When the phone rang I didn’t think twice to run and pick it up, even though it meant leaving my five-year-old son and two-year-old daughter alone in the sun room with a preschool goody bag filled to the brim with Easter candy. I figured it was my mom asking me a quick question about the upcoming holiday. Not for a second did I think I was picking up a call that would change our … [Read more...]
Competitive Mothering
Have you ever sat in a PTA meeting and broke out in a sweat as you recall that you sent your kid to school with a plain old sandwich and juice box while you listen to the woman next to you describe the lunch she packed for hers. The one complete with bread she made herself and cut into the shape of a snowflake? Or while you are watching your angel play at a Baby-and-Me … [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...]
The Next Frontier for a Princess & Her Mom
I don’t know what I expected to find on Wednesday when I went to a open house at the school for special needs children my daughter will be attending next year. But I didn’t expect to feel such profound sadness. Will I ever completely accept my daughter’s limitations? As I walked the hallways with the other parents, I started to have my doubts. Lizzy will … [Read more...]
Educating Lizzy
The other day I had my annual parent/teacher conference for my 13-year-old daughter. Each and every time I visit Lizzy’s school, I’m assaulted with a range of emotions, from gratitude and respect for the school’s teachers and staff to dread and sadness as I get buzzed through the heavy doors and enter the lobby. I smile at the attendants at the front desk as I sign the guest … [Read more...]
