I know, I know, I have talked about purses in my blog. Yes, it’s shallow but still fun, right? However, I never spoke about My First Pair of Fancy Shoes. When my mom passed away in February 2020 my father and I had the hard task of going through all her clothes and belongings. And […]
Tag: Family
Music Therapy Becomes A Love Language (My View Buffalo News)
Music is our daughter Jessica’s love language. She speaks it fluently. Jess is 41 years old, nonverbal, and has a rare genetic deletion (1Q 43-44). She lives in a group home with five other women who have become family. (Article in Today’s My View ) Jacob is Jessica’s music therapist and part of a local […]
Who’s (Really) the Boss? Distinct Roles in Marriage
A year has passed since we took our Winnebago EKKO RV (KanVan) for a spin across the northern plains of America. We are planning another trip, and I am exhausted from all the work. It’s not my work; I basically do nothing.
Distinct Roles in Marriage. Mitch navigates the roads across the country; I navigate the roads of services for Jess. Who’s the Boss?
#raisingJess #family #travel #RV #EKKO #disability #decionmaking
A Seinfeld Moment
We are happy to have my in-laws staying with us. There’s only one small problem: A Seinfeld Moment. Do you remember the episode when Jerry and Elaine visited his parents in Florida? “I Am Begging You, Turn On The Air!”
#RaisingJess #In-Laws #Thermostat #Seinfeld #SeinfeldMoment
Developmental Disability Awareness Day- Four Key Moments
Join me on a heartfelt journey from curious parent and new professional to author and Keynote speaker. 4 Key moments from DDDAY 35.
Pneumonia on Vacation and Messages from Mom
Day 1 in the Keys, an x-ray confirmed I had Pneumonia! After the last 3 years of avoiding Covid on Vacation, I never thought of pneumonia!
My article is in NEWSWEEK!!!
Newsweek Article by Vickie – In September 2022, Vickie was able to drive Jessica’s group home van for the first time.
#RaisingJess #Newsweek #MyTurn #advocate #daughters #wheelchairvan
A Real Blizzard 2022
A Real Blizzard Updated – Reality Set in as the Days wore on. Update on Jessica’s House – Read More about Blizzard 2022! #Blizzard #BlizzardElliot #BuffaloBills #RaisingJess #MerryChristmas #HappyHanukkah #Blogger
Connection
Did you ever have a moment when you felt a powerful Connection to something larger than what you can see? A breath of clarity?
The Surprising Revelations about Home, Holidays, and the Buffalo Bills.
It’s Rosh Hashana, and we are in Bozeman, MT. I googled “Temple,” expecting google to laugh and say, “your kidding, right?” Surprise Revelations!
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!
Family Vacation: Can you say Wallenpaupack?
6 adults, and 3 kids under 6 together for 1 week in July. Read about a Wacky Week in “Can-you-say” Wallenpaupack!
The Room Where it Happened
We were finally together in Jessica’s house to share a blessed event. This is the story of what we discovered in The Room Where it Happened.
MOM
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms who get up each morning and make the world a better place for their children. Plus More…
You Forgot What? Gus the Dog’s Tail (Tale)
It’s taken a year to write this. At first, Mitch and I didn’t want to tell anyone for fear we were losing our minds. “You forgot what?”
Did Motherhood Really All Start with Chickenpox?
As the months passed, the doctor continued to assure us that Jess was fine. I continued to question all her delays. Welcome to Motherhood.
From Autism to Rare Disease: One Family’s Journey to an Unexpected Diagnosis
He had just turned two when he was diagnosed with autism. But then the unexpected discovery led to the full story.
Dear Noa, A Nana Lesson about Special Needs and Love
Dear Noa, Aunty Jess is different from others you have met. We hope you will see the Jess we cherish and find all that you and she have in common. Read on to learn about the beautiful aunt/niece bond.
Three Glorious Moments-at the Baseball Field
Starting In the 1990s – Husband Mitch was our son Alex’s Little League Coach. It is now 2021; read to see 3 Glorious Moments at the diamond.
Three Generational Views of the New Normal
“Who are You?” This question comes from people I have known for thirty years! Read on for 3 Views of the New Normal from 3 Generations.
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.
Connecting with Others: Our Daughter Jessica Started My Path to Writing and Receiving
Our eldest daughter, Jessica, has a rare chromosome abnormality, uses a wheelchair, and needs total assistance with all daily life skills. Jess was born in 1982 and within the year we knew that there were many developmental issues. Jess just turned 38 years old and is a joy to all who know her and love […]