Guest Post
Enjoying 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 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…
Read MorePast Denial and Into Acceptance
There I am. Still in denial if you ask me. Still hopeful that Sophie will blend in to this loud and crowded party with a bunch of busy, loud excited 5-year-olds. Hopeful she’ll strike up a conversation with one of these kids. Hopeful she will smile and laugh and run around interacting with these kids. Hopeful she’ll appreciate the hand sewn dress that was made for her special day. Hopeful she won’t yell at anyone. Hopeful she won’t hide in her room. Hopeful she won’t run out of the house,…
Read MoreBeyond Measure
Like so many special needs parents, I’ve spent countless hours filling out paperwork and rating scales about my child. I know all too well what it feels like to anxiously wait in doctor offices, therapy lobbies, and conference rooms…to go over the results of various assessments, listening to the numbers that describe my son. I’ve left meetings, only to replay the conversations in my head, trying to stay positive and put the scores behind me. The numbers and scores for my son, Charlie, are always associated with significant delays and…
Read MoreDear Moms Who are Trying to Keep it Together
One of the hardest things about being a mom is holding it together when all you want to do is breakdown and cry. I see you out in public fighting back the tears. Tears that have been building up all day because you’re just exhausted. You have been up for hours with no sleep because your child is going through a sleep regression. I see the frustration in your face that you’re tired of being judged. Judged that you’re doing everything wrong. I can see it in your eyes, that…
Read MoreA Letter to Parents on Diagnosis Day
Maybe you’re just hearing the news that your child is on the autism spectrum. Or that they might be. Maybe you’re in the process of having your child evaluated. Or maybe you’re holding back from seeking a diagnosis because you’re scared. Scared of the label. Scared of hearing it out loud. Scared of the idea of forever. I understand. Every single emotion you’re feeling. But I want to show you something…. You see the photo below? This was never “supposed” to happen. My child has a friend. A friend in…
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