Posts by Kate Swenson
Some Hope for Christmas
Holidays have always been big in my family. Christmas growing up was always so busy. You see, my parents were divorced. I was always on the go…being with one parent Christmas Eve, the other on Christmas Day, and seeing extended family as we celebrated. I always dreamed of the day I’d have my own family and we could sit and enjoy the holiday, decorating the tree. Being in one place for the whole holiday. Fast forward to now, and my dream Christmas may still never happen. Not because we aren’t…
Read MoreNew Traditions for a New Era
When I was growing up, we celebrated every single holiday and birthday with my extended family. There was a get-together about once a month with at least 20 or so family members. My dad, who’s one of seven siblings, comes from a big Italian family. There was always something to celebrate within the family, which meant we were always together. There were many traditions during the holidays. Three-course meals that included either lasagna or ravioli on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Playing board games and staying up until midnight on New…
Read MoreOur Autism Guide for a Happy Holiday
This time of year, with all of the holidays, is probably one of the toughest times of the year. The frequent change in routine, small bouts of travel, spending hours at a time at other people’s homes (even if it’s a familiar home, like a grandparent’s), change in diet, increase in sugary treats, large groups of people, loud crowds/music, can be overwhelming for Charlie. So for our family and friends, here’s our holiday guide to Autism. Charlie thrives on routine. The hectic holiday schedule can get to be a bit…
Read MoreI Choose to Find the Joy at Christmas
As a child, did you ever wake early with anticipation? Were you one of the children who rushed to see exactly what was under the tree? I was. Patience was never a strong suit and surprises are something I am still not a fan of. In fact, Christmas memories are some of my favorite from my childhood. My mom, her sisters, sometimes her brothers, their spouses and up to 11 kids crammed into one home for up to a week celebrating not only the magic of Christmas but the blessing…
Read MoreIt’s Not About Blame
She paused mid-sentence, an empathetic tone intervening as she spoke words she’d probably uttered a thousand times before to parents throughout the years. She seemed to understand the importance, though…the nuance in her voice conveying the magnitude of her message, while she made certain to catch my gaze and connect, despite the limitations surrounding our telehealth appointment. “Even if we find that there is a genetic explanation for Leo’s Autism and epilepsy, it’s important to note that this isn’t about blame…” Startled by her candidness, I nodded, silently providing acknowledgement…
Read MoreA Christmas Wish from a Stranger
This holiday season we have been touched with the spirit of Christmas by friends and complete strangers. Christmas is a little different for us. My son, Johnny, who is almost 6 and on the autism spectrum, doesn’t ask for toys or say what he wants. He lacks communication skills and understanding. We can go to the store and he may look and touch and couple things, but never says he wants them or tries to take it with him. I’m sure that sounds amazing to many parents, but for me…
Read MoreChristmas; Another Day Passing Us By?
Holidays are fast approaching. And for the past few weeks, my mind has been filled with the excitement and longing for celebration and togetherness. In an ever-changing world that we are a part of, looking forward to something is a must these days. But as the first of the next few major holidays creeps up on our families, a new concept plagues my thoughts. In our area, holiday gatherings are not “banned” but discouraged, as we still reside within a worldwide pandemic. And there’s a very real chance that we…
Read MoreHis First Christmas Concert
I got to be a fly on the wall again today. For my son Rory’s first Christmas concert. I told him I would be there. I went over the day with him as I do. But he didn’t seem to have any understanding of what I was telling him. My girls, however, knew exactly what I was talking about. “Mum, I want to come to Rory’s Christmas concert! Mum what are his lines? Mum what song is he singing?!” The urgency in their excitement reminded me of just how different…
Read MoreA Zoom Visit With Santa
The three boys just had their zoom visit with Santa Claus. I’ll be honest, it was a loud, chaotic, mess and had me sweating and possibly even swearing internally. It was also adorable and cute. Which pretty much sums up all of our family experiences. Sawyer asked for a Nintendo Switch and followed that up with a dozen questions about the reindeer and how Santa is doing his job during covid. Then they exchanged ‘dad jokes’ and I laughed out loud. I love a good dad joke. The baby cried…
Read MoreThe Mind Versus the Heart
A few nights ago, my husband and I found ourselves driving around a picturesque town for 20 minutes or so…alone. We had no kids with us. There was no loud noise or fighting or voices from an iPad. It was just us, driving around looking at holiday lights, Christmas music playing softly. Eventually we found ourselves in the parking lot of what looked like a brand new apartment complex located right on the river. It was breathtaking. After looking at the sign, we saw it was for folks 55 plus.…
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