When your child is young and in school the teachers have a rule: if you send a birthday invitation to one child, all must be included. This is how Bridget got invited to a birthday party where we didn’t know anyone. Continue reading
Dear Abby,
I’m not quite sure how it happened, but it feels like just yesterday you were this girl:
If we were having a glass of wine, I would tell you that my leg freaking hurts. Training for the half-marathon is tougher than I ever expected. Running this weekend for my “long” run of 11 miles I was feeling great. I had remembered to fuel properly and as the miles went by I was amazed how much the training had paid off. Until mile 10.5 when all of a sudden a pain in my leg forced me to stop and walk the rest of the way home. It is getting better but my confidence is shaken.
If we were having a glass of wine, I would tell you my child might not survive her teenage years. I am tired of the eye roll, the sigh and the fact that because I said so is no longer a valid end to an argument. She is lucky she is cute. Continue reading
I recently received an e-mail from a mom who is just beginning her special needs journey. She googled a few terms and this blog showed up in her search (wow!). As I read her e-mail I was suddenly taken back to that place. The place where I was completely overwhelmed and wanted Dr. Google to explain what was wrong with my child.
I remember looking into this face and feeling so overwhelmed and ill-prepared to deal with a child who had health issues. Not knowing in that moment that this would actually be the easy time. A time when we were cocooned with doctors and nurses just a call bell away. Continue reading
There are so many subjects that are very difficult to talk about. Most of us remember being told never to talk politics or religion with friends–it is probably the fastest way to be unfriended. I admit to hating that concept; to even have the idea that we cannot talk about issues. I believe that fear of discourse leads to polarization.
Yet I know I am guilty of that thought process. There are many topics I won’t even broach with my husband because I know we cannot have a reasonable discussion. Instead we will each take to our corners and refuse to give an inch. We are always so sure that we are right (hint: I usually am!–Kidding!). Continue reading
Have you ever heard of Trunk or Treat? I thought it was a crazy idea, truth be told. I mean really, what kid doesn’t want to roam a neighborhood and go trick or treating? A parking lot seemed (I admit) kind of lame. As with most things, having a Bridget in my life changed my position.
Bridget has never been able to trick or treat with success. Unless we count her second year, but really she just hung out in the stroller. She was content, if a bit frozen.
Although the pain fades, it never goes away. I will never forget the fear I had, the moment I realized something was different with Bridget. Having to take her to the ER on her fourth day of life and bargaining for her life. I just wanted her to live.
Now “I just want her to be normal” Continue reading
There are not a lot of Halloween books I have ever read Bridget. She loves the Big Pumpkin, but only when accompanied by the audio book, not in my voice. Then a friend sent me, Black Day by Marcus Sikora.
Bridget made a friend.
A for real friendship.
One not based on her IEP, her placement in a Special Education class.
A friendship not because her mom told her to be nice to the girl that’s not like the rest of the class. Continue reading
Love, we all want it. Some of us don’t realize how much we need it. I know I need reminders that love comes in different moments of my life. Sometimes I have to take a moment and give thanks for the love I am so very lucky to have in my life. Continue reading
(Un)Diagnosed and still okay 