San Quentin Prison looks a little like Disneyland from the outside.  Rather circus-like with ornamental details and multiple paint colors.  At least to a 10-year-old girl. I had a Dorothy Hamill bowl cut, and so despite, my flowery top and Dittos pants, I was questioned whether I was a boy or a girl. Checking in to visit someone in prison was quite the arduous Continue Reading

I am thinking about starting a nonprofit organization where we pick up special needs moms from their homes on a Friday night in a luxury sprinter van, complete with yummy snacks and beverages. At the very same time, at each home, we drop off sweet Mary-Poppins-meets-The Rock-specially-trained caregivers. Therefore, the moms can leave in peace and comfort, knowing that their children (of any Continue Reading

I dedicate this piece to everyone who has lost a mother.  I see you. One of the by-products of losing your mom too soon is a hunger. A hunger for what should have been. A hunger for what could have been. A hunger to simply pick up the phone to call her. A hunger for her recipes and ironing sheets and houseplant skills. A hunger to know more—more of her, more of who I was Continue Reading

I shared this one year ago on social media and thought since once again it is DAY 1 of PWS (Prader-Willi syndrome) Awareness Month, I would share here. They stopped me in my tracks.Her words. About her son with autism.“I just want to allow him the chance to become who he is...”In almost 16 years, I have never thought of this. I have never dreamed of this. I have never pondered this. I have Continue Reading

About once or twice a year, I embark on making twice-baked potatoes. My family does not really looove potatoes, but they do like TBP’s. Maybe it’s because it is a recipe my beloved mother-in-law, Sally, used to make. Perhaps they can feel her love come through on some deep subconscious level. You would think that during this pandemic with crazy grocery store habits and changes, I would have Continue Reading

Hi! My name is Jessica Patay and I am a delinquent, infrequent blogger.  In fact, I almost took it down from my Instagram profile because if I don’t blog for over a year (or more!) do I still have the audacity to call myself a Blogger? After NOT posting for 20 months, I sat down to write my thoughts on this quarantine and the massive impact on special needs families.  (And, of Continue Reading

Imagine you are the captain of a sports team.  The season started off rusty, but you led, you communicated, you encouraged, you appreciated each team member.  You worked together better and better and you had a good rhythm.  You were interdependent in a positive and successful way.  You achieved milestones and victories!! You celebrated! And now, it is the playoffs. As the captain, you are Continue Reading