Some days raising a child with significant special needs means witnessing miracles. Simple things that most parents would take for granted become landmarks. If Lizzy answers me when I ask her what dress she would like to wear, or spontaneously lets me know she likes the strawberry ice cream she is eating, that’s a big deal. Some days it feels as if my heart is being torn out … [Read more...]
Together Again
Last August, my son Tom and I walked out of his counselor’s office happy that he got every class and teacher he wanted for his sophomore year in high school. He even got into a film class, which he was really excited about. Our joy was short-lived though when school started two weeks later, and it turned out that his second period class was not the right section of Spanish. … [Read more...]
It’s Just Another Day
Mothers Day is fast approaching. This means everywhere I look I’m bombarded with ads and commercials that picture a happy mother cuddling her baby or getting sloppy kisses from her toddler. The second Sunday of May is often depicted in loving images, with husbands showering their wives with beautiful and expensive presents and children making breakfast in bed for mommy. The … [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...]
Dear Mom Who Sent Your Kid to School With No Socks Today
Dear Mom who sent your kid to school with no socks today: Thank you. My morning started with me mentally counting ahead two hours to figure out what time everyone’s bus had been rescheduled because the previous day’s snowstorm had delayed the opening of school. As I was packing snacks and making breakfast, my nine-year-old started to scream in an unGodly pitch because … [Read more...]
