As a young mom, I longed for some me time, some free time at the end of a day. Raising a son with special needs and two daughters was a 24/7 kind of job….like every mom! There’s no vacation on vacation, there’s no pats on the back from the children in those early years. Yet, [...]

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My mother-in-law needed heart surgery. We went together to the doctor to make sure all her questions were answered. We wanted to know why she needed the surgery and how it would affect her afterwards. We wanted Mom to know exactly what to expect from start to finish. The doctor described everything to her and [...]

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BOSTON (AP) 11/10 – “LeBron James said he was sorry for using the word ‘retarded’ in a post game news conference.” I know it’s been a while since this was “news” but the “R WORD” hasn’t gone away, so it’s still news….current to each of us who has a child with mental “RETARDATION.” I was [...]

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Meal preparation once was and can still be a nemesis for me: selecting the right balance of nutrition, preparing the meal and expecting my two daughters now 4 and 5 years old will value my efforts and the nourishment to their bodies. My first born rejected eating at three weeks old. Doctors diagnosed her with [...]

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It’s been a while since we all came to know SUSAN DOYLE who auditioned for the “Britain’s Got Talent” show. The surprise of it all………….how did YOU respond? I couldn’t help, initially, feeling sorry for her – first because she didn’t “look” the part all of us were expecting; then because she had to listen to [...]

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Going through airport security with our son Joey can prove to be interesting. His special needs requires us to “prompt” him to take off his shoes, “prompt” him to move forward, “prompt” him to go through the x-ray on his own. He listens, usually, but basically needs prompts. We have our routine. Joe put his things [...]

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In the framework of those whose lives are often dismissed, ignored, disregarded, neglected, slighted, snubbed – those with special needs, I wonder how often we really take a mental walk to walk in their shoes? Perhaps you, like I, have missed the opportunity to show compassion or love to someone simply because they have special [...]

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Returning to my seat at the airport gate, Joe motioned with his eyes, for me to observe the three people sitting just in front of us. Their backs were to us, so I did not readily see what he was trying to tell me. He quietly said, “Just watch, I’ll be right back.” Within moments, the 45-50 year [...]

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Do you know who said, “For every laugh there should be a tear”? It was Walt Disney. All of us probably enjoy that thought for great books and storytelling, movies and shows, but for real life, it seems most would prefer laughter and smiles all the time. That makes life more fun and enjoyable, and, well [...]

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A young couple has come into our life whose son is special needs. They are trying to cope with the initial news of his disabilities, the on-going therapies, and so much more. They mentioned to us that they have times of great frustration. They wondered if that ever happens to us. Time for transparency! Yes, [...]

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