When I was growing up, I always loved to hear my mom tell the story of how she picked my name. I would happily curl up next to her and listen intently as she told me for the hundredth time, that she had originally picked the name Christina for me, if I was a girl. And she planned to call me Tina. But, and she would make a big show of the word “but,” giving the word a … [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...]
My Daughter and I: the Day to Day Reality of Raising a Child With Special Needs
Today my daughter and I used a birthday gift card from her godfather to the hair-accessory-jewelry-everything-a-pink-loving-girl-could-possibly-want store, Claire’s. As Lizzy and I managed our way through the racks of headbands with flowers, gems, and bows, I got very anxious. All Lizzy wanted to do was be left alone to pick out what she wanted. That’s a very normal thing … [Read more...]
My Daughter, the Fashion Model
Last Saturday my beautiful teenage daughter and I spent the day in a crowded New York hotel ballroom getting her ready to model in a fashion show. This might not seem that unusual, given that our daughter is 5’8” and has adored makeup, shoes, and clothes almost from infancy. One of her first complete sentences was, “I need my Chanel perfume,” and she has always loved the … [Read more...]
Children Will Listen
“Little pitchers have big ears,” is a phrase I remember my mother saying often when I was a little kid. She usually said it when she was on the phone and my sisters and I were playing at the table, or she was talking to my dad, while we were all eating dinner. I didn’t know why she was whispering about milk pitchers and ears when all I wanted to do was find out … [Read more...]
