How did we survive as children of the 1970s and 1980s? We did not have all the tablets and electronic devices. I remember when we received an Atari game. It was so awesome to be able to play a video game at home. Before we had to go to Putt-Putt to play games like Galaga, Donkey Kong and Pac-Man.
My son is six years old. He loves his little nook. I also let him play with the kindle fire. He has games on them for school and games for fun, internet access, books that read to him. Books that record him reading and then he plays back his recording. The other day I was making dinner. I went to my son's room to tell him that it is almost ready. Time to find a stopping point on his game. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find him reading along with "Twas the Night Before Christmas". He was whispering, "Santa Claus!"
Yes, my boy still believes in Santa Claus. Some families choose not to do Santa, some do. We keep the magic alive and also let him know that we are Santa's helpers. He receives a letter from Santa each Christmas Eve. Last year it talked about how we are Santa's helpers.
This is the letter he received last year.
My Sweet Boy Aiden,
I received your letter and saw that you wanted the following:
A trampoline
An easel
A shark vacuum cleaner
A Roomba vacuum cleaner
A steering wheel that comes with a car and the steering wheel is a remote control.
I searched high and low. Your parents did too. They were able to find the easel and the trampoline. I found most of the other items on your list. You are such a very sweet, kind-hearted boy. Children like you make delivering toys at Christmas a joy.
Remember the real reason for the season. Jesus was born in a manger. He died on the cross and rose again from the dead so that we all can have everlasting life. The toys I bring will only last a short time. The gift of Jesus Christ is eternal salvation.
Merry Christmas and Love Always,
Mr. C
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
When Parents Pass Away, How Do We Continue?
This post is in honor of my mother, Arbie Etherton. The anniversary of the day God called her home is January 11, 1987. In a lot of ways it hard to believe it happened 27 years ago. I still remember that cold Sunday in January.
We never got to say goodbye. We said, "see you later. We will be back soon." All these years later and it still gets to me that I never got to say good-bye to my parents. I stop and wonder what life would be like had cancer not robbed her from me. I wonder if I would be the person I am today if my mother were still alive. How would I be different?
During the middle of 8th grade, my mother passed away. At first everything seemed like an impossible dream. A really bad dream. That one day I would wake up and things would be back like they were before the cancer. But that never happened.
I have always been a quiet person. Don't rock the boat so to speak. I did my best to please my teachers. Many years later I returned to my hometown for my high school 20 year reunion. Some things remain the same. Popular kids are still popular and most people said nice things to me. One thing changed forever though. My parents are no longer on earth. I can't see them when I go back to my hometown. The church in my small town is still there. Lots of memories there and still, different now... my parents are no longer on this earth.
In the days that passed since that cold January day in 1987 when God called my mom home, I was living on auto-pilot so to speak. I remember going day by day with a terrible mood in school. I walked with my head down, and never to rarely said a word. I tried to hide behind my long hair. It worked a lot. Most people left me alone. I was a "good kid". Did not get in trouble. Buried my sorrow in my school work.
I remember dreaming of leaving my hometown to go to college. Start over where people didn't know me, didn't pity me. That I could pretend that I am normal, but I am not. It helped a little bit to be away when I studied at college. However, I had a very hard time growing up. I couldn't decide what I wanted to be when I grow up. I changed my major from accounting to music therapy to finally special education. In the process I accumulated over 200 undergraduate hours. By the time I finally earned a bachelor's degree I didn't feel like it was something to celebrate.
After several years I made this realization. It was a process to reach this point.
You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she's left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
We never got to say goodbye. We said, "see you later. We will be back soon." All these years later and it still gets to me that I never got to say good-bye to my parents. I stop and wonder what life would be like had cancer not robbed her from me. I wonder if I would be the person I am today if my mother were still alive. How would I be different?
During the middle of 8th grade, my mother passed away. At first everything seemed like an impossible dream. A really bad dream. That one day I would wake up and things would be back like they were before the cancer. But that never happened.
