Blog Posts
Elsa
When Walt Disney Pictures released their 53rd animated feature film, Frozen, in 2013, we pretty much ignored it. I was intrigued by the connection to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale "The Snow Queen," but not enough to pay for movie tickets. Years later, a weekend stay at the Hilton Orange County brought Frozen to the forefront of my family's life. [...]
Don’t Give Me the Finger!
As I raised the blinds in my son’s bedroom the other morning, I noticed his arm stretch out from beneath the blanket. His sleepy eyes looked at me – rather, at my clothes – and one periscope-like finger pointed in my direction. I would have thought the finger-pointing meant close the blinds, Mom, I’m still asleep, except I knew exactly [...]
Zipping Through Milestones
Milestones. One might say these are roadside markers measuring distance. Another might think of significant events in life: a graduation, the start of a new job. And still others may define milestones in the context of a baby's developmental steps. In fact, monitoring milestones is one way to consider the possibility of an underlying developmental issue. Parents of special needs [...]
No More Taters, Tot!
Going to the grocery store became a highly preferred activity for my son when he was younger. It was surprising, because he experienced difficulties in places that were too bright, too loud, too chaotic. We realized he was a foodie, and then it made perfect sense why he adored the market. […]
If At First You Don’t Succeed…
(First appeared on VestLife blog) The other day, my son and I were in a store, and he was helping the cashier by putting our items in a bag. One slipped. The clerk said, “Ooops! Try again!” And I cringed. I glanced over at Zach, fearing some kind of reaction. I readied myself to calm him. Fortunately for all, he [...]
Sequins and Sharks
(Originally appeared on the VestLife blog) It feels like yesterday, but it wasn’t. My son and I were doing some browsing around at a San Francisco shopping plaza. It looked like rain was coming, so I had an umbrella. I also carried a very loaded-up backpack. Special needs parents go places prepared for almost anything! After a visit to F.A.O. [...]
Sharing Some Sun on Groundhog Day
“Then put your little hand in mine…there ain’t no hill or mountain we can’t climb…Babe, I got you babe…I got you babe…” As the black alarm clock on the white doily flipped to 6:00 A.M., Sonny and Cher awakened Phil from his slumber in his room at the Cherry Tree Inn. It was February second, Groundhog Day, and haughty weatherman [...]
How an Apple Changed the IEP
It can take the strength of a weightlifter to haul documents, books, and a laptop from one’s car to an IEP meeting. That particular Individualized Educational Plan meeting for my then 10-year-old son was pivotal (not that every IEP meeting isn’t). My husband and I, along with our advocate, had one ginormous task in mind: to have a communication device [...]
Cookies, Crayons, and Cookbooks
As a special needs parent, you just want to get it right. You won’t hit it out of the park all the time. But when you do, it sure feels good. When you go from idea to reality and the outcome brings sheer joy to your child, there’s nothing that compares. […]
Cemetery Trees
One stands solitary Stick straight and stalwart A sturdy presence under sun Under stars Through sleet Thick heat A steadfast sentinel […]
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