Vickie Rubin

My View: There are Many Ways to Pay it Forward – If you can’t open article in the Buffalo News – this is a copy:

If you can’t open article in the Buffalo News – this is a copy:

I drove to Starbucks the other day and waited in a long line of cars. My need for coffee was stronger than my impatience.

At one point, I was looking at my phone (ok, maybe more than one point), and I got a beep from the impatient person behind me. It was raining and cold, another typical spring day – the continuous dreary weather wearing on all of us.

A Jolt

Finally, I reached the front of the drive-thru line and was able to place my order. Driving to the window to pay for my purchase, I received a jolt, and it wasn’t caffeine! The person in front of me just paid my bill, and I even ordered oatmeal with all the toppings!

This gesture was unexpected, and although I’ve heard about these pleasant surprises, I had yet to be a recipient.

After a few moments of elation, I offered to pay for the person (the impatient horn beeper) behind me. I was curious and asked the barista if this was a common reaction to an unexpected coffee line gift. She replied that I was the tenth person in a row to pay it forward, and she wondered how long it would continue.

The ripple of kindness was growing.

Our family witnesses kindness in others in many unique ways. Our daughter Jessica, age 41, has a rare chromosome deletion and needs assistance with all daily life skills. We rely not only on the skill and dedication of staff, but the goodwill of their acts.

Going the extra mile for our daughter when nobody is watching is true benevolence.

Direct Support Personnel (DSP)

We appreciate the dedication of direct support personnel (DSP) who take the time to get to know Jessica beyond the words in her file. Staff who stay after their shift so Jess can receive her medication when she arrives home from a family event. Staff who actively participate in home activities or relay fun stories about Jessica’s day.

There are staff that you know want to be there, and although it is their job, they enjoy our daughter and her housemates and show kindness in return. The same holds true for friends who visit Jessica unprompted by an event or reminder.

Today a friend gave me a bracelet with a logo that said, “Embrace the Difference.” The meaning of the beautiful emblem is kindness, acceptance and inclusion, no matter our differences. Karma? Whatever the vibe, I am grateful for the week of generosity and thoughtfulness.

Pay it forward – I remember telling my parents how grateful I was for everything they gave me and our family. I confessed that we would never be able to pay back their kindness, but made a vow to pay forward to our children. I hope we have lived up to their example.

Spreading the Good Word

And now, back to the coffee line and spreading the good word. I posted a photo of my coffee on social media with a summary of the act of kindness. Surprisingly, the response was extraordinary, with close to 1000 reactions. Comments range from thank you for “spreading some sunshine” to “way to put smiles on faces and make it a beautiful day.” Many spoke of their pay-it-forward experiences.

A small gesture of kindness can turn the day around. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone who reads this story today would do one thing to make somebody’s day?

I truly hope I was number ten in a line of hundreds of coffee lovers who paid it forward throughout that day.

Order Raising Jess A Story of Hope for yourself or as a gift today!

Mom and daughter - book cover — Raising Jess A Story of Hope

Inclusion for Jess: After 21

This is an excerpt for an article that I hope to get in a national magazine, a companion essay to my Memoir, Raising Jess. The topic- Inclusion for Jess, what was it all for? What did we Hope?

For those of you who have read the book and blogs, you know that our daughter Jess age 41, participates in many community, and other inclusive activities. During high school Jess partook in most school events from prom to theater events.

What Happens at 21?

But what happened when Jessica graduated at the age of 21? The quick answer is that laws, regulations, staffing requirements, and funding changed. Day Habilitation is very different from public school.

The amount of grants, resources and energy that is devoted to including individuals in public school activities is extensive and ongoing. Yet, once an individual, who requires services similar to our daughter ages out of school, it’s back to exclusionary settings.

This is Jessica’s story and the narrative for many individuals who have a severe intellectual disability and need assistance with daily living skills. Many of Jessica’s peers, who have more life skills, are in supportive employment and other inclusive community experiences.

Services

Jessica’s original program started differently. They explored the community, took field trips and left the building. We connected with many staff and developed relationships. I believe a lot changed after Covid. Jess was out of program for close to three years.

A few months ago, I visited Jessica in her current classroom, saw the lack of interaction and activity and knew it was time for a change.

