When my son Tom was eight, he needed a tooth pulled. Or as the pediatric dentist we went to said, “wiggled out.” “Mom, that means he’s pulling my tooth out, yes?” “Yes, Tom.” Then the dentist went to give him a shot of “silly juice,” which would make his mouth feel “funny.” “Mom, that’s Novocaine, right? And, my mouth is going to feel numb, right?” “Yes, … [Read more...]
How I Learned to Spell Love
In my 49 years on this planet, I have had the chance to meet some amazing people and make a lot of good friends. Some have lasted beyond time and circumstance, while others have ended naturally after school, or a move or job change. A few ended painfully. But there is one friend whose effect on me was so profound that I think of her often. Carol and I were in the same … [Read more...]
Solving the Frustration Equation
The other day I sent an email to my son’s teacher with the subject line, “Re Homework tears, mine, not Peter’s.” I couldn’t believe it that once again, fourth grade was kicking my butt. All of sudden a lifetime of frustration came flooding back to me. Memories of missed recess sitting in a classroom being the only girl among the few kids who didn't finish their work on … [Read more...]
Motherhood Helped Me Find My Voice
Words have always come easy for me. Legend has it I was speaking full sentences by the time I was 18 months old. At two, I corrected my grandmother’s pronunciation of Santa Claus. Words came easy. But finding my voice didn’t. And it wasn’t something I fully found until I became a mother. I was a shy, insecure young woman. The dyslexia that made school and life so hard … [Read more...]
Surprises in Parenting
Our youngest child Peter has always been a marvel at building with blocks, train tracks, vegetables, paper cups, and anything else he can get his hands on. This may be nothing special in most families, but it means he stands out in our family of klutzes. About four years ago Tom, our oldest, was in panic after seeing another amazing creation his baby brother made with his … [Read more...]
