When Jack was first diagnosed, I was horrified. Depressed. Had major anxiety attacks. Cried for hours. Somewhere around Jack’s second year, I felt myself changing. I no longer longed for the green field across the fence–I was OK with the patchy grass holding one perfectly beautiful flower in my own yard. So, I started writing…
Category Archives: Dealing With Public Perceptions
On Validation…
So, we are finally settling in and making life work. Part of that means we had to get all Jack’s records and get them transferred to new physician’s here. That was a ton of fun. (rollllllls eyes) However, the most interesting thing happened. We took Jack to his new GI on Friday and she… listened….
The Weary Woman..
The other day, I was overcome with emotion when I read what our friend Tammy said on her blog. (I’ll wait for you to come back…) This is such a sensitive topic. And one that is so often overlooked. We, regardless of situation, are still human. We have bad days. We have moments when we’re…
Wounding Words, Wondrous Words
I almost couldn’t hear it when she spoke. Words uttered under breath, understood loud and clear. “You’re so late,” she rolls her eyes, clicks her tongue in disapproval. I smile anyway, pass by, walk my daughter to class. Fifteen minutes after the bell rang, we’re entering campus. The words rattle me again. But not…
Book Review: House Rules by Jodi Picoult
Most people just don’t get it right. When they write for us, about us, or to us. When it comes to others’ view of our lives in families with special needs, I’ve never seen anyone show it like it really is.* The lack of realism, empathy (and appropriate gallows humor) is partly why I’m writing…
Romanticizing Adoption and Special Needs
It’s tough being an adoptive parent. And a parent of special needs kids. I’m both. And today reminded me of one of the most frustrating aspects of our situation: other people romanticizing it. Sitting on a counselor’s couch at a residential treatment facility where one of our girls has been for 6 weeks, life doesn’t…
Thrive with Autism – Tips for Those Looking to Understand
Andrea Richardson and Andrea Warner are two teachers who want to help parents Thrive With Autism. We love these tips from www.ThrivingWithAutism.com that they are sharing; both for parents, and for the community who is trying to understand Autism. Have you ever been in a store, movie theatre, or, yes… even an elevator, and your…
What GALL !!!
Insensitive people make me angry. And that’s what happened last Friday night when a rude woman confronted Melissa in a restaurant. What Gall !!!
The Big Secret…
I’ve been thinking a lot about how being a special needs parent has changed my life. Sure, there are sleepless nights, giant messes, and financial worries. Even typical parents have those problems! Yet, I have learned priceless lessons—some about me, some about the world. These…are the secrets that make this journey worth it all. 1….
What I Wish…
I came across an interesting article today. And by interesting, it made me roll my eyes and sigh audibly for my husband to say “what is your problem?!” The article in question can be found here- “What I wish parents knew”: Doctors, teachers, therapists, and more weigh in. If I had opted for a longer title,…