I have always been a quiet person. Don't rock the boat so to speak. I did my best to please my teachers. Many years later I returned to my hometown for my high school 20 year reunion. Some things remain the same. Popular kids are still popular and most people said nice things to me. One thing changed forever though. My parents are no longer on earth. I can't see them when I go back to my hometown. The church in my small town is still there. Lots of memories there and still, different now... my parents are no longer on this earth.
In the days that passed since that cold January day in 1987 when God called my mom home, I was living on auto-pilot so to speak. I remember going day by day with a terrible mood in school. I walked with my head down, and never to rarely said a word. I tried to hide behind my long hair. It worked a lot. Most people left me alone. I was a "good kid". Did not get in trouble. Buried my sorrow in my school work.
I remember dreaming of leaving my hometown to go to college. Start over where people didn't know me, didn't pity me. That I could pretend that I am normal, but I am not. It helped a little bit to be away when I studied at college. However, I had a very hard time growing up. I couldn't decide what I wanted to be when I grow up. I changed my major from accounting to music therapy to finally special education. In the process I accumulated over 200 undergraduate hours. By the time I finally earned a bachelor's degree I didn't feel like it was something to celebrate.
After several years I made this realization. It was a process to reach this point.
You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she's left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Monday, December 30, 2013
End of Year 2013
2013 Has been a year from H-E-double hockey sticks. There were some good things that happened in the last 12 months, mostly it has been a year of endurance. The bad stuff has included natural disasters in our backyard. Wildfires followed by flash flooding in and near our city. Luckily our home has not suffered damage from either of these. Our city and surrounding areas have been effected by the natural disasters. In turn the local economy has taken a hit because of the disasters. Several restaurants and stores have closed their doors. My husband has tried several times to be self-employed and it has not resulted in a positive outcome. In July of this year he was terminated from his job. He has since applied and interviewed at numerous places around the city. Only to be told that he is either way over-qualified or under-qualified. He recently accepted a job with Aflac insurane. However, it is commission only and he has not received any commissions yet.
I continue to work two part time jobs and a majority of my time is with my son. He has showed tremendous gains in the last 12 months. He has been discharged out of physical therapy, graduated out of occupational therapy and also graduated out of applied behavior analysis therapy. The only therapy he receives now is speech. He will likely always have some areas that are a struggle for him. For now we continue to implement the strategies learned through the various therapies to help him deal with his sensory challenges. He has learned how to self-regulate to a point that most of his helps are not needed in the classroom (i.e. weighted blanket). At the same time he is very easily distracted. He is nearly six years old, most six year old boys are highly distracted. If he is on task for 5-10 minutes, we are doing very good. He is one of the top performers in his class. He enjoys sharing his ideas with anyone that will listen. Most of his ideas are quirky, especially for a nearly six year old. His favorite gift from Christmas was a Shark rechargeable cordless vacuum cleaner. Most mornings he can be found pushing the vacuum around the house and using his new electric pencil sharpener. He wants to help clean the house, he just doesn't know exactly how to do that. Most recently he sprayed a lot of oven cleaner in the oven, but didn't realize that we would have to wipe out the oven before we could cook with it again. He has written several little books about his ideas (mainly cars, time machines, vacuum cleaners).
2013 also brought with it a milestone in birthdays for me -- the big 4-0. Reaching that birthday has me feeling nostalgic. I find myself looking back on my life so far. I was a career student in my 20s. By the time I finally earned my bachelor's degree I had completed over 200 hours. My thirties were spent meeting Dean and starting our marriage. Now that I am in my forties I am considering continuing my education again. Even though I have a bachelor's degree in special education, I have had very little luck landing a job even as a paraprofessional with a special education program at a public school or private school. I have applied with both public school districts and the school for the deaf and blind. I have counted my applications, it is over 200. There comes a point when I need to look into another possibility of employment.
All this is leading me to look seriously at nursing. The easiest way to start would be to get a CNA and then most likely start working at a long term care facility. The program takes about six weeks to complete and then pass the test. Then the next step is getting hired.
