Archive for March 2020
The Aftermath of Sensory Overload
Sometimes I forget our lives don’t look like others. It’s probably a survival mechanism, and thinking about it, I’m grateful I have these moments where our lives feel normal to me. But to others? It’s far from typical, or expected, or usual. My son has had a lot of excitement over the past couple weeks. His fourth birthday party went so well, but it came at the cost of the aftermath. He actually handles changes in routine pretty well in moments – we’ve figured out how to help him navigate…
Read MoreJoin Coop’s Troops
When my son’s was diagnosed with autism at age 3, neither my husband nor I knew a child with autism. My husband and I were alone. We would say all the time…where are the families like ours? The ones who can’t leave the house? Where are the kids like Cooper? Where are the siblings like Sawyer? I searched for 8 years and never found them. So I created it. I would love to invite you to join Coop’s Troops, an online subscription group for parents of children and adults with…
Read MoreI Know People Watch Us
I know people watch us. I know because I see their faces dart away when I meet there eyes. What they don’t know is if they kept looking, if they met my eyes, they’d see I was smiling. They’d see that I was inviting them in our secret world. Cooper and I just went for our first walk of the year. It’s 45 degrees today in Minnesota. That’s practically summer for us. And also a temperature that Cooper has deemed warm enough to venture outside. Typically, it’s like pulling teeth…
Read MoreWhy I Exercise…
The message said something like…‘why are women like you so obsessed with being skinny? I just don’t get it. And I have three kids. I don’t have time to go to the gym.’ It went on from there. They always do. I’ve been thinking about that message for days now. Especially every single time I squeeze my fat ass into jeans that are too tight or feel my bra fat bulge when I pick up one of my kids. Being shamed for exercising. That’s new one. Heck yes I want…
Read MoreI’m not the Fun Parent
I had a long talk with my son’s teacher last night at conferences about reading and math and wiggle breaks and how much I value my son’s kindness and heart above all. After that we spoke about much he is motivated by doing activities with his dad. I sorta smiled. And snickered. See, I’ve been noticing that too in his school work. His creative writing stories and drawings all include Dad and ice fishing and hockey and baseball. His teacher said, ‘trust me Kate, I know how much mom’s do.’…
Read MoreHow To Use The Right Words When Talking About Those With Disabilities
It was freshman year of high school. I was sitting in English class and I overheard someone calling their friend retarded. Yes, almost 20 years later, I still remember every detail of this day, down to who the person was and what he was wearing. “Hey find a different word!” I yelled at my classmate. The class got quiet. Waiting to see what would happen next. As a high school student, my approach wasn’t the best in advocating for those with disabilities. “Why because your brother is retarded?” the freshman…
Read MoreThe True Meaning of Worship
What I learned from a nonverbal young lady at church… I entered quietly and slid into my regular seat. I prepared myself for worship to begin. That’s just how I usually do things. Routine. Perhaps, even mundane. Dull. It was how I was raised I suppose. You entered. Your presence was known from the back of the room. Your boots clunked down the center aisle, somewhat vocal as you walked carrying your snack. Your mom followed closely behind you, trying to direct you to a row towards the back of…
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