Being a special needs parent is like climbing a great mountain. Let's face it, sometimes it's downright overwhelming. When the journey begins—and you received that unexpected diagnosis—you suddenly find yourself at the base of a great mountain. The scale of this mountain is enormous and the trail that leads to the summit is rocky at best. Standing at its base looking upward, thoughts of … [Read more...]
In Search of Stability in the Storms of Life
Have you ever walked along the shoreline as a storm approached, staggering through churning waters trying to get a foothold as the sand shifted with each step? When you are the parent of a child with a special needs, life can feel like walking alongside a stormy sea. You are always adapting, always reacting and ever alert to make sure your child is safe. Most mornings, you never quite know what … [Read more...]
I don’t know how you do it
"I don't know how you do it." Special needs parents, raise your hand if this a sentiment you hear often. I hear it a lot. And I attempt a charming joke, "Not very well, that's how I do it." Small, calculated chuckles abound for five seconds making my conversation partner and I both feel good. But then the laughter dies, and I look away. I don't think the other person believes me when … [Read more...]
The Power in Your Story
I remember the feeling of awe I had when I first connected to the Internet in the mid 1990's. I was amazed that suddenly I could connect with people from all over the world. I began blogging about my families' journey with autism in 2004, and I did it simply to record our story. I wanted to have a way to look back and be encouraged by Alec's progress whenever I was having a hard day. I never … [Read more...]
Laying Down My Isaacs on the First Day of School
The first day of school was today. I load up my two kids with book bags, lunches and enough school supplies to make a mule stagger. My daughter walks to the bus stop on on her own. (It's soooo not cool, you know, for mom to tag along to the bus stop.) I watch her, forehead to glass, from our upstairs window. She turns three times to look back with a strange smile on her face, a mix of … [Read more...]
The Greatest Therapy
When Alec was first diagnosed, I became obsessed with finding out everything I could about autism. I researched every autism theory, every therapy and spent every waking minute on the phone or online with other parents trying to create the best possible plan for Alec’s care. If someone told me that they were providing their child with a therapy that Matt and I could not afford, I was desperate … [Read more...]