pradeepan jeeva 3/3/20 pradeepan jeeva 3/3/20

Autism Song [RAP SONG 2/30]

The rap song expresses my anger and sadness for raising a child with special needs. At first I thought about doing something goofy or full of hype, but the song I’m writing is actually pretty dark without a lot of hope and zero resolution.

The rap song expresses my anger and sadness for raising a child with special needs.

At first I thought about doing something goofy or full of hype, but the song I’m writing is actually pretty dark without a lot of hope and zero resolution. Most people tell the stories of success with Autism—the 1 in a Billion talented singer or the “high functioning” kid that is quirky.

The stories of raising a non-verbal 4 year old who hits you everyday and attacks your newborn daughter weekly don’t often go viral. Parents often feel guilty for feeling sad that they aren’t excited about an Autism diagnosis because we’re supposed to celebrate children who are differently brained. I remember feeling so alone in my thoughts about not liking Autism, feeling devastated about a diagnosis and re-shaping dreams. I hope this song can tell parents with special needs that they’re not alone and not wrong for experiencing a range of emotions.

Here are some lyrics from the second verse:

Sometimes I wonder, “What did I do wrong?" You acting normal, didn’t last that long.
Now You destroy your room, and smear poop on the wall, I remember when you first learned how to crawl.
You used to smile and respond to my voice, now you don’t know where to look because of all the noise.
Sometimes I can’t stand seeing him.
He reminds me of the prayers, God isn’t answering.

pradeepan jeeva 3/1/20 pradeepan jeeva 3/1/20

Rap Song/Music Video Challenge! ! [RAP SONG 1/30]

Every year, I join a community to do a 30 day challenge in March. Sometimes it’s a physical challenge, sometimes it’s processing something going on in my life, and this year I’m creating a rap song and music video!

Let the 2020 BLOGRIMAGE begin!

WHY A RAP SONG AND MUSIC VIDEO?

I miss making and performing music
I’ve always wanted to record a rap song
I’ve never made a music video
Music is helping me process some of my struggles with Autism

OVERVIEW OF THE CHALLENGE

Week 1 - Finish Writing and Record Song
Week 2 - Finish Editing and Producing Song
Week 3 - Film Music Video
Week 4 - Edit and Release Music Video

I’ve already written most of the song (I worked ahead because I have so many other people are helping me). As I update, if you have an questions or tips, please let me know! I also encourage you to start your on Blogrimage. For more information on the guidelines, go to http://www.pradeepan.com/blogrimage

pradeepan jeeva 3/12/19 pradeepan jeeva 3/12/19

First Haircut! [Autism + Nala 11/30]

Snip Snip and lock after curly lock hit the ground. What a sad day! After living three years, Obi received his first hair cut! Though it was tough to see the hair (and tons of cool factor) leave, he still looks very handsome to me.

The stylist (Christina from Kidz Cutz!) has experience working with kids on the Autism spectrum and it made a huge difference. She moved fast, methodically and knew how create the right environment for a relaxed experience. From looking for a stylist, to selecting a restaurant, we have to especially consider the environment for Obi.

Amreitha planned this cut the day before Nala is born so that we wouldn’t go crazy while waiting! I’m glad she did. I even got a haircut! Well, tomorrow the world gets to meet Nala! I can’t wait!

pradeepan jeeva 3/11/19 pradeepan jeeva 3/11/19

Paternity Leave [Autism + Nala 10/30]

Today, I preached my last sermon before Nala (my unborn daughter) comes! As far as pastoral work, this was my last assignment before solely focusing on Nala’s birth.

Today, I preached my last sermon before Nala (my unborn daughter) comes! As far as pastoral work, this was my last assignment before solely focusing on Nala’s birth. The Kalos Church Lead Team arranged many contingency plans in case Nala came early—guest speakers, emcees and so much more! I’m happy to say we didn’t have to use any of them.

We started Kalos Church 1.5 years ago and next week is the first time Amreitha and I are taking a Sunday off together! I’m not super proud of that (as far a sustainable work/life balance), but I’m kind of proud of that (as far as being rooted in a community). As we’ve grown in attendance, we’ve also grown in amazing leadership. The church is in great hands. The fact is, this church has always been more about Jesus than the Jeevas.

It’s hard to believe tomorrow is our last full day without Nala!

pradeepan jeeva 3/10/19 pradeepan jeeva 3/10/19

Church [Autism + Nala 9/30]

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Not only does Obi have advocates at school, he has a whole church community (that he helped start) fighting for him. A year and a half ago, we started Kalos Church in a comedy club (no joke) on the Eastside of Seattle (Bellevue). This community of strangers quickly became family (setting and tearing down every Sunday will do that) and carried us.

The dream of starting a Kalos Church primarily began with wanting to help people. Little did we know how much our church would help us. From food, rides, babysitting, advice, and kind words to just having fun together, Kalos Church has been a life support to us and Obi.

I love leading a church we can be part of. Even if we didn’t lead Kalos, they’d still be my people.

If you’re not part of a church community, you’re missing out.

It can be hard to participate in a church community—I know what it’s like to have church-hurt. After serving in a pastoral role, I quit church gatherings for over two years because of deep hurt. Since then, and as a pastor again, I’ve learned to judge things by the ideal and not the imperfections. Yeah, lots of churches mess up, but the ideal of community, purpose, compassion and love is worth fighting for. That understanding brought me back to trusting a Jesus centered community and my whole family is better for it.

Thank you Church for be a blessing to us.

pradeepan jeeva 3/8/19 pradeepan jeeva 3/8/19

Jigsaw Junction [Autism + Nala 8/30]

The best thing I can say about Jigsaw Junction (Obi’s Applied Behavior Analysis School) is that the staff loves him. Amreitha and I feel like we have competent allies helping us care for Obi.

The best thing I can say about Jigsaw Junction (Obi’s Applied Behavior Analysis School) is that the staff loves him. Amreitha and I feel like we have competent allies helping us care for Obi.

Jigsaw provides each student with a personal teacher in a classroom setting. This allows for Obi to get individual attention and the opportunity to socialize with other kids. They break down social skills into small increments and help students to accomplish them without failure. Teachers literally utilize a fail proof curriculum by using hand over hand techniques to ensure success (even if the kids would not be able to accomplish a task alone).

Since attending, Obi has regained eye contact, the ability to point, play catch, say words, and communicate using a picture exchange (a book with word pictures he can point to). Not only that, they are currently potting training him!

After each class, I get a one on one meeting with his teacher for 10 minutes. I get to see, with numerical data, what he did well and what he struggled with and how I can help at home. We usually laugh about funny things Obi did and marvel together when he responds to his name or says a word. Never once has a teacher been apprehensive or too busy to talk about Obi with us. Like I said, they really love him and try their hardest to help him gain life skills. I’m so thankful for Jigsaw Junction.

Also, it’s refreshing and comforting to see other parents and kids who deal with the same ASD issues as us. Every morning, I interact with parents from all over the world (it feels like the festival of nations) and their kids. We update each other and small talk about our kids without having to explain the nuances of ASD—to us, it’s just normal life.

Almost daily, Amreitha and I praise God for Jigsaw Junction.