As the parents of a daughter with significant special needs, my husband and I have always tried to shield our two sons from some of the darker realities of Lizzy’s issues. Still, we remain as open as we can, so they can feel close and connected with her and her care. If that sounds as if it might be impossible to accomplish, it is. This weekend I was reminded of the fool’s … [Read more...]
The 5 Stages of Saying Goodbye to the Elementary School Years Forever
Last Thursday I sat in an all-purpose room full of other teary-eyed parents and watched my last baby move up from elementary school to the new frontier of middle school. My time as a mom to a kid in elementary school is officially over. I will never again go to a Halloween parade, read a story for “secret reader” day, or have to run out to Target at 8:00 pm so I can … [Read more...]
I Became an Adult the Day I Realized My Daughter Has Special Needs
If adulthood is defined as being completely self-supporting and living on one’s own, then I achieved that milestone when I was 23. If it is defined by getting married, having a child, or paying a mortgage, I crossed those off my list at 27, 33, and 35, respectively. But looking back, I now know I became a card-carrying member of the grown-up set the morning I … [Read more...]
A Mom and Her Music (Or What Happens When Your Kids Find Out You’re Not Cool)
A few days ago I was watching a documentary on the 1970’s vocal group, The Carpenters. (It is at this point that I feel compelled to tell you that if after reading this statement you feel the need to quickly get off my page and forget you ever knew me or my possessed dishwasher, I totally understand.) As I was thoroughly enjoying my show my 11-year-old came into my room, … [Read more...]
On Loss and Learning
As a busy mom of three kids, 17, 14, and 11, I don’t spend much time thinking about the difficult road my husband and I had in becoming parents. As the song says, I haven’t got time for the pain. But in the past few weeks circumstances have occurred that have brought me back to that very difficult and painful time in my life. Earlier in the week I received an email from a … [Read more...]