As Jessica’s dad, Mitch, states – It’s not always the program. It’s often the system. Many new staff start their positions with enthusiasm and the hope that they can make a difference in somebody’s life. Yet, the system, red tape and restrictions often knocks them down. Whereas filling out forms becomes more important than direct care to the individual. And low wages that do not commensurate with the responsibility needed for this profession.

Adult programs require a culture of creativity, respect, collaboration and encouragement. These foundational tenets often overcome lack of funding. It’s the people who make a place, more than the rules or regulations.

Our daughter, Jessica, loves to meet people, visit new places, cherishes music, and enjoys outings. There should be a way to incorporate more community activities into a daily program.

Jess has been in the same day-habilitation program since graduation in 2003. And now after 20 years, we decided to switch day programs.

She started her new program last week. We hope the staff have more freedom and encouragement to be creative and maintain enthusiasm.

HOPE

We Hope Jess will feel tired at the end of the day because she had a full day.

We Hope that Jess gets to stand in her walker more frequently and is engaged and challenged.

We Hope that Jess is "happy to be there" each day.

Order Raising Jess A Story of Hope for yourself or as a gift today! (Mother’s Day is coming up!

Out of The Closet (3 tricks)

Before we get too technical, I am admittedly talking about my clothes closet! Staying organized is not my strong suit (maybe pun intended), as many of my readers, friends, family, and the universe know.

My name is Vickie Rubin, and I need to be more organized! There I said it; let’s move on.

New Tradition or A Tradition

For our new Passover tradition
Nobody needed to audition.
Age and ability were the only precondition
To rise to this position.
The questions at the seder consist of four
Happening Before the meal and the Maror.  
The honor was handed down to Noa and Brady
Age 3 and 7, no longer called the baby.
Noa recited question one for the group
Flawless adorable Hebrew, we all gave a whoop!
Next came Brady sounding like a fluent Rabbi
When both kids were done, we were flying high
Griffin read the English translation
Our pride and joy reached pure elation.
Great Grandparents Monroe, Marty and Norma attended through Zoom
To hear their great-grandchildren, quiet the room.
A new tradition, 
An old tradition, 
A new direction for our group
An old direction, a generational loop

Pneumonia on Vacation and Messages from Mom

Our vacation in the Florida Keys began on a Wednesday. On Thursday, an x-ray confirmed I had Pneumonia! After the last 3 years of avoiding Covid on Vacation, I never thought of pneumonia! Yes, it’s a beautiful place to recover, but I do not recommend Pneumonia on Vacation!

Mom, gone since 2020, Was Very Present this Past Week.

As a kid, I had pneumonia several times.

We Did It MY WAY

We Did it MY Way

It’s not that my husband Mitch will ever say,

This is how it is because I did it My Way,

But the implication is always there,

He marches to his own drum without a care.

On the flip side is me, saying, "Ahem or Hey!

"That’s not right because it’s not My Way!"

Going head-to-head is really unwise,

The secret to our union is compromise.

That all sounds good in this little poem,

But not so easy in our home.

So I sit in his boat, counting the hours till we dock,

He agrees to go out to dinner, although he'd rather not.

He tells me to pack my gear for our upcoming trip to the keys,

My gear is just sneakers, as he packs rods, reels, and all equipment he can squeeze.

I pack 10 pairs of shoes; he needs boat shoes and one other pair,

We are very different, and both of us are aware,

That Respect, Love, and Friendship will make it work out,

There will be struggles, without a doubt,

The best scenario is when you both can say

Well, this worked out, We Did It My Way!

If you haven’t had a chance, please check out my article in NEWSWEEK!

AND

I am honored and humbled to receive my third recognition for Raising Jess: A Story of Hope, selected as a Book Excellence Award Finalist for Memoir.

Please share the title of Raising Jess with families who may need to find some Hope and Encouragement.

Click here for amazon amzn.to/3DDSQt5

My article is in NEWSWEEK!!!

My article made NEWSWEEK!!!!!

If you like what you see – check out “the rest of the story” on amazon: Raising Jess A Story of Hope by Vickie Rubin.

Remembering Cantor Susan Wehle and the Passengers of Flight 3407

Tomorrow will be 14 years since Flight 3407 crashed.

It was February 12, 2009. As Mitch and I drowsily watched the 11:00 PM news in bed, light snow was falling. Suddenly, we awoke with a jolt! The newscaster just announced that Flight 3407, a plane originating from Newark, had crashed in Clarence, near Buffalo, NY. Clarence was less than ten miles from our home…. so close to the airport… so very close to the airport.

Who Was on That Flight?

Our hearts and minds raced over the thoughts of the passengers and crew. Did we know anybody who was traveling? Who was on that Flight? We are a connected community with WAY less than 6 degrees of separation.

The news showed family members waiting for word from their loved ones at the airport. Mitch and I would not know additional details that evening. We eventually fell into a fitful sleep.

Sad Reality

The morning news was grim. Every passenger and crew member on the flight perished. Tragically, the plane crashed into a family home. The wife and daughter were able to escape but not the husband. He lost his life watching TV in his home when Flight 3407 crashed on his house. The neighbors’ homes to the right and the left were spared.

I was in my office that morning when I received a call.” Did you hear about Susan Wehle? She was on flight 3407.” Shock and disbelief consumed my mind and body.

I later discovered that Susan was returning from a vacation in Costa Rica with her boyfriend. The layover was in Newark, where each would go their separate ways. The weather was fierce in Newark, and the flight had numerous delays. Finally, the passengers boarded, and Flight 3407 took off.

At 10 P.M., the flight began its fateful descent.

Remembering Susan

Taken from an Article about Susan, “Less than 24 hours after the crash, about 600 people crowded into Temple Beth Am in Williamsville, N.Y., (now known as Congregations Shir Shalom) on February 13 to remember the vibrant woman with curly hair and an irrepressible smile, the loss so fresh that friends were still speaking of her in the present tense.”

“Susan taught us that a life lived in fear is not a life lived at all,” said Rabbi Harry Rosenfeld of Temple Beth Zion in Buffalo.”

Another quote- “Susan’s reach was enormous,” said Jessica K., 21, of Williamsville, a Buffalo suburb. “She was involved in [the life of] every single person here tonight. With her not being here, we’ll have to find a way to reinvest in ourselves.”

 Cantorial Soloist Susan, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, was 55 years old when she perished. She had so much more to give and live. Our community lost an icon, a friend, and a beautiful soul.

Could Of Should Of Would OF

Investigators found that the pilots were fatigued, the captain had failed several flight simulation tests, and the captain and first officer did not have 1500 hours of experience. The captain and co-pilot made a fatal mistake when the plane stalled moments before landing.

Advocates

The surviving families of the victims of flight 3407 did not sit and accept fate. They rallied, they made themselves known, they fought, they went to Washington, and they changed aviation laws. These heroic families became advocates for all of us who chose to fly.

This small, powerful group fought tirelessly for years in the memory of their loved ones. Nobody would die under these circumstances again, and their legacy is safer travel for all of us.

When I hear the song Lechi Lach–I think of the lyrics that Susan sang at our daughter Jessica’s bat mitzvah. The memory of that song and the memory of Susan will always remain vivid. She made a difference in the lives of our family.

Dear Susan and the passengers of Flight 3407, we will remember you. May you rest in peace, and may your memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved you. You are truly missed.

For more information about changes made after Flight 3407, click here

Jessica’s Bat Mitzvah

Jessica’s Bat Mitzvah was a moving and powerful celebration. An example of inclusion and community. To read more about Jessica’s story, click here.

The Truth About Formal Tuesdays With Nana Is About To Be Revealed.

“I can’t go to school without my nails done,” shouts Noa. “And I need a dress for today!” Is this a high school student? College? No, it’s my three-year-old granddaughter’s morning requests. I babysit once a week, also known as Formal Tuesdays with Nana. Where did Noa’s fashion sense come from? Is it generational?

Tuesday's With Noa — Trendsetter – Each Nail Has A Different Color! Her Choice, Not Mine!

It’s a typical Tuesday, and Noa and I were hanging around the house. She was in her formal black-tie dress and I in sweats and a tee-shirt. She decides my outfit will not do, and I must dress up for the occasion. Rummaging through my closet, I find an old sparkly gown from decades ago. I quickly dress up, and together we take what appears to be prom photos in front of the fireplace.

Nana and Noa

Formal Tuesday's with Nana — **Black Tie NOT Optional**

Formal Tuesdays With My Fashionista

This week, she insists I wear a dress for our Tuesday get-together of running around and playing.

This is stressful because I don’t think I own an everyday dress! Noa insisted that a skirt was unacceptable since “It is not a dress!” (said with emphasis) I must be a total annoyance to her with my Nana Jeans, Nana Sweaters, and Nana shirts.

Where did her love of black-tie attire come from? Is this love of clothes genetic? Perhaps, but it has skipped a few generations.

The paternal side of my family was in the garment district in New York City. Some sarcastically (and lovingly) called it the Schmatta business – more definitions are here. The true definition of schmatta is “rags,” but the garment center definition definitely had a twist.

I found this definition- Faux humility about luxury goods.

“Fascinatingly, on occasion, shmatte can also be used to express high-end brands. To go off our story about the rag trade, someone who worked in the luxury clothing industry may have said, “I work in the shmatte business” — and they didn’t mean tailor shops and sweatshops. Rachel Kahan, a book editor in Brooklyn, said, “We use it as a kind of fond diminutive for a fancy garment we really like: “Oh, this old shmatte? It’s vintage Diane Von Furstenberg.”

My Grandpa Leo was also a fashionista – If his sport jacket was lime green, so were his pants, suede shoes, and socks. His ties and shirts coordinated with each outfit. He often told me he shopped for my grandmother; she always looked beautiful. Perhaps, I am more like her with my casual attire, and Noa is channeling Grandpa Leo.

If I let my husband Mitch shop for me, I would be in overalls, camo shirts, hiking boots, and 1980’s hair, with no make-up. It’s a more effortless look but one I rarely achieve.

Gotta Love the Versatile Powersuit

Mitch is the opposite of my grandfather; he wears his “power suit” to most weddings. This is not a tux, but that doesn’t matter to Mitch. In his defense, it’s a great suit, but GEEZ, I wish he had some variety! I decided long ago that I would not stress out about Mitch’s wardrobe – as experienced marriage partners know, you need to pick and choose your battles, and there are so many other things I can battle about!

In the 70s, Mitch had a 3-piece polyester leisure suit – all the rage! Until my mother came to our home in Buffalo and tossed the suit without Mitch’s permission! I wish I had her moxie! Of course, it took decades for Mitch to get over that. I get it…

Formal Tuesday's with Noa — Blue Apparently was the Color of Choice!

Back to Grandpa Leo. He founded Leo Dress in 1950. They started on 35th street and 8th ave. My dad took over the business in 1970 and eventually moved to the center of the garment center, with an entire floor at 501 7Th ave. By the time my dad retired, the company was one of the largest manufacturers of dress and sportswear in NYC. Their target audience was JC Penney and similar stores.

As a kid, I would receive a box with dresses for the year. Back in the Stone Age, girls were prohibited from wearing pants to school. Can you believe that? When we were finally allowed to wear “trousers,” my mom allowed me to wear a suit once a month – pants with a jacket.

The Distracted Receptionist

I worked in his office for three summers as the distracted receptionist. I used an old-school adding machine and typewriter. But mostly, I waited for my lunch break to stroll the city streets and meet friends for lunch. Growing up, I always thought I would live and work in NYC.

So here I am in 2023 with my granddaughter Noa. And I am back to thinking about fashion. I bought a pair of white boots ( A direct copycat of my Sister-in-law, who is also a fashionista), and Noa was the first to comment on them. We actually talk about clothes and nails and hair! She’s three and inspiring me to “Step it up!”

Now, don’t start me on purses – My Grandpa Leo would be Kvelling over my collection!

So that’s the truth about formal Tuesdays. I love this generational stuff.

The Gift

We were leaving on our “Big Trip,” mile one of 8000 plus other miles. My husband Mitch is not a fan of books on tape, but he agreed to listen to the book The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman as we began our adventure. The five languages of love are words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts. This story is about The Gift.

Our journey was beginning; we would be in a 24-foot home for 51 days. I might as well learn some relationship tips, although, after 43 years, I would hope we knew this stuff.

The book was interesting, and one of the main tenets we both acknowledge from the chapters was how one communicates and perceives love. If your partner doesn’t understand your mode of communication, then all hell breaks loose.

Gosh, Darn, People Like YOU!

A Real Blizzard 2022

I originally wrote the post below when the Blizzard was beginning. As I re-read the blog, I knew I needed to edit and add more about the realities of this historic event. Sixteen are dead! This is a deadly storm. The county believes there will be more tragedies as the days move on.

There are stories of women giving birth in their homes without any resources. People who need dialysis and can’t leave their houses. Fires and health emergencies when first responders are unable to get to the emergency. In Buffalo, even the Rescureres needed rescuing.

There is a Facebook group created to help those who are in need. There are already 60,000 members!

Jessica and Her Housemates

The Inside Scoop about RV Life.

This blog is my opinion only. I know my husband Mitch, navigator, driver of most miles, and cleaner of everything disgusting- including ALL BUGS and a trip planner may not agree with my reflections. But in true Vickie’s Views, here is the Inside Scoop about RV Life!

DOG YEARS

First off, RV miles are like dog years. “How many miles left?” I ask Mitch, my driver. “Only 80 miles left,” he repeats for the nth time. I reply, “Is that 80 miles in SUV time or 80 miles in RV time?”

It just takes longer; the RV is bigger than a car, it carries a lot of weight and is taller than the average vehicle. Another factor is that Mitch is obsessed with gas mileage. This is a touchy topic for non-RVers because getting 15 miles to the gallon is considered a win in our rig! An environmentalist may disagree, but that is for another blog. Mitch insists on driving EXACTLY 64 miles per hour regardless that the highway is allowing 75 or 80 MPH. “64 is the optimal speed for gas conservation. ” Can everyone repeat that mantra again and again?

Hence, sometimes our mileage feels like dog years instead of real-time.

The Surprising Revelations about Home, Holidays, and the Buffalo Bills.

Surprising Revelation Home Holiday Buffalo Bills

It was Rosh Hashana, and we were almost 2000 miles from home and family. Our location was Bozeman, Montana. I googled “Temple In Bozeman,” expecting google to laugh at me and say, “your kidding, right?”. To our surprise, there was a Temple. But that wasn’t the only Surprising Revelation!

Revelation One

Cross-Country Trip Planned for 45 Years from VW Bus to EKKO-But What Happens?

This is the story….

45 years ago, Mitch bought a VW bus. He was thrilled to own it, and we planned to go on a semi-hippie cross-country trip during the summer of 1977. (Hey, Dad, if you are reading this, did I ever mention this plan to you and Mom? LOL) The VW bus had a shag carpet with no seats in the back. Leather fringe separated the front seating and the back sleeping. That’s about it for amenities.

Was I REALLY OK with this? Both of us attended the University of Miami (Florida), and we planned to take off on our adventure after the Spring semester.
Mitch picked me up from the airport in his VW bus the summer before our trip. I frequently flew the LaGuardia to Buffalo route during our summers at home. We drove partway to his house when I asked if I could drive the cute VW with the adorable stick shift and clutch.

Covid Math Plus a Wedding

The wedding at our home is in 2 weeks. The family is coming into town. But who should arrive first? COVID! AGAIN! After numerous exposures, I was avoided like the Positive family members, think Pariah. Math played an important role in the days post-exposure to Covid. Inquiring minds want to know about Covid Math plus a Wedding.

Covid Math

Covid math. Let’s see, on August 9th, I was exposed, so this is day one of a five-day period where I could become Covid positive. Start the clock! On August 11th, I spent the day with family only to find an unnamed husband-person was positive. Exposure number two, and now my five days start again. On August 12th, I picked up my grandson from camp and played outdoor football. The next day he is positive, and my Covid Math starts again.

But wait, there is more – On August 13th, I drive my in-laws to the airport after spending the previous day and evening with them at my home, only to find out that one of them is positive. Is this really happening? Do I need to redo the Math again? What day is this? Where is my calculator?

Family Vacation: Can you say Wallenpaupack?

Last January, my husband Mitch sent out Airbnb options to our family for the summer Family Vacation. Six adults and three children under six together for one week in July. Talk about too many cooks in the kitchen! Every house Mitch suggested was greeted with six differing opinions. Out of frustration, we picked a house on Lake Wallenpaupack for our Family Vacation that at least one of us (Mitch) agreed to and moved on.

Wallenpaupack

By the way, it took me months to remember the name of where we were going….and then more time to pronounce it – It helped that an old episode of The Office ” BOOZE CRUISE” was located at Lake Wallenpaupack – here is the pronunciation as demonstrated.

How Would you Cope if Told Your Child has Severe Multiple Disabilities?

Here is a new podcast where I talk about how it felt to be told your baby has multiple disabilities, overcome panic attacks, and search for a diagnosis. Carol Graham from Never Ever Give Up Hope and I discuss how to communicate with a person who does not speak, for although somebody says no words, that does not mean they do not understand.