I am concerned that if I am away from my son for hours at a time, that he will regress. That me working will have a negative effect on all the progress he has made. I also look at it from a financial standpoint and really don't see much other choice. I wish it were an easy thing to do.
I continue to work two part time jobs and a majority of my time is with my son. He has showed tremendous gains in the last 12 months. He has been discharged out of physical therapy, graduated out of occupational therapy and also graduated out of applied behavior analysis therapy. The only therapy he receives now is speech. He will likely always have some areas that are a struggle for him. For now we continue to implement the strategies learned through the various therapies to help him deal with his sensory challenges. He has learned how to self-regulate to a point that most of his helps are not needed in the classroom (i.e. weighted blanket). At the same time he is very easily distracted. He is nearly six years old, most six year old boys are highly distracted. If he is on task for 5-10 minutes, we are doing very good. He is one of the top performers in his class. He enjoys sharing his ideas with anyone that will listen. Most of his ideas are quirky, especially for a nearly six year old. His favorite gift from Christmas was a Shark rechargeable cordless vacuum cleaner. Most mornings he can be found pushing the vacuum around the house and using his new electric pencil sharpener. He wants to help clean the house, he just doesn't know exactly how to do that. Most recently he sprayed a lot of oven cleaner in the oven, but didn't realize that we would have to wipe out the oven before we could cook with it again. He has written several little books about his ideas (mainly cars, time machines, vacuum cleaners).
2013 also brought with it a milestone in birthdays for me -- the big 4-0. Reaching that birthday has me feeling nostalgic. I find myself looking back on my life so far. I was a career student in my 20s. By the time I finally earned my bachelor's degree I had completed over 200 hours. My thirties were spent meeting Dean and starting our marriage. Now that I am in my forties I am considering continuing my education again. Even though I have a bachelor's degree in special education, I have had very little luck landing a job even as a paraprofessional with a special education program at a public school or private school. I have applied with both public school districts and the school for the deaf and blind. I have counted my applications, it is over 200. There comes a point when I need to look into another possibility of employment.
All this is leading me to look seriously at nursing. The easiest way to start would be to get a CNA and then most likely start working at a long term care facility. The program takes about six weeks to complete and then pass the test. Then the next step is getting hired.
I am concerned that if I am away from my son for hours at a time, that he will regress. That me working will have a negative effect on all the progress he has made. I also look at it from a financial standpoint and really don't see much other choice. I wish it were an easy thing to do.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Sensory Diet: An Emphasis on Heavy Work
Aiden recently "graduated" out of occupational therapy. One of the most beneficial tools I learned was the use of a sensory diet. These ideas can be used for neuro-typical children as well as children with special needs. He has been having a lot of good days at school. Before we leave the school on most days I let him play at the school playground or park for at least 30 minutes. As the weather gets colder that will be more difficult to do. I have noticed on days that I have not let him play right after school have been more difficult evenings. He is less likely to listen to requests and sit during dinner.
I hope this list of ideas can be beneficial for other parents.
Wilbarger Protocol (brushing and compressions). We mainly do this in the evenings to help him relax to go to sleep. Have also used this before doctor's visits to help him relax. Other times I have used this technique have been when he is listless and needs help to focus. It really does help him relax and focus.
Trampoline. We don't have one, but he gets similar input from bouncing houses. He loves bouncy houses, as do most five year olds.
Swinging. He really enjoys swinging. I remember there was a time when he freaked out when I tried to have him swing. He likes both the regular swings and the tire swing. Lots of opportunities to swing at the school playground and parks. Our backyard has a rather steep downhill slope. No swing set for us.
Heavy blankets/pillow. His grandmother has made both neck wraps and lap pads for him. The important thing with weighted blankets is to use them for limited amounts of time. The neck wrap weight is two pounds. The lap pad weight is three pounds. He has used these items in the classroom, doctor visits and sometimes at home for a calming effect.
Push Me/Pull You (with partner), seated. This is a fun game to play with him. We also play eye contact games while doing these.
Squeeze Toys/Balls. His most recent fidget toy is a tangle toy I got for him. It has several different sensory features to it, ridges, bumps, smooth, clear, colors. He likes little baggies filled with hair gel and glitter, taped closed. He enjoys squishing them.
Push laundry basket on carpet, filled with enough weight that it can't be pushed by a foot. Be sure basket is strong enough that it won't collapse (plastic storage bin). Make this a game: Change items in bin frequently; Make it purposeful by moving groceries from front door to pantry, counting items moved or put away, find as many items as you can that start with the letter "C", etc.; Move items in yard, over grass. With the laundry basket he especially enjoys being my helper to take clothes out of the dryer. He carries the laundry basket back upstairs. Then we continue on making it purposeful. He also helps carry groceries. Outside he helps move big toys outside, pushes and pulls play golf clubs.
Vacuum floors or furniture. He loves this. Putting on the different attachments to vacuum furniture is something he really enjoys and he has to think about how to put the attachment on and connect the pieces together.
Shooting baskets/goals.
These are fun things to do inside when cannot go outside: "Sandwich" between sofa cushions on floor and apply mild pressure or pillows inside a laundry basket all around him to "squeeze".
Roll up self in blanket, then unroll. Roll across room.
Oral Processing/Heavy Work -- can be very calming: Crunchy, chewy food Gum Hard candy Sour flavors Drink through straws Thick fluids through straw (i.e. applesauce, pudding, milkshake) Blow through straw
Clay/Playdough Pull, roll, press, or pinch Shape into letters, numbers Pick beads out Hide small items in clay/playdough and then find them.
Bean bin: He absolutely loved the sensory table at preschool. Kindergarten does not have a sensory table. We have a water table at home. Here are some ideas for a bean bin: Combing for items, digging, shoveling, pouring
Sandbox: We have a sandbox. Ideas include: Digging, pushing, pouring, pushing cars or trucks.
Paint a wall with only a roller. Can do outside with water on roller.
Push a wall: with hands, hips, shoulder, back or with feet.
Swimming: He absolutely loves to swim. Can't get enough of the water. Needs to work on learning how to breathe as he swims under the water, but it will come.
Crab walk, Elephant walk, Bear walk, any animal walk.
Push large toy truck/car on hands/knees.
Shovel sand, move rocks, building with blocks, snow play
Coloring and cutting activities.
Most important of all is to have consistent routines for daily activities including the following: wake-up, dressing, mealtimes, bathing, and bedtime.
I hope this list is beneficial for you and your family.
I hope this list of ideas can be beneficial for other parents.
Wilbarger Protocol (brushing and compressions). We mainly do this in the evenings to help him relax to go to sleep. Have also used this before doctor's visits to help him relax. Other times I have used this technique have been when he is listless and needs help to focus. It really does help him relax and focus.
Trampoline. We don't have one, but he gets similar input from bouncing houses. He loves bouncy houses, as do most five year olds.
Swinging. He really enjoys swinging. I remember there was a time when he freaked out when I tried to have him swing. He likes both the regular swings and the tire swing. Lots of opportunities to swing at the school playground and parks. Our backyard has a rather steep downhill slope. No swing set for us.
Heavy blankets/pillow. His grandmother has made both neck wraps and lap pads for him. The important thing with weighted blankets is to use them for limited amounts of time. The neck wrap weight is two pounds. The lap pad weight is three pounds. He has used these items in the classroom, doctor visits and sometimes at home for a calming effect.
Push Me/Pull You (with partner), seated. This is a fun game to play with him. We also play eye contact games while doing these.
Squeeze Toys/Balls. His most recent fidget toy is a tangle toy I got for him. It has several different sensory features to it, ridges, bumps, smooth, clear, colors. He likes little baggies filled with hair gel and glitter, taped closed. He enjoys squishing them.
Push laundry basket on carpet, filled with enough weight that it can't be pushed by a foot. Be sure basket is strong enough that it won't collapse (plastic storage bin). Make this a game: Change items in bin frequently; Make it purposeful by moving groceries from front door to pantry, counting items moved or put away, find as many items as you can that start with the letter "C", etc.; Move items in yard, over grass. With the laundry basket he especially enjoys being my helper to take clothes out of the dryer. He carries the laundry basket back upstairs. Then we continue on making it purposeful. He also helps carry groceries. Outside he helps move big toys outside, pushes and pulls play golf clubs.
Vacuum floors or furniture. He loves this. Putting on the different attachments to vacuum furniture is something he really enjoys and he has to think about how to put the attachment on and connect the pieces together.
Shooting baskets/goals.
These are fun things to do inside when cannot go outside: "Sandwich" between sofa cushions on floor and apply mild pressure or pillows inside a laundry basket all around him to "squeeze".
Roll up self in blanket, then unroll. Roll across room.
Oral Processing/Heavy Work -- can be very calming: Crunchy, chewy food Gum Hard candy Sour flavors Drink through straws Thick fluids through straw (i.e. applesauce, pudding, milkshake) Blow through straw
Clay/Playdough Pull, roll, press, or pinch Shape into letters, numbers Pick beads out Hide small items in clay/playdough and then find them.
Bean bin: He absolutely loved the sensory table at preschool. Kindergarten does not have a sensory table. We have a water table at home. Here are some ideas for a bean bin: Combing for items, digging, shoveling, pouring
Sandbox: We have a sandbox. Ideas include: Digging, pushing, pouring, pushing cars or trucks.
Paint a wall with only a roller. Can do outside with water on roller.
Push a wall: with hands, hips, shoulder, back or with feet.
Swimming: He absolutely loves to swim. Can't get enough of the water. Needs to work on learning how to breathe as he swims under the water, but it will come.
Crab walk, Elephant walk, Bear walk, any animal walk.
Push large toy truck/car on hands/knees.
Shovel sand, move rocks, building with blocks, snow play
Coloring and cutting activities.
Most important of all is to have consistent routines for daily activities including the following: wake-up, dressing, mealtimes, bathing, and bedtime.
I hope this list is beneficial for you and your family.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Celebrating Mothers of Children with Special Needs
Later this week will be the anniversary of my mother's birthday. October 4th was her birthday. She passed away of cancer before she reached her 50th birthday. If she were still alive, she would be 76 years old. It is difficult for me to think of my mother as an elderly woman, since she passed away so young. As the years have passed and I have also become a mother, I think about the things I have in common with her. I wonder if she would approve of my job as a mother to my son.
All three of us had unique needs. My oldest brother, Andy, had leukemia when he was a young child. It was treated and he has lived a normal life. The next oldest brother, Wil, discovered he was losing his eyesight when he was 16 years old. Through many tests it was found that he has a rare genetic disorder called Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Mom only lived for a couple more years after Wil's diagnosis. I was the baby of the family; painfully shy, had terrible allergies and asthma. My mother also had another daughter before she and dad were married. That daughter found us several years after mom passed away. We did not get the opportunity to share life on earth with our mom as we grew into adults and have had children of our own.
This message is a thank you to my mom. Thank you for everything you did for all us kids. I appreciate all you ever did for all of us. I wish I had said thank you more before God called you home.
As mothers we play a unique role in our children's lives... one that may even go unnoticed or taken for granted.
Our role becomes even more unique and significant when we have a child with special needs; from Sensory Processing Disorders to Down Syndrome, ADD/ADHD to Learning Disabilities, Autism to Aspergers, Fragile X to Developmental Delays, Cerebral Palsy to PDD. (just to name a few!)
Every day brings unique challenges that can wear us down, or build us up.
For, within each day...
•we may have every strength and weakness of our own tested
•we will have to fight and advocate for our children
•we will choose to protect our integrity and theirs
•we will stand firm amongst criticism and in our beliefs
•we can choose to embrace their uniqueness
•we will love them with every part of our being
•we can find renewed hope and strength
•we can find peace and love where there may not have otherwise been
•we may cry, grieve, and mourn what we can not, or do not have
•yet, we can choose to celebrate, value, and appreciate what we do!
