rain and storms had come and stayed so long that her memories seem to tarnish under the weight of his deception and cruel conduct. Mandy approached the bathroom and with a gentle knock, she opened the door. The scent of his favorite shower gel filled her senses as she moved closer to the shower stall. The thick wall of steam and his off-key singing seemed to intensify her anger. Tonio turned and seeing his wife in the room, he started again.

"Don't tell me you gonna start on that shit again!" He was quick to bring his smart tongue to a wag. Only this time, things would be different. "Honey, that's fine, everything is just fine." Standing in the midst of hot water and steamy bubbles, her tone and lack of defiance pleased him. "Hey babe, can you hand me that?" The thong and thud were the last things Tonio was handed that day.

As she finished her shower and dressed, she was a new woman feeling free and ready to take on the world. The guests would be arriving soon and ready for a feast that would rival any other. Mandy adorned the table with a spread fit for a king as the guests started to arrive. They are going to love this dinner!

Jake, Shelly and their children were first, followed by Chris, Jake, Mandy's parent's and Tonio's father. Tonio's mother had died many years ago. Some speculated the family cruelty had played a part in her heart attack. Their other friends Mark and Silvia Bailey were pleased to join in as well. "So glad to see you all, thank you for coming and make yourself at home, please." Mandy was always the consummate host. Everyone was festive in holiday sweaters, shirts, jewels that marked the season and smiles filled with family and friendship. All except for Tonio's father, Nick, he was a short slender man with only one thought in his head, himself. He took his place being pompous as soon as he entered the home.

"I see you're just as plain as ever, no wonder my son goes elsewhere." His tone, not welcomed of course, was quick to attract the attention of Tucker, Mandy's father. He was quick to strike fear in the rude guest. "Speak one more negative word to my daughter and by God your ass will be stuffed and on a platter." Mandy's father, an ex marine and every bit of six foot four had no problem shutting down the little man. Tucker had not liked Tonio from the beginning and on many occasions plotted of ways to dispose of the half-Latin, half-African asshole.

Mandy showed everyone their seats as she sparkled in a stunning short, red dress with pearls that traced along a plunging neckline. Her red hair flowed as a stream and curled just as easily. Her smile lit up the room and delighted everyone in her presence. Receiving several compliments on her charm bracelet, she was more than happy to share what each bobble represented. As everyone settled, the absence of one person reflected in the room.

"So where's Tonio?" Jake asked. Mandy's green eyes flecked with glee and fire as she answered. "Don't worry he'll be making an appearance soon. He's still getting ready. You know how he is." She smiled and strolled to the kitchen without a care in the world. Jake shrugged his shoulders and took a seat next to Mandy's parents.

"Honey, you got a beautiful spread here." Her mother was pleased with her daughter's skills in the kitchen. "Thanks mom, I learned from the best." As she appeared from the kitchen with a lighter for the candles.

Nick, of course, blurted an interruption. "Where the hell's my boy? He's the man of this place, he needs to say grace." Mandy answered. "He's just in the kitchen we can start without him, he'll be here." Something in her eyes was sinister yet welcoming. He backed down and sat quiet as her father, the marine recited the grace.

The crowd began to feast on the many dishes that lay before them. Nick was ready for the meat. "Where's the meat, my son gonna cut it, you know he paid for this meal!" Tucker banged on the table, but his daughter was able to soothe him. "Daddy, I got this. I'll get your son, I hear him now." Escaping to the kitchen for only a moment, Mandy reappeared.

The wife emerged with a large stainless steel cart covered in a red satin cloth. Her smile was playful and wicked as she unveiled the centerpiece of the meal. The room grew silent. The first movement was of Shelly sending her kids 14 and 16 to the car and telling them to leave their cell phones and not speak a word.

Mouths were agape at the horror displayed before them. Mandy, however, was just as calm as presenting a grand prize to a lucky winner. "See honey, I did everything you told me to and there are lots of potatoes."

Those that had started eating, started throwing up at the realization that the meat was none other than her beloved Tonio, stuffed to the gills with potatoes. Every inch and every hole oozing with juices of an unmentionable nature, the wife continued in her reveal. She plopped another platter on the table. At the sight of its contents, the Bailey's fainted. Her own mother ran for the restroom. This dish included the head, which was stuffed with a large baking potato, the face frozen in a grimace similar to that of a male on male rape victim.   

She looked to Nick who was grasping at his chest and convulsing and with an evil beam she spoke. "You want the first bite?" Nick keeled forward, having a heart attack at the sight of his cooked and prepared son. The remainder of the guests coming out of their sickened and devastated modes began to realize the weight of the situation. Shelly had disappeared with Jake into the back yard at the first unveil. The rest sat in shock and dismay. Shelly soon appeared, her husband by her side carrying a shovel and plastic bags. From the crowd Chris began to speak.

"Amen, bury that shit!" Tucker was quick to add on, "Hell yeah, bout damn time." The others continued to throw up and never took part in her holiday soirees again.