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘥𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 looking to hear an upbeat story about A Family changed forever through Hope and Perspective.

The Most Peculiar Thing We Received and Do

The Vet specialty surgeon called to inform us that Daniel, our Italian Greyhound Dog, was doing well. He told me about the procedure and ended the call with a note about an unrelated piece of information. I would learn more later about the most peculiar thing I ever received. (Part two from the last blog TLC Canine)

MOST PECULIAR THING WE RECEIVED

What is so Super about Daniel, Our TLC (Tender Loving Canine)?

Daniel is 10 in dog years and 70 in people years. Is there Dog Medicare? Because it would certainly help! Our furry son is an Italian Greyhound (IGGY) and our KanVan-Dog. Our third IGGY, we adopted Daniel when he was one, unaware of his superpowers. (I briefly wrote about Daniel’s career in the blog, An Unbelievable coincidence). It took several years for Daniel’s Tender Loving Canine (TLC) to emerge.

At first, we noticed his patience. Later he demonstrated his eagerness to please. Daniel’s singing voice was the cherry on top! He would visit our daughter Jessica’s group home and bring cheer to everybody.

Saint Daniel

Before I start putting up a shrine to Saint Daniel, I will admit that he is not as wonderful as other dogs when he is on the leash. He is what some folks call a yapper! Daniel does not hesitate to bark and yell his greetings when we are walking; he screams while pulling his leash to an embarrassing level of zest. If I let him meet the other canine, then all is good.

The Room Where it Happened

BC – Before Covid, the families would meet in Jessica’s house for many celebrations or no celebrations- we just gathered. Jessica lives in a Group Home with four other women, each having different Abilities. Years have passed since we sat side by side in the same Room. But this week, we were together again to share a blessed event. This is the story of what we discovered in The Room Where it Happened.

Torah

I received a text from Rabbi Ori, “I have a chance to bring a Torah to the ladies’ group home tomorrow in anticipation of Shavuot…” Getting a text that a Torah is coming to visit is as rare as saying, “Hey, come to my house. Moses will be there telling a story!” Maybe not that rare, but you get the picture. And the holiday is what I refer to as the cheesecake holiday! Sounds good, right?

Closer Than Ever to the City that Became Home- Buffalo

Today the Buffalo News printed MY VIEW in their My View section of the Opinion Page – Click Here

For more published articles or to see upcoming events, please click here.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Attention Special Educators, Therapists, and Professionals working with families. Back To School with a new Perspective! If You haven’t already purchased, Raising Jess: A Story of Hope – Please consider a copy for yourself, a friend, a teacher, a therapist, a mom, a sibling, or a book lover…

“As a professional in the field of developmental disabilities for over 40 years, I learned things I didn’t know. I encourage others in the field to read Raising Jess a Story of Hope to help understand the families and individuals you work with.” (Amazon)

“This book is a must-read for anyone looking to learn more about special needs families and their day-to-day challenges and triumphs or simply wants to immerse themselves in a compassionate and celebratory world.” (Amazon)

Amazon link and Barnes & Noble Link.

RV Life from an “Occasionally” Happy Camper

It appears I’m not the trooper Mitch wished I was; I still have some trooper-isms to learn. My can-do attitude and packing skills need a bit of adjustment. But, within two weeks, I morphed from not a KanVan RV happy camper to occasionally happy camper to mostly happy camper.

GEAR?

Packing is the bane of our travel. A pre-trip conversation overheard by no one is about Gear! Not the kind that moves engines – we are talking sports – Mitch is concerned about his tremendous amount of sporting equipment: fishing, hiking, e-bike stuff, golf, and tennis equipment. He asked me what Gear I am bringing?” Um, just sneakers?” I hope he doesn’t ask how many purses?

MOM

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms who love and advocate and put one foot in front of the other to care for their children with special needs.

In My Shoes — Vickie, Noa and Jess sharing a moment!

Funny Replies – what YOU forgot!

I am thrilled to report that Mitch and I are not the only forgetful people in the universe! In my last blog, You Forgot What?” I told of an embarrassing story about forgetting our Hungarian Vizsla, and little did I know that many of my readers have similar stories. How comforting to know that we are either not losing our minds or, at a minimum, EVERYBODY is losing their minds simultaneously. What YOU forgot – Part 2