How do you break the bad days down so they didn't have such dominance in your mind? Better yet, is there a way to avoid them altogether?
Writing Letters to Our Fathers
For years, I'd written letters to my dad that I'd never sent, especially during the times when, like Lilly, I felt like I wasn’t being seen or heard by him.
He walked three steps on that festive Christmas. Having just turned one, I was quite convinced that my son was talented beyond compare in his age bracket. Jay was a towhead, trim, and sported a con...
How I Became "The Shoprite Lady"
"I remember the first time I saw you. You were so sad. How can anyone with such beautiful children look so sad? And then I saw him."
The Kind Stranger: a Missed Opportunity to Show Compassion
This is a submission in our monthly contest. November’s theme is Gratitude. “He has beautiful eyes,” the stranger on the street said, about my son. He then reached out and touched my son’s hand, ge...
I still give her everything a father should, but now, more than ever, I give extra doses of confidence.
The Student Who Taught Me I Have Room for Thankfulness
This is a submission in our monthly contest. November’s theme is Gratitude. As I drove from my house in the country, fields and green lawns gave way to rows of colorful single-family homes and then...
"Oprah's Favorite Things 2017" - the Reality Edition
I took a look at some of these items and, no offense to Queen Oprah, but I beg to differ.
Me, My Son's Wheelchair, and a Frankenboot
I was unloading the wheelchair from the van – something I’ve done successfully a thousand times. Until this one time.
Sweater Hugs, Here and Now, and From Beyond
This well worn sweater- it’s hers, it’s mine, and with it, we will always be together. At least, that’s what my grieving mind still tells me.
The Frustrating Zen of Cleaning With a Toddler
That feeling that there is always more to do – that is a permanent state. May as well embrace it.
I'm not sure if he knew it, but this American gentleman saved the lives of many young people in Beirut, including mine.
3 Companies That Are Carving Space for Adults on the Autism Spectrum
There are a few up-and-coming companies that gear themselves to the needs of autistic adults.
Angels Do Exist (at the Grocery Store)
We made eye contact and exchanged a smile. She didn’t have to mention she was a mom. I knew the moment I saw her that she really saw me.
6 Ways to Find Happiness and Survive the Shortest Days of the Year
A few ways to still enjoy evening family time, get some exercise, and forget our its-dark-way-too-early-blues.
Santa Cares: A Holiday Life Saver for Parents of Kids With Special Needs
We got in line early for Santa. We decided to try him out again, this time in a comfortable and familiar environment: the nursery school Christmas party. Our daughter knew everyone in line, and alt...
A spider has woven a web in the space between the open kitchen window and the screen that we have yet to take down for winter. Fall in upstate New York. The evenings are frosty. It is a good place ...
A Shared Journal, an MRI, and Perspective
I wanted to remember how good my life was since I was stuck in a loop of anxiety with never-ending needs surrounding me. This journal could help me do that.
Generations of Tea Remembrances
As I watch my daughter drink tea with her daughter, I’m grateful that this tea ritual I learned from my mother is passed on to my daughter to make her own.
What a NICU Moms' Support Group Taught Me About Fearlessness
I was about to cavalierly flaunt her health and my good fortune in their faces. The New Moms’ Support Group was soon to find out I was a fear-fraud.
Christmas Traditions From Around the World That Could Create a New Family Tradition
If you are looking for new activities to celebrate the holiday season, consider these fun and unique ideas from countries around the globe.
The Longview Lesson Kids Can Learn From Being Bullied
The first time I heard, “Hey, Buzzard!” I was 12. As I watched my own kids grow up, having been Buzzard for a few summers did me some favors.
Gratitude in the Midst of Small-Moment Lives
What if the quiet moments are worth every bit as much as the loud moments performed before the multitudes?
13 Fabulous Gifts that Give Back
These unique, well-made gifts are all from awesome companies that give to charity with each purchase.