Archive for July 2021
Expect the Unexpected
As autism parents, I think it’s a steadfast rule to celebrate the little things. We are always working towards a better tomorrow, better outcomes, better behavior. Taking it one step and one day at a time. Only planning as far into the future as we can manage and controlling what we can. Praying that all our hard work, encouragement and love gives our kids what they need to succeed. Well, our lives are fairly, predictable. I have gotten used to expecting that he wants 2 peanut butter sandwiches for lunch…
Read MoreTomorrow is a New Day, but the Struggles Remain
Our house is dead silent. It’s the middle of the day and everyone is sleeping. Not just because it’s nap time, but because our entire family has to decompress from what just happened. The hour-long meltdown that just occurred on the drive home. This always happens. We can’t go anywhere anymore, without a meltdown on the way home. Even when I give warnings before it’s time to leave. It doesn’t matter if I warn him 5 minutes before or 5 times for 30 minutes. There will always be a meltdown.…
Read MoreEnjoying the Rain
Life has been extremely hectic and tough around here lately. My daughter, Opal, was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum six months ago, so we have been in and out of doctors’ offices, therapies, doing multiple evaluations for said therapies, and then our youngest, Lucy, has started needing physical therapy. That’s four different therapies, 5 times a week, totaling to about 32 1/2 hours. Just when I thought we were getting the hang of all of the things, life throws more lemons, and this time, they were EXTREMELY sour. I lost…
Read MoreA Picture Tells the Story, Doesn’t It?
Does a picture really say a thousand words? There is so much more to our story. It was the 4th of July. We were excited for fireworks, family, neighborhood fun. We planned ahead. Casadee has a friend sleeping over. I got them matching 4th of July outfits including accessories. Flag shirts, red white and blue necklaces, bracelets, patriotic tattoos, Stars and Stripes sunglasses, headbands. So hopeful. The neighborhood is throwing a block party. Waterslide, bounce house, face paint, games, raffles and food truck. The whole neighborhood turned out it seems. Kids running, laughing,…
Read MoreJoin Miracle League!
Cooper had a strong finish to the first half of his miracle league baseball season! He got on base 100% of the time. Gave hundreds of high fives. Threw the ball to his coach. Ran the bases. And enjoyed himself! And I got to watch as he played. Which sounds so simple. But for parents with kids like Cooper, kids who need more, we often feel more like teachers, nurses, and therapists than moms and dads. So tonight, for the first time, I got to wear my mom hat instead…
Read MorePlease Acknowledge People With Disabilities
People get really nervous around individuals who are non speaking. Or folks who use a wheelchair. Or who look different. I didn’t know that before I had my son Cooper. Before he led me wide eyed into the world of disability. Without knowing he showed me how a person can be invisible. A person standing front and center. Some of it’s subtle. The overlooking of a person. Some is not. And it’s hard to see. It’s hard to not get mad and sad and frustrated. Because I cannot think of…
Read MoreI am so Much More Than a Caregiver
A couple of my friends, Finding Cooper’s Voice and Jackson’s Journey, Jackson’s Voice, started a campaign called, “More than a Caregiver”. Proceeds from merchandise sales go to help people that are well… Caregivers. Caregivers, but so much more. It got me thinking…what does “More than a Caregiver” mean to me? I’m a “caregiver” to our two boys, and I might be forever. I have hope that they will be able to do things on their own, and we are working on that. But, I’m so much more than a “caregiver”.…
Read MoreMore Than a Caregiver
My dear sweet boy, I love you, and I thank you for being so patient with me right now. In this new season of hard I want to be the best mom, but right now it feels like I don’t know how to be your mother at all. I promise, I’m trying. Thank you for forgiving me, for loving me through, and for granting me grace as we walk through this hard season of our journey. I’m asking all the questions, looking for all the resources. We are actively working…
Read MoreTo the Caregivers, You are not Alone
My good friends Kate at Finding Cooper’s Voice and Amanda at Jackson’s Journey, Jackson’s Voice, have started a campaign called More than a Caregiver. They are raising money so they can help give special needs caregivers free therapy sessions. It’s so important for special needs parents to know that they have somewhere to turn when it gets tough, that someone understands them and that they are not alone. I’ve been interviewing a lot of moms this last year. One thing they all say is that the pandemic has helped people…
Read MoreWe are Parents First
In the summer of 2020, I developed hives. It started with one on my hand, then a couple on my arms, and the next thing I knew…my whole torso was covered. The current heatwave, of course, wasn’t helping but having been in the air conditioning, I knew that wasn’t the cause. It was at the point of no return, the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet were riddled with splotches of itchy red bumps, that I called my local urgent care. A telehealth visit with a…
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