I think my niece is very brave
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (351253)
Rockingham, Australia
April 18, 2025 3:01am CST
In about ten days’ time, we start house-sitting at our niece’s place. She, her husband and four sons are heading for England and the continent. The boys are aged from about 14 to 21 and three are on the autism spectrum. One is quite affected but has improved a lot over the last few years. He is 19. All are very gifted in one way or another.
As you might imagine, travelling and finding accommodation can be quite daunting and expensive, especially for six. Luckily, much of the arrangements were made and paid for before Trump’s shenanigans sent our dollar earthwards.
What I thought was brave was that they are taking carry-on luggage only. This will also be a bonus when hiring a car to take six of them. I hope they have a wonderful time. I hope my niece isn’t like the man’s wife who fainted and fell on the baggage carousel. Her husband wasn’t worried. He said she was coming around slowly. (That’s a joke.) 
The photo is of Shakespeare’s cottage in England. Edit: thanks to a comment by Max Crisp (@Orson_Kart) who pointed out it's Anne Hathaway's cottage, Shakespeare's wife.
The photo is of Shakespeare’s cottage in England. Edit: thanks to a comment by Max Crisp (@Orson_Kart) who pointed out it's Anne Hathaway's cottage, Shakespeare's wife.17 people like this
17 responses
@JudyEv (351253)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Apr
When she was at high school they had an exchange student from Italy. The girls lost touch for a while but are now back in touch and my niece will be visiting her friend in Italy. It's very lucky that they paid for so much in advance.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (89829)
• Bangalore, India
18 Apr
That's a beautiful cottage.
I really admire your niece. Living with three boys on spectrum is not easy at all. She must have the courage and strength to deal with the challenges each day. God bless the family. Wishing them a wonderful holiday!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (351253)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Apr
@arunima25 I did know about your daughter. Folk like you who understand and can relate are to be admired for the work you all do.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (89829)
• Bangalore, India
18 Apr
@JudyEv Will keep her and the boys in thoughts. My younger daughter as you know is high functioning autistic girl, very bright and talented. I have worked with Autism in the last 18 years, I feel it as a blessing and strongly feel that I have a karmic connection with Autism.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (188092)
• United States
19 Apr
Glad you said that. I thought it was your niece's dwelling 
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (188092)
• United States
19 Apr
@JudyEv Hopefully, I will get back to England one day. I really want to see the Cotswolds.
1 person likes this
@Orson_Kart (7294)
• United Kingdom
18 Apr
Yes, that seems to be travelling light for such a long journey, but as you say, easier to transport especially if they are hiring a car.
Love the joke! 
And I hate having to correct a lady, but I think that cottage is Anne Hathaway’s, not William Shakespeare’s.
And I hate having to correct a lady, but I think that cottage is Anne Hathaway’s, not William Shakespeare’s. 1 person likes this
@JudyEv (351253)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Apr
@Orson_Kart Maybe a bit later than that. I might have got beheaded for being mouthy. 
@Juliaacv (53147)
• Canada
18 Apr
I suppose that the excitement and having 3 on the spectrum would mean that a mother would be very prepared and organized, but to realize that it would save her so much monetarily is amazing, especially given the current circumstances. I hope that they have a very safe and wonderful trip together, and that you and Vince have an easy time house sitting for them.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (351253)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Apr
She has quite severe digestion issues and there seems to be very few things she can safely eat. But she remains serene and calm - a truly lovely person. We offered to house-sit when she was pondering what to do. It's the least we can do.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (163145)
• United States
18 Apr
It sounds like quite an adventure, but her husband is with her as well so together they can do it.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (351253)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Apr
They've got this far and it's a bit easier now than it was so I'm sure they'll be fine.
@BarBaraPrz (49363)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
18 Apr
I've heard that joke before.
Hope they have a good time and don't run into any difficulties.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (84135)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Apr
That is a cute looking cottage. I sure which them safe travels and hope they enjoy the trip. Any pets left where you are house sitting?
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (43341)
• United States
18 Apr
I hope the trip goes really well for all of them.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (187028)
• United States
21 Apr
Cool cottage. I could never survive with carry-on luggage. We always traveled with one big tote that was just filled with pharmaceuticals, shampoo, mouthwash....all that sort of stuff and THEN suitcases with clothes and THEN a bag full of paper towels, paper plates, etc.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (144204)
• India
18 Apr
What is admirable is that they are in a holiday mood despite having to deal with issues that concern autism. I wish them a happy holiday.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (351253)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Apr
I really hope it goes well for them. They deserve a good trip.
@Beestring (15236)
• Hong Kong
18 Apr
That's a nice photo.
I hope they have a great time.
1 person likes this
