I tried to write this blog for several days in a row but was uncertain what to type. Uncertainty seems to be a theme in my life these days. The main source of uneasiness in my family has been searching for an explanation for our daughter’s medical symptoms for 10 months—and then some. For 6 years she has felt poorly and then a year ago more critical signs of illness began to develop. So once … [Read more...]
The Strongest Strength
Has anyone ever asked you, "Why are you so tired?" Let me count the ways. First of all, it's not just the kind of tired at the end of a long day. It's not the kind of tired after a work-out that pushed your limits. It's not the kind of tired after a big event. It's something so much more. I don't think I need to write out a list of possible reasons why you feel sucker-punched and unable to peel … [Read more...]
You (Not What You Do as a Parent) Are a Gift to Your Child
The week after my child was diagnosed with autism, I held it together for a few days and then sobbed uncontrollably while speaking to my friend/psychologist over the phone. I stood in the bathroom where I went to talk alone and gazed at my swollen eyes and red face in the mirror. I was in a panic because my child was three and had missed out on some intensive early intervention as her diagnoses … [Read more...]
In the Eye of the Storm
We have a home in Florida: Ft. Myers to be specific. With all the news and anticipation of Hurricane Irma hitting (slamming) land, there is a swirl of emotions as I write this. We have many friends, family, acquaintances, and neighbors that will be affected by this storm as it blasts through the whole state of Florida. The whole state—that’s hard to comprehend. One can’t properly or adequately … [Read more...]
How Are You, Really?
“How are you?” Such seemingly simple words that are often used in passing. Acceptable social responses range from fine, good, or great. Sometimes if someone wants to be slightly more real they will say “tired” followed by a quick laugh. Have you ever met someone that you felt you could be real enough with to give an answer beyond the standard “good”? This happened one Sunday morning to my wife, … [Read more...]
As Long as I Can Walk, I’m Going to Walk
"What I remember about your dad," my cousin said at a recent family reunion, "is that he was a big kid. He was always in the thick of things, playing with us. He never sat still." My cousin's lip trembled a bit, and tears came to his eyes. My eyes also went damp, as they always do when my older cousins describe their Uncle Harlan's antics. Though their memories bring me to tears, I crave their … [Read more...]