When autism, exhaustion, grief, and love collide, this is what special needs parenting really looks like — and why holding tight to your people makes all the difference.
Tag: grief
Laughter is the best medicine
Anyone with autistic children understands the lengths we go to sometimes (or every single time) just to get a decent picture of them. I am intimately familiar with the struggle because it is a true labor of love to get my two boys to smile at a camera, especially my Nico. This is actually one … Continue reading Laughter is the best medicine
The Most Deserving
I'm currently on my work trip and will be gone for the next two days, so my anxiety is at an all-time high. Nico doesn't do well typically when I'm gone, so I have to do a lot of prepping in the days leading up to my trips. This includes filling out the "mommy away, … Continue reading The Most Deserving
The Release and Relief of Grief
Nico’s birthday was this week. It was the first birthday where he actually told me what he wanted to do for it. I have asked him how he wished to celebrate his birthday in years past, but he never quite made the connection to what I was asking. This year he finally did. He told … Continue reading The Release and Relief of Grief
One Magic Thanksgiving
I spent Thanksgiving in Sedona, Arizona. It was one of the places from my childhood where I saw my parents the happiest. It felt like a magical place to me because of how happy they were. My parents were so in love with Sedona that my mom even said she would absolutely be retiring there … Continue reading One Magic Thanksgiving
Another Adventure Awaits
I’ve been thinking a lot about caregiving recently. It’s something that I feel like I have been doing in one way or another for as long as I can remember, and it’s given me a great sense of purpose my whole life. In the simplest sense, I started early with caregiving. Growing up, I took … Continue reading Another Adventure Awaits
Motherhood is Forever and Always
Mother. Mom. Mommy. Mama. I’ve been called them all in these last 10 years and each time I hear my sons utter “my name” I mentally pinch myself because I still can’t believe I’m actually their mother. I didn’t grow up thinking about being a mom. I didn’t think about how many kids I would … Continue reading Motherhood is Forever and Always
Pivot
This week I had a gut check. I was brought back to reality. I was told my son is not making gains academically and it has come time to consider a new educational path for him. I wasn’t shocked and knew it was coming, but what has become the most soul-sucking is the fact that … Continue reading Pivot
Marathon, not a Sprint
I am finding that my life has become a juggling act lately and a new ball is constantly being tossed into the mix without much warning. I suppose this is what you sign up for when you become a (special needs) parent and work full time. I know I am not unique in my circumstances … Continue reading Marathon, not a Sprint
I Only Wish
Updated 5/25/2022: Two teachers were killed in this school shooting, not just one as originally mentioned in my post. Rest In Peace. I am at a loss. I cannot quite grasp what has taken place on this day, May 24, 2022 in a town just 85 miles south of where I live. I cannot comprehend … Continue reading I Only Wish
Patience, Love, and Hope with a Side of Autism and Fishies 