Encouragement goes both ways. As caregivers to ones with special needs, we enjoy and need to hear encouragement; but we also recognize how important it is to extend encouragement to others so they can begin to understand our role and challenges. Not everyone will want to. Not everyone will “get” it. Not everyone will care as much as we wish they would, and that's OK. Our goal should be to … [Read more...]
Who I Want To Be …
When you were a child who did you want to be when you grew up? A princess? A fireman? An ice skater? The President? We tell our kids to dream big. They can become whatever they want. I've always encouraged my kids to be doctors, lawyers or The President. But I am done with that. Who I want to be when I grow up ... I want to be Evan. This world is filled with greedy liars, cheaters, … [Read more...]
Prepare The Way
Some of us become parents by chance. Some become parents by choice. But no one I know chooses to become parents of a child with a disability. When that choice was made for us 23 years ago, our world instantly changed. There was no preparation, no training, no idea that anything other than a normal, healthy fetus was developing. From the moment Ben arrived, we were continuously given a laundry … [Read more...]
Bittersweet Autumn
Bittersweet autumn. The world changing color before our eyes. That certain slant of light, tinging the clouds with violet. The smell and crunch of leaves underfoot. Pulling out all things warm and snuggly - sweaters, hoodies, down comforters, and fleece throws. And yet, the shadow of winter hovers just ahead. Bare trees. Cold winds. Sleet. Ice. Snow. And darkness. So many hours of … [Read more...]
An Open Letter to the Yoplait Company
An Open Letter to the Yoplait Company To Whom it May Concern: I write to you concerning your product offering known as “Go-Gurt.” I’m not even sure I’m hyphenating or capitalizing this word correctly. Your website isn’t exactly clear. I think it’s actually “Go⇒Gurt” but just typing that took clip art and 10 minutes of my time. Nevertheless, I need to explain what may have been a radical … [Read more...]
Love Your Enemies
Read below for a guest post from Kathy McClelland. I was anxious. Deeply anxious. Jittery anxious. Anxious in a way that made the back of my legs tingle and my stomach churn with fear. I had zero appetite. There's no doubt this particular week was stressful because of extra appointments, hard conversations, end-of-school activities, and an unexpected illness. However, my level of anxiety … [Read more...]