When my special needs son was in kindergarten, I learned that his autism class would be participating in the Special Olympics. I’m going to be blunt – that freaked me out big time. I was still coming to terms with the fact that he hadn’t made it to the “mainstream” by kindergarten, which at the time was the end-all-be-all in our world. We were convinced that if we did all the work and therapy humanly possible during the preschