This past December, our family gathered to celebrate my dad’s 95th birthday—a milestone marked not just by years, but by love, generosity, humor, and the legacy he continues to pass forward. Through stories shared by children, grandchildren, and in-laws, we honored a man who led by example, embraced change, loved deeply, and showed us that family is life’s greatest success. It was a reminder that growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional, and a life well lived leaves a lasting imprint on generations.
Tag: Family
Warning: Buying a Sycamore Means You Can Never Move!
68 is the New 13- My Adult Bat Mitzvah
The morning of October 12th, I sat at my desk practicing Hebrew for my Bat Mitzvah that evening. I am not 13—traditional age for becoming a Bat Mitzvah in front of family, friends, and the community —that ship passed 55 years ago. Six months back, I saw a notice at our Temple – Congregation […]
🦃ThanksGiving ThankFULL
My Thanksgiving ThankFULL list – GEEZ! I hope I didn’t forget anybody—Heartfelt, Humorous, & always Personal – HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y’ALL! 🦃 #Thanksgiving #RaisingJess #Family #Tofurkey #TurkeyDay #BuffaloTurkeyTrot #Humor #Gratitude
I Am Not Defined by Disability: Seeing our Daughter Through Strength, not Disability
Our daughter Jessica is 43 and has severe intellectual disabilities. This is a parent’s perspective of defining our daughter by her abilities and strengths, seeing past the disability.
Seizures and Bravery
Bravery isn’t always loud—it’s Mitch’s calm, my panic-to-strength, and Jessica facing the unimaginable every time
Bat Sh!+ Bedlam
Mitch and I were watching The Gilded Age. As usual, I was half-asleep on the couch when I saw something flying.
“Is that a bird?” I asked.
Mitch already knew it was NOT a bird and was trying to decide what to do with me and the EEEEK! BAT!
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.
Recipe for Disaster with a Happy Ending : Sibling Advocacy for Our Daughter With Severe Intellectual Disabilities
A choking scare in 2012 changed everything. Our son, Alex, instinct led to new safety protocols—and saved his sister Jessica from disaster.
Tradition and Women- By My Dad
Many years ago, during the Fiddler on the Roof rehearsal, the team felt something was missing from the show. They believed it needed a setup. What is the show about? What are we trying to say? They decided it was the Tradition of the Jewish families in Russia. That night, they wrote the new opening number, Tradition.
Happy Birthday, Jessica
Happy Birthday, Jess – Chapter 1 – Raising Jess: A Story of Hope- April 11, 1982, The beginning of our story. As the months passed, the doctor continued to assure us that Jess was fine. I continued to question all her delays. Welcome to Motherhood.
Are Emojis Generational? 🤔 & Go Bills! 🦬❤️”
My texts with friends are emoji chaos, but with my millennial kids. It’s like 🚫🥰 not ❤️. Where’s the fun in that? & GO BILLS! 🏈🦬
#Emoji #Buffalo #BuffaloBills #JoshAllen #RaisingJess #Boomers #Millennials #Generations
THE F-WORDs
The F-word? Why does your mind immediately go there? That’s not what I meant at all-Read to see the real meaning of F-words & some H-words!
Resilience, Community and Family Stories – Heart of the Matter
Okay, let me explain Vick Squared. First, it’s Vickie (me) and Vicki (Atkinson, who is also a Ph.D, so she has even more letters! One of the hosts). Wynne is the Heart of the Matter ( HoTM ) co-host and an enthusiast of endurance sports. They both host Heart of the Matter, they focus on the importance of intergenerational wellness and healing. They believe writing and storytelling can build resilience for the future by exploring what matters most in life: connection, laughter, empathy and authenticity.
Raising Jess: A Story of Hope – A Gift For All Readers
Whether facing challenges or looking for inspiration, “Raising Jess” will show that thriving is possible, no matter what life throws your way
Mom’s Diagnosis Was Crushing Enough, Then She Gave Me an Ominous Warning
Click Here to Read the Article in Newsweek’s My Turn. If you are unable to read in Newsweek – Here is article below: You’re Next
R- Word Cuts Like a Knife
(Article written in 2008) This article was posted in the Buffalo News in 2008 – I am re-posting it today because Former President Donald Trump called Vice President Kamala Harris “retarded” while attempting to convince top Republican donors to pour more money into his campaign, The New York Times reported Saturday. In most homes a […]
Noa and Nana’s Birthday Extravaganza
Noa was due on my birthday but, of course, she had her own plans! Now we’re celebrating together—Noa style, adoring, adornment and all! #Birthday #Nana #Generation #Celebration #Diva #foodanddrink #RaisingJess #Daughter #Granddaughter #Birthday
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)
Family Reunion 2024
It’s noon, but “5 o’clock somewhere!” Playing UNO, and enjoying a too-early beer at our annual 13th (or maybe 10th or 11th) family reunion! #RaisingJess #CattaraugusCounty, #WesternNewYork, #FamilyReunion, #Traditions, #AnnualGathering #Humor
I Hired a Tomato Plant Hitman
From falling for 2-cute tomato plants in a big box store to hiring a Tomato Plant Hitman —discover the juicy tale behind the Toms!
Rocking Babies in the NICU: Bringing Comfort and Connection to Newborns
Volunteering as a NICU Baby Rocker, I comforted fragile infants in a Level 4 NICU, providing essential touch and care. Touch is crucial for newborns, especially for those too weak to leave the incubator. Despite fears and mishaps, the experience was rewarding. My daughter’s own challenges inspired me to give back, and I am grateful for the privilege.
Jessica’s Friend Network
Facing life’s curveballs is easier with friends. These women embraced Jessica into their circle, turning it into her very own Friend Network! #RaisingJess #Friends #Disability #Inspiring #Rare Disease #Family
#RaisingJess #Friends #Disability #Inspiring #Rare Disease #Family
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.
A NEW RV?
Back to blogging! 🚐✨ A New RV? .Mitch and I sold our RV after touring the country and mastering cassette toilets, deciding renting is the way to go. And then…#RVAventures #BackToBlogging