Parenting a child with disabilities brings unique stress. Learn tools to manage anxiety, find support, and build resilience.
Category: Parenting
Seizures and Bravery
Bravery isn’t always loud—it’s Mitch’s calm, my panic-to-strength, and Jessica facing the unimaginable every time
Dear Colin Farrell-Group Home Story
When we moved our daughter Jess into a group home at age 25, it felt like we were giving up. 💔
But as Colin Farrell shared about his son James—what’s the alternative?
If something happened to us tomorrow, where would she go? Who would ensure her safety, dignity, and quality of life?
Colin’s words resonated deeply with me. Like him, we realized that planning —while we were healthy—was an act of love.
Today, Jess has:
✨ A home in her community
✨ Housemates who feel like sisters
✨ A life full of connection, friendship, and independence
And we are still at the center of her world—just in a different way.
To other parents navigating this decision: you’re not giving up. You’re building the future your child deserves.
Two Years for a Teeth Cleaning: A Dental Story with a Happy Ending
After 2 years of waiting, a confusing policy, a last-minute call, and one amazing doctor, Jessica finally made it to the OR— A Dental Story
A Surreal Moment as an Author– My 3 Minutes of Fame
(This Author Had A TYPO (Thanks for nothing, the Autocorrect! 😂) and needed to fix the title – sorry if you receive it twice! This is a first – Never Have I Ever had somebody come up to me and ask this question.
Recipe for Disaster
A choking scare in 2012 changed everything. Our son, Alex, instinct led to new safety protocols—and saved his sister Jessica from disaster.
Creative Ways to Support Kids with Disabilities
The world isn’t built with every child in mind. Embrace creativity and flexibility to unlock doors where the standard system falls short for your child. Read for Creative learning ideas!
Jessica and Medicaid
Many ask, ‘How are proposed Medicaid cuts going to affect your daughter Jessica?’ I don’t mind the question, but I wish I had an answer.
#Medicaid #DisabilityRights #Healthcare #MedicaidCuts #RaisingJess #NYS #OPWDD #Parenting #Mothering #Disability
Caring for the Caregiver: 7 Essential Self-Care Strategies for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Strategies to guide parents of children with special needs integrate self-care into your routine, ensuring you remain balanced and energized.
Buffalo News Version- Mh.D. or Motherhood can be a Series of Formidable Challenges~
“Stop the presses! My article made the Buffalo News, My View column! 🌟 If you’re reading this twice… well, it’s just that exciting! 🎉 Sorry for the déjà vu!” ;0)
Balancing Personal and Professional Goals as a Parent of Child with Special Needs
Parenting a child with disabilities impacts personal & professional life. Achieving balance requires thoughtful strategies and adjustments.
Jessica’s First and Last Hip Surgery: A Lesson in Advocacy
Jessica’s risky hip surgery led to severe blood loss. Our parental instincts showed the need to fiercely advocate for our daughter.
Letting Go: The Group Home Decision
This is our group home story. A decision woven with uncertainty, love, and, ultimately, acceptance. Was the group home decision also a decision of Letting Go? These are frequent questions I receive from families and podcast hosts, and a story worth sharing. How we went from It’s Never Happening to a Leap of Faith. An […]
Finding the Right Fit, From Inclusion and Beyond: A New Day Program for Jessica
After All That Inclusion in school – Adult Life and A New Day Program for Jessica. We embrace hope as Jessica starts a new chapter.
What the Exit Interview with our Son and Daughter Revealed
So, how did we do? Why not conduct an exit interview when your adult offspring move out of the house. The intention is not for us to do a better job with our future children , but to get a fair assessment (can this really be fair and honest?) of how we did as parents.
What My Mother Knew That Took Me 20 Years to Find Out
My Mom was a big fan of my writing and said, “you should write a book. But I was too busy to write a book. I had a full-time job, three kids, and three dogs at home. Jessica, as documented in many blogs, needed help with every daily life skill.
Noa’s Extraordinary Birth Story, as Told by Nana
Noa’s planned delivery date was my birthday! This was not an ordinary delivery and we knew the potential complications and risks.