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...]
Our Nest is Not Empty, Just Rearranged
When my husband and I were getting ready to have our second child, we read everything we could about preparing our three-year-old for his baby sister’s arrival. We followed the experts’ advice and had him pick out a present for her. We had him select a picture of himself, so we could tape it to the baby’s hospital bassinet. He had his “I’m a Big Brother” t-shirt ready to … [Read more...]
My Wishes for My Son as He Gets Ready to Graduate High School
This week our firstborn child got measured for the cap and gown for his high school graduation. It was only yesterday when I would put him on my lap after bathing him. He would smell of lavender baby wash as he snuggled into me. I would rock him to sleep and just stare at how gorgeous he was. Those days felt as if they would last forever. Now he is 18 and thinking about the … [Read more...]
Special Recognition
One of the biggest lessons I have learned these last 13 years as the mother of a daughter with significant special needs is that I have to adjust my expectations and enjoy every triumph my Lizzy attains on her terms. Yet every so often I get the chance to feel just like any other proud mama, “special” or not. I had such a moment last week. A few weeks ago I received a … [Read more...]