For most of us, we face our lives enmeshed with a special needs child with an incredible amount of strength and courage. We count our blessings, we realize the frailty and preciousness of life, we find wings we may have never had, and we, in the end, inspire others and show our children amazing and unconditional love. We climb a tough mountain, for sure... but, the tougher it is, the steeper it is, the more hurdles we encounter on the way, the more we appreciate the view from the top. We have seen and learned things most people don't get a chance to. We value differences, validate each other, and know a love and appreciation deeper than most!
To all the moms (and dads!) out there who embrace their child with special needs and love them in such a unique way...
•I applaud you and praise you for your unique sacrifice!
•I want you to feel my arms wrapping around you with a tremendous THANK YOU HUG!
•I hope you keep dreaming, keep loving, keep sharing, keep finding hope and strength.
•I wish for you to reach out and help others learn from your struggles and connect with the world in a way you never dreamed possible!
•And, if you still have the opportunity to do so, I hope you will tell your mom (and dad!) how much you appreciate what THEY did for YOU!
An Inspirational Poem For Moms... THIS ONE'S FOR YOU ;0)
One Flaw In Women
Author Unknown --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
"Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements.
"Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish."
But I won't," the Lord protested.
"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed,
"but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.
The Lord replied,
"Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak,"
the Lord corrected,
"that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride."
The angel was impressed.
"You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing."
And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness,
love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
However, If There Is One Flaw In Women,
It Is That They Forget Their Worth.
All three of us had unique needs. My oldest brother, Andy, had leukemia when he was a young child. It was treated and he has lived a normal life. The next oldest brother, Wil, discovered he was losing his eyesight when he was 16 years old. Through many tests it was found that he has a rare genetic disorder called Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Mom only lived for a couple more years after Wil's diagnosis. I was the baby of the family; painfully shy, had terrible allergies and asthma. My mother also had another daughter before she and dad were married. That daughter found us several years after mom passed away. We did not get the opportunity to share life on earth with our mom as we grew into adults and have had children of our own.
This message is a thank you to my mom. Thank you for everything you did for all us kids. I appreciate all you ever did for all of us. I wish I had said thank you more before God called you home.
As mothers we play a unique role in our children's lives... one that may even go unnoticed or taken for granted.
Our role becomes even more unique and significant when we have a child with special needs; from Sensory Processing Disorders to Down Syndrome, ADD/ADHD to Learning Disabilities, Autism to Aspergers, Fragile X to Developmental Delays, Cerebral Palsy to PDD. (just to name a few!)
Every day brings unique challenges that can wear us down, or build us up.
For, within each day...
•we may have every strength and weakness of our own tested
•we will have to fight and advocate for our children
•we will choose to protect our integrity and theirs
•we will stand firm amongst criticism and in our beliefs
•we can choose to embrace their uniqueness
•we will love them with every part of our being
•we can find renewed hope and strength
•we can find peace and love where there may not have otherwise been
•we may cry, grieve, and mourn what we can not, or do not have
•yet, we can choose to celebrate, value, and appreciate what we do!
For most of us, we face our lives enmeshed with a special needs child with an incredible amount of strength and courage. We count our blessings, we realize the frailty and preciousness of life, we find wings we may have never had, and we, in the end, inspire others and show our children amazing and unconditional love. We climb a tough mountain, for sure... but, the tougher it is, the steeper it is, the more hurdles we encounter on the way, the more we appreciate the view from the top. We have seen and learned things most people don't get a chance to. We value differences, validate each other, and know a love and appreciation deeper than most!
To all the moms (and dads!) out there who embrace their child with special needs and love them in such a unique way...
•I applaud you and praise you for your unique sacrifice!
•I want you to feel my arms wrapping around you with a tremendous THANK YOU HUG!
•I hope you keep dreaming, keep loving, keep sharing, keep finding hope and strength.
