Category: Blog
Caught between two worlds: what is “normal”
5 years ago Jack stopped breathing. He had a grand mal seizure in his bedroom, just after dinner. My other child and I had heard a loud thud and then…silence....
The Secret Freedom Of A Special Needs Mom
Years ago, I was a people-pleasing rock star. The minute you required something of me, I delivered. I fed on your approval and validation. Whether it was getting good grades,...
The Elf On The Shelf Is The Devil’s Plaything
This thought may be unpopular, but I’m gonna challenge that sacred cow, the third rail of holiday festivities: The Elf on the Shelf. To be clear: I HATE The Elf on...
Confessions of a (not so) Tiger Mother
Ever read “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother”? This controversial memoir by Amy Chua details her strict parenting philosophy. Her goal? Unambiguous success for her daughters. No other outcome imaginable. Anything...
Love is a verb
Clutching my soggy tissues in a death grip, I couldn’t stop bawling. I was perched on the edge of a soft chair in the dimmed sanctuary of Dr. G’s office....
Live your life forward by working backwards
I LOVE documentaries. Especially “people overcoming adversity in nature”-type ones. From ultra-marathons through deserts to mountain climbing without safety harnesses, you name it, I’ve watched it.
Holidazed and Confused
“Only 5 more days of school until winter break!” The old lady crossing guard with the ruddy weathered face and jaunty Santa hat chirped this greeting to me years ago,...
Cut me a piece of that humble pie…
A few weeks ago, I braved the UPS store to ship back a duplicate Christmas gift for my husband Mike. I had my developmentally disabled teenager Jack with me–it was...
Savor the bite-sized victories and joys
“Tell them no. They should get the information themselves.” So said Dr. G, my long-ago therapist. I’d been venting about my latest drama in the world of special needs parenting.
To the parent trapped in a horrible day
I see you, my fellow caregiver. You’re trying and failing to hold it together because today is bad. Like really bad. Like so bad you don’t know how to get...