“Mom, you are being so mean to me. You are so much nicer to Peter. You love him more than me.” I looked at my soon-to-be 19-year-old son, my first born child, and simply said, “No, of course I don’t love him more. I adore you both.” But I like your 12-year-old brother a heck of a lot more right now. This thought ran through my head, but thankfully I didn’t … [Read more...]
Learning To Say Goodbye
Our son, who will be starting his freshman year in college this fall, met with the school’s counselors last week to set up his class schedule. Why I thought my husband and I would be involved in this process is beyond me. Tom has been handling his own scheduling issues and any other problems that might come his way since high school. He’s quite skillful at it. I knew he … [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...]
I Met a Boy
Ten days past my due date and after a 23-hour labor that ended in an emergency C-section under general anesthesia, I met a boy. Our first meeting wasn’t anything like I had planned. I woke up in the recovery room and saw my husband at the foot of my bed holding a huge bundle of blankets. Joe was all smiles as he brought our new baby close to my face. Since I needed to … [Read more...]
For the Love of Ten
This morning Peter ran into my room, very excited to show me the telescope and binoculars he made from paper, tape and staples. “Can I bring them with me when Tom and I visit Grandpa today? I want to show them to him.” “Of course. I think he will love to see them.” “Mom, they aren’t real you know. He broadly smiles and starts to laugh.” “Yes, I know.” Now we are … [Read more...]