•I wish for you to reach out and help others learn from your struggles and connect with the world in a way you never dreamed possible!
•And, if you still have the opportunity to do so, I hope you will tell your mom (and dad!) how much you appreciate what THEY did for YOU!
An Inspirational Poem For Moms... THIS ONE'S FOR YOU ;0)
One Flaw In Women
Author Unknown --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
"Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements.
"Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish."
But I won't," the Lord protested.
"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed,
"but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.
The Lord replied,
"Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak,"
the Lord corrected,
"that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride."
The angel was impressed.
"You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing."
And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness,
love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
However, If There Is One Flaw In Women,
It Is That They Forget Their Worth.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
More Summer Reading July
After today another month will be gone. This summer has raced by. Sometimes I have felt like I have been always on the go; taking my son to various birthday parties, doctor appointments, swimming lessons and the beloved parks. We have not taken a family trip this year due to financial circumstances. We have journeyed to various places through books. Have been able to extend the nature around us in books, for example the book about butterflies and another book about Fibonacci numbers. The world is a fascinating place. We have learned how things work with the book, How Cool Is That?
Before I have to send these books back to the library, I thought I would jot down the list of books we found at the base library a few weeks ago. Most of these books are about science. My son has a new fascination about turtles. So, we checked out several books about turtles. I hope this list of books will inspire you to find these titles or other similar books. Enjoy!
1. The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg illustrated by Bruce Ingman
2. Franklin's Bad Day by Paulette Bourgeois illustrated by Brenda Clark
3. The Great Dog Wash by Shellie Braeuner illustrated by Robert Neubecker
4. The 3 Little Dassies by Jan Brett (love her books)
5. Growing Patterns: Fibonacci Numbers in Nature by Sarah C. Campbell Photographs by Sarah C. Campbell and Richard P. Campbell
6. How Cool Is This? An up-close, inside look at how things work -- DK Book
7. Eyewitness Books: Butterfly and Moth -- DK Book
8. Watch me Grow: Turtle -- DK Book
9. Back to School Tortoise written by Lucy M. George illustrated by Merel Eyckerman
10. My Turtle by Cate Foley
11. How to Hide a Meadow Frog and other amphibians by Ruth Heller
12. Bow-Wow Bugs a Bug by Mark Newgarden and Megan Montague Cash
13. Kiss Kiss! by Margaret Wild and Bridget Strevens-Marzo
14. The Mouse, the Cat, and Grandmother's Hat by Nancy Willard illustrated by Jenny Mattheson
15. The 3 Bears and Goldilocks by Margaret Willey illustrated by Heather M. Solomon
Before I have to send these books back to the library, I thought I would jot down the list of books we found at the base library a few weeks ago. Most of these books are about science. My son has a new fascination about turtles. So, we checked out several books about turtles. I hope this list of books will inspire you to find these titles or other similar books. Enjoy!
1. The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg illustrated by Bruce Ingman
2. Franklin's Bad Day by Paulette Bourgeois illustrated by Brenda Clark
3. The Great Dog Wash by Shellie Braeuner illustrated by Robert Neubecker
4. The 3 Little Dassies by Jan Brett (love her books)
5. Growing Patterns: Fibonacci Numbers in Nature by Sarah C. Campbell Photographs by Sarah C. Campbell and Richard P. Campbell
6. How Cool Is This? An up-close, inside look at how things work -- DK Book
7. Eyewitness Books: Butterfly and Moth -- DK Book
8. Watch me Grow: Turtle -- DK Book
9. Back to School Tortoise written by Lucy M. George illustrated by Merel Eyckerman
10. My Turtle by Cate Foley
11. How to Hide a Meadow Frog and other amphibians by Ruth Heller
12. Bow-Wow Bugs a Bug by Mark Newgarden and Megan Montague Cash
13. Kiss Kiss! by Margaret Wild and Bridget Strevens-Marzo
14. The Mouse, the Cat, and Grandmother's Hat by Nancy Willard illustrated by Jenny Mattheson
15. The 3 Bears and Goldilocks by Margaret Willey illustrated by Heather M. Solomon
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Books Reading in July With My Son
Here are some books I am reading to my son during the month of July. He especially enjoys stories that are funny. Like a lot of children, he enjoys stories that are about animals. Hope you enjoy reading through the titles.
