In late January, we had our third son, Emmett Jack. Unlike his older brother, Emmett was born in a controlled, predictable fashion, screamed his tiny little lungs out, and was deemed perfectly healthy. The breath I’d been holding for nine months was released as I knew that this baby was *ok.*
And...
It’s not that I doubt LeBella’s diagnosis. I know that for us, Early Onset Bipolar Disorder is a reality. I knew this is what we were dealing with before the first doctor said so.
I know that medication is so much trial and error, and we have tried so many. Sometimes we get nothing, sometimes...
In raising my son, Elijah, I find that managing my expectations is a balancing act. It’s like I’m a gymnast and I must constantly be careful not to fall off of my balance beam.
On one side, is optimism. Optimism, of course, is a good thing. If I allow myself to live in a optimistic...
I’m waiting for the time when I’ll become ok with Dean having evaluations of one kind or another. I mean, this is not my dog or my ability to bake a cake, it’s my kid. Dean’s 6-month review for Early Intervention is coming up and I’m thinking about sending a talking blow-up...
First and foremost, this is not a judgement call on any parent.
Raising a child with special needs is difficult. Nothing prepares us for a child with special needs, unless we grew up with a child with special needs or we are a professional in special education. A diagnosis can be a tough pill to...
With the New Year comes resolutions. Even if you don’t mean to make them, in the back of your head, they’re there, aren’t they?
I’m going do something for ME this year! I’m going to exercise…. never mind more… I’m talkin’ at all! I’m going...
I am not a big believer in new year resolutions. I kind of think they set people up to fail. For instance, my adult son told me the other day that he is planning to give up smoking, fast food, and soda. All at the same time. Uh …
I think many Americans aim a bit too high and have enormous expectations...
I feel blessed that this is the time I get to raise my children.
I cannot imagine having my boys 50 years ago, well, having my Alex even just 30 years ago, had he survived birth, which he wouldnt have, the doctors would have told me to give him up, hide him away, that he wouldnt amount to anything.
WOW!...
I wanted to write a quick post to say that I feel so privileged to be counted among the gifted writers on this site. And I’m bursting with excitement because I have much to say!
My first message is this: If you are the new parent of a child with special needs, please just take a moment and b.r.e.a.t.h.e.
You...
I have a hard time dealing with some extended family. Most, are very supportive and understanding when it comes to my 8 year old daughter, Gracie. They understand that she has special needs and that we have to give lots of our time and energy into taking care of those needs. They understand that...
