January Writing Challenge Topic

Hey friends, This January, I’m challenging you to write about your goals, hopes, and resolutions for 2019. This could be the goals you have for your child. In our world, we would love if Cooper learned how to ride a bike, had less screen time and learned water safety. Or maybe it’s your goals as a parent. For me, I want to slow down. I want to enjoy life more. And I want to read my boys a book every night before bed. Personally, I want to find balance. I…

Read More

Releasing MY Own Doubts and Fears

I stood there sobbing as Ethan stared at me, wondering what was wrong. “Mom why are you crying?” I couldn’t answer. The tears just rolled down my face as the illumination of another glimmer of possibility, of hope, burst through the room like a ray of sunshine bursting through the clouds. “Mom what’s wrong? You’re making me uncomfortable,” Ethan said in his funny quirky, humorous way. I burst out laughing. I couldn’t help it. He always knows just what to say to make me laugh and smile. I’m not only…

Read More

I Don’t Mind Being Your Mom

As a mom of a child with autism, I often feel burnt out, disconnected and stressed. I often feel like a shell of who I used to be. I feel like someone who’s just struggling to make everyday a good day, even when the dark cloud looming over me is incredibly heavy. I’m not fun anymore. I’m rarely spontaneous or enjoyable to be around. I’m not as positive as I used to be and I don’t always see the good in the things that should bring me joy. I feel…

Read More

The Day My Son Was Different

I’ll never forget that day. The day that I realized, this wasn’t just a speech delay. That he wasn’t just a boy that was going to develop at his own rate. I’ll never forget the moment, that I actually had to admit to myself, that my son was more than likely, autistic. I chose to be a stay at home mom. My husband and I made that decision, the very moment we found out about Carter. It was something that was important to both of us, so that’s what I…

Read More

My Son, You Showed Me That I Was Stronger Than Autism

A Letter to my son Daniel:  It’s hard to believe you are already fourteen months old, as it feels like just yesterday I was holding you in my arms for the first time. I know you are still a baby but I hope to read you this letter one day when you can better understand it all. Watching you grow and reach exciting milestones this past year has healed my heart in so many ways and brought so much joy to my life. You are always smiling and laughing and…

Read More

You Got A Friend In Me

Friend in me

Exactly one year after we received our oldest son’s diagnosis of autism, the four of us are on our way to celebrate a cousin’s birthday. It’s a children’s birthday party, and I’m terrified. Weeks before I had tried to insist to the mother that the dates that were picked wouldn’t work for us, but I was just trying to shield my child. Now here we are, parked in front of their house. I’m always anxious when we stray from our routine, or should I say from Zachary’s routine. As a…

Read More

A Letter to My First Born: Thank You

To my first born Omar, I want to thank you. Thank you for the ways that you have held me together. For the ways that you have been able to carry a weight so heavy on some days that it should have dragged you down. But it didn’t. You smiled through. There were times I was so distraught and so impatient, that you didn’t need to forgive me for my loss of control and failure as your mom. But you did. From the first time you heard your brother needed…

Read More