Recently my son had an anaphylactic reaction to an allergy shot. I had been looking for children's books about allergies. A couple of holds became available recently. The titles are How to Deal with Allergies and The BugaBees friends with food allergies.
Perhaps I have listed a book that you have not already shared with your child. Enjoy your summer reading. Now that it is July, it won't be long until school is back in session. Hope this list of books inspires you to go on a book journey with your child during the summer months especially.
These books we found at the city library.
1. My Pinky Finger by Betsy Franco illustrated by Margeaux Lucas
2. How to Deal with Allergies by Lynette Robbins
3. The BugaBees friends with food allergies by Amy Recob illustrated by 64 colors
4. Dinah! a cat adventure story and pictures by Kae Nishimura
5. sun + screen = sunscreen by Amanda Rondeau
6. The Broken Cat by Lynne Rae Perkins
I found these books at the Peterson AFB library. If you are military or retired military or a dependent of a military service member, please don't forget about the library located at your local installation. There are a lot of books available here as well.
1. A Bed Full of Cats by Holly Keller
2. Biscuit in the Garden by Alyssa Satin Capucilli pictures by Pat Shories
3. Car Goes Far by Michael Garland
4. A Children's Zoo by Tana Hoban
5. Clarence the Copy Cat story by Patricia Lakin pictures by John Manders
6. A Dragon on the Doorstep written by Stella Blackstone illustrated by Debbie Harter
7. How Do You Hug a Porcupine? by Laurie Isop illustrated by Gwen Millward
8. Katie Loves the Kittens by John Himmelman
9. A Kiss for Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik pictures by Maurice Sendak
10. Mr. Putney's Quacking Dog by Jon Agee
11. The Prince Has a Boo-Boo! Pictures by R.W. Alley
12. Smile! by Leigh Hodgkinson
13. Stinky a toon book by Eleanor Davis
Recently my son had an anaphylactic reaction to an allergy shot. I had been looking for children's books about allergies. A couple of holds became available recently. The titles are How to Deal with Allergies and The BugaBees friends with food allergies.
Perhaps I have listed a book that you have not already shared with your child. Enjoy your summer reading. Now that it is July, it won't be long until school is back in session. Hope this list of books inspires you to go on a book journey with your child during the summer months especially.
These books we found at the city library.
1. My Pinky Finger by Betsy Franco illustrated by Margeaux Lucas
2. How to Deal with Allergies by Lynette Robbins
3. The BugaBees friends with food allergies by Amy Recob illustrated by 64 colors
4. Dinah! a cat adventure story and pictures by Kae Nishimura
5. sun + screen = sunscreen by Amanda Rondeau
6. The Broken Cat by Lynne Rae Perkins
I found these books at the Peterson AFB library. If you are military or retired military or a dependent of a military service member, please don't forget about the library located at your local installation. There are a lot of books available here as well.
1. A Bed Full of Cats by Holly Keller
2. Biscuit in the Garden by Alyssa Satin Capucilli pictures by Pat Shories
3. Car Goes Far by Michael Garland
4. A Children's Zoo by Tana Hoban
5. Clarence the Copy Cat story by Patricia Lakin pictures by John Manders
6. A Dragon on the Doorstep written by Stella Blackstone illustrated by Debbie Harter
7. How Do You Hug a Porcupine? by Laurie Isop illustrated by Gwen Millward
8. Katie Loves the Kittens by John Himmelman
9. A Kiss for Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik pictures by Maurice Sendak
10. Mr. Putney's Quacking Dog by Jon Agee
11. The Prince Has a Boo-Boo! Pictures by R.W. Alley
12. Smile! by Leigh Hodgkinson
13. Stinky a toon book by Eleanor Davis
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