There are few things I hate more than being lost. Intense panic sets in when I'm somewhere unfamiliar, and it’s so distasteful I will avoid it at all costs. I was born with the worst sense of direction in all of human history. I can get lost getting out of a paper bag. Which was why, as I was sliding down a hill, my rear end feeling every pine cone and small pebble, I had to … [Read more...]
Graduating Tom: The Thrill of Seeing Our Child With Dyslexia Accomplish What His Test Scores Said He Couldn’t
Yesterday my husband and I sat in a crowded auditorium and watched our first child cross the stage and accept his high school diploma. This capped off a month of seeing him receive two special awards and a scholarship. To say I was proud would be an understatement. It was amazing to see my son recognized for all the hard work he put into his academic career. As I sat … [Read more...]
Sometimes When I Guide My Special Needs Daughter Understanding Can Be The Hardest Thing To Find
“Hi Mrs. Radigan. Is Lizzy toilet trained? Do you need a cup for her to leave a sample for her physical this morning?” My expression reflexively said, “Of course she’s toilet trained, she’s 15 and not only is this the same practice that’s been taking care of her since she was born, you personally have known her this whole time.” But I remained silent despite my anger, … [Read more...]
Dear Kathy: A Letter to My 20-Year-Old Self
It seems like just yesterday that I was a 20-year-old acting student hanging out in Greenwich Village, drinking black coffee, and going to midnight showings of foreign films that I pretended to like and understand because the guy I loved liked them. Back then, I wouldn’t have dreamt of telling someone I loved, or in fact, even someone I hated, what I really thought about … [Read more...]
There’s No Such Thing as a Sick Day When You’re a Mom
Each and every time I dare to get sick, I’m plagued with a recurring dream. I’m in bed with an extremely sore throat or a painful stomach bug. I can barely lift my head up. Yet I keep trying to reach my office to let them know I won’t be in today. But whatever I do, I can’t seem to get through to a single person who can help me. I’m in a full-blown panic because I’m sick … [Read more...]
