A Home of Her Own

OMG! Jessica and I are in Exceptional Parent Magazine: A Home of Her Own

I wrote an essay about our daughter, Jessica, and planned to submit it to Exceptional Parent Magazine. Clicking the send button with my essay traveling the digital waves is like setting off an avalanche of ruminations.  Fellow writers will understand the agony of waiting to hear what the editors think: 1. Will they take a hard pass, or 2. Accept, or even worse,3. No reply. I need to face the fact that more often than not, my story will not be accepted.

A Home of Her Own
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But Then…

BUT THEN, many months later, I received the email that we would be featured in the February Issue (page 25) of Exceptional Parent.

A Home of Her Own

Jessica

I have been reading Exceptional Parent since 1982, when our daughter Jessica was born with a rare chromosome deletion. So, I am exceptionally honored and thrilled that they chose my story to share with their readers.

Choosing to move Jessica into a home of her own was one of the hardest decisions we faced as a family.  We knew our daughter deserved a life surrounded by more than just mom and dad.  But it’s complicated. When your child has a disability, one often thinks that the most compassionate route is to live at home with mom and dad.

I understand the need to protect and keep your child at home. We felt especially conflicted because Jessica is nonverbal and cannot express her feelings with words. But there will come a time when a parent can no longer care for their child. Planning for your child’s future is crucial to a smooth transition to adulthood. It is a compassionate decision. Exploring options for your loved one while you are able, rather than in an emergency, is a loving gift.

A Home of Their Own

My hope is that families consider their child’s options with an open mind and heart, fostering independence to the best of their child’s ability, which is the beginning of the next step in their child’s future: a home of their own.

If A Home of Her Own inspires and moves you, there are many more real-life Jessica and family stories in the three-time award-winning book, Raising Jess: A Story of Hope.

To help spread Jessica’s story, consider sharing this article with your network, leaving a review on Amazon, or gifting Raising Jess: A Story of Hope to a friend. Each small action can create a ripple effect of awareness and inspiration.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

A Home of Her Own
Happy Valentine’s Day!

For an inspiring stories about Raising a Child with a Rare Chromosome Deletion, check out 3-time award-winning memoir,  Raising Jess: A Story of Hope!

Discover more from Vickie Rubin: Special Educator, Advocate, & Mom

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14 thoughts on “OMG! Jessica and I are in Exceptional Parent Magazine: A Home of Her Own”

  1. Ab

    Congratulations Vickie! You continue to be an inspiration to me with your endless energy, optimistic attitude and determination to spread a positive message, light and hope for other families.

    Have a wonderful Valentine’s too!

    Reply ↓
    1. Vickie Rubin Post author

      Thank you, AB!!!! You really touched me with your comment – I am reading your words with a big smile and appreciation for you! Hope you and the hubby had a fantastic Valentine’s Day! đź’–

      Reply ↓
  3. Norma Rubin

    That is so wonderful. So happy for you. It is well deserved. Love, Norma

    On Sat, Feb 14, 2026 at 8:44 AM Vickie Rubin: Special Educator, Advocate, &

    Reply ↓
  5. Deborah Rapp

    This article is so important for parents of children with disabilities because of the hard decisions and emotional challenge it brings- letting go of your child’s direct daily care. As a special education administrator working in an institution for people with developmental disabilities for 40 years, I witnessed the remarkable transition and improvement of their lives as each person moved to a group home in the community. A truly significant growth in independence and personal relationships with peers is only a part of this transformation. Hard decisions early, are a gift to the child and family members both, without losing the closeness of continued connection. It is a blessing.

    Reply ↓
  6. Victoria

    Be still my heart! Fabulous news this Valentine’s Day! Congratulations, Vickie…much love to you, Jess, Mitch and the whole family! đź’ťđź’ťđź’ť

    Reply ↓
  7. Kathy Coe

    Congrats Vickie. Kathy Coe

    On Sat, Feb 14, 2026 at 8:44 AM Vickie Rubin: Special Educator, Advocate, &

    Reply ↓

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