Being a single parent with four kids means that there is always something to do. Errands to run, laundry to do, food to buy and cook, or orange poster board to locate at 9pm on Wednesday night for the school project that is due Thursday morning. I vaguely remember a time about 19 years ago,…
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Author Archives: Deborah
In addition to her job as a computer engineer and her single parent responsibilities, Deborah is president of a state-wide family support group for families whose lives are touched by deafblindness, and is a tireless advocate for all people with disabilities. She writes at Pipe Cleaner Dreams and her writing has also been featured in local magazines and newspapers. Ashley’s story has also been chronicled in a book by Jonathan Mooney titled Short Bus Stories.
Getting Away
Written on June 17, 2009 by Deborah
Vacationing is often difficult when you have a child with special needs, isn’t it? As much as we all need a vacation, actually pulling one off can be quite an undertaking. Whenever I want to take my children away, even if it is only for a weekend, I need to know if the place we…
in Family Life
Banishing Worry and Guilt
Written on June 10, 2009 by Deborah
Tomorrow morning, my birth son, Chip, will graduate with honors from high school. Pride will be foremost in my heart, but I must admit that for many, many years, guilt and worry were the emotions that occupied me. Chip has three adopted siblings, and they all have significant special needs. Throw into that mix the…
Now Where Are My Toe Shoes?
Written on June 3, 2009 by Deborah
I have to keep reminding myself that Ashley is a teenager, and that life is now a roller coaster of hormones – hers and mine. It should be easy for me to remember since she has been displaying typical teenager behavior for about two and a half years now. She is 14 going on 20……
in Family Life
Yes Ma’am, No Ma’am
Written on May 27, 2009 by Deborah
I’ve always felt it was important for my children to learn how to behave in polite society and to use their manners. To me that means saying “please”, “thank you” and “excuse me”, not interrupting when others are talking, chewing food with their mouths closed, using good table manners, and other such niceties that make…
Touch, Smell, Lick
Written on May 20, 2009 by Deborah
How do you choose which foods you want to eat and which you prefer to not even try? For me, appearance is key. I would be much less likely to eat blue-tinted mashed potatoes than creamy white ones with a square of melting butter in the center. Ashley, like many children with sensory impairments, uses…
in Uncategorized
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
Written on May 13, 2009 by Deborah
Caring for a medically fragile child is one of the hardest things parents will ever face. Although keeping up with medicine schedules, feeding schedules, and all the required doctor and therapy appointments can be tough, the most difficult thing, in my opinion, is being afraid to sleep. Sleeping might mean that you miss the seizure…
Always Believe, Always Hope
Written on May 6, 2009 by Deborah
Are the worries over your child’s future weighing heavily on your mind and heart? Mine are. Are you feeling a littel overwhelmed right now? I am. Do you need a dash of hope today? I do. Dan Keplinger’s mom felt these same things. Yet look at Dan today… Now, after you dry your eyes, check…
Biology Lesson
Mother Nature left a biology lesson on our front porch this week, and I decided it was time to discuss the birds and the bees with Ashley – well, at least the birds. A house sparrow built a nest in a grape vine wreath that hangs on the brick wall of my front porch. I…
in Uncategorized
Hunger Bites
Written on April 22, 2009 by Deborah
Just in the last two days, I have seen three news reports about people getting arrested for shoplifting food. I have to believe it is because the economic crisis has impacted so many families and left them desperate. But in an effort to help, my youngest daughter, Ashley, is trying to make a difference. Ashley…
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