My son has recently been diagnosed with sensory integration/processing disorder. Through research and testing and changing his diet we have learned that a "sensory diet" is most helpful to him. Essentially, that means taking all preservatives, coloring, artifical flavors, anything with unnatural chemicals out of his diet and out of things like toothpastes, lotions, medicines, or other things that maybe absorbed or ingested into his body. We have learned that his reactions to these things vary - somethings causes a severe reaction (he reacts like someone high on stimulats, his behavior is uncontrollable) or mild reactions - crying and very emotional.

So, I joined Noah in this diet change. We eat natural foods...I cook alot more from scratch and it has actually helped us both (I have more energy).

Well, shortly after getting settled into this new diet I felt the Spirit prompting me to look at my food storage. As I did I realized it was all full of things that needed to go. I had stocked up on things from prepardness stores, MREs, Cans of meats, dried veggies/fruits, prepared meals that just require water added. EVERYTHING was full of the things that Noah can't have. It won't kill him, but he just cannot function well, control his body, listen, follow even the simplist of directions, etc. I certainly don't want him having reactions in times of a crisis.

Knowing this, I was quiet upset. First, getting my husband to agree to the food storage was a real challenge...now, telling him I had to rebuild it with things Noah could eat...well, I will just say WWIII would come to my home. I tried barganing with Spirit..well, I will just keep these things for us and build a storage for Noah. I clearly heard NO...you need to rebuild. I was very frustrated. Frankly ticked off because as the Spirit guided me to build this storage in the first place...SURELY HE knew what was down the road and could it not have waited until we knew about this diet...blah, blah, blah...my complaining went on and on...what about the money we've spent, it's been wasted...blah, blah, blah...on and on I went to the Lord with my complaints about this circumstance.

I am so grateful He is patient with me. I so need it at times.

After a few weeks, I said OK Father, if you want me to just clean this out and get rid of it...show me a sign...help me find someone who can use it.

Well, the next day, I was reminded by Spirit of a phone call I had recently recieved, a week or so prior to all of this. My friends', daughter who already lives in poverty, is going through a divorce. She had just told her mom, if air cost money, I'd be dead... and she has two little boys. There was my answer.

I packed up the food storage and took it over to her.

I have started rebuilding the food storage, slowly. And despite the tight finances and disagreement from my husband on this, the money comes when I least expect it or from places I wouldn't expect. Like a refund from a class I had registered my son for...when I registered him for it, the form clearly stated NO REFUNDS - FOR ANY REASONS. Well, I had to cancel the class because of a conflict with his therapy appointment. Knowing this woman who runs the class, I didn't even ask for a refund. I know she has strict policies and is unbendable in these circumstances because others have taken advantage of her. Well, I just recieved the refund yesterday.

I thought it would be difficult and VERY expensive to build a food storage with things that do not have preservatives in them (as they are more costly), but it has not been that difficult or expensive. I have found dried milks and some canned meats and fruits/veggies that only use salt as a perservative. Of course that requires the need for even more water as salt can increase one's thirst, but I am finding what we need to rebuild it.

If others have special needs, perhaps it's a diabetic diet or glueten free diet...remember to add those foods you need to your food storage.

I watch at Costco (I think there are other stores like this - Sams Club) and I am able to find some things in bulk there. They carry them occassionly, so I go regularly to see if they have what I need. And I have a Food Saver Machine. I mix natural foods like rices with spices and natural chicken boulions and seal them with the food saver, they last much longer. I also keep extras of what we do eat on hand and rotate a lot. I know we will get back to the three month plus supply soon.

I am grateful I listened to Spirit on this. As I read what Kristen has written for Betty, I have thought about how even more difficult it would be to go through a disaster with my son and not having what he needed. I couldn't imagine functioning well myself in all the ways required during a crisis and having to manage some of the things we've gone through with Noah before the diet change. I think for children with special needs, whatever they may be...it's vital to have all that they need in times of crisis.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story and thank you again Betty and Kristen for sharing what you have of Betty's experience and wisdom gained.

Love, Lynette