Recently, my caseworker asked me to make a list of all the things I do for Ryan. Daily, weekly, appointments, driving, etc. ALL. OF. IT. And the list is long. And he is 14 years old. Today!! As I wrote and reviewed the list, asked hubby and our beloved behaviorist/sitter to give input, well, it made me kind of sad. Sad to see it all there in black and white. His incredible DEPENDENCE, and Continue Reading
A Mother’s Front Porch Prayer
THEY SAY IN THEY MAGAZINE THAT "RE-ENTRY IS A WITCH." (or other choice words) Re-entering family life and the reality of the day to day grind after time off or vacation can be difficult. For me, even after a night off with girlfriends, or a full day off from mothering, I can have re-entry issues. Because... I NEVER KNOW when I walk through the door what awaits me. This weekend Chris Continue Reading
To Share or Not to Share?
Privacy and self-protection lead to isolation. Transparency and honesty lead to connection, community, and love. Yet, it is not so black and white when you find out your child is different, or disabled, or diagnosed with SOMETHING. Do you tell others or do you not? When Ryan was first diagnosed with PWS at 5 weeks old, our knee-jerk reaction was to keep it to ourselves. Maybe tell Continue Reading
I Would Die of Parental Happiness If…
These range from silly to sappy to serious, and some even totally unrealistic, BUT---a mama can wish and pray and hope. Because that is what we do. I would truly die of parental happiness if: My daughter would wake me with hot coffee every morning. And then get in bed with me to snuggle. My kids would learn to use a towel more than ONCE. The laundry piles up so fast, and right Continue Reading
Because We Begin Again
"Tonight's the night the world begins again..." so said wise sages The Goo Goo Dolls, but it fits. It is New Year's Eve 2014 and we are about to ring in 2015 with champagne, wine, craft brews, Moscow Mules, Smart water, or juice boxes (or all of the above). You may be wearing glitter. OR you may be wearing UGGs and pajamas happily like me. Whatever your costume of choice is tonight, the Continue Reading
That Post Christmas Blah
Some years it hits me. Some years it does not. On December 26th. Or even sometimes RIGHT after the Christmas morning of fun and frenzy and children's delights are all over. Even though I don't believe in Santa Clause or any Christmas magic per se, I have realized my adult self still has this longing and expectation at Christmastime. That somehow a special fulfillment will arrive on Continue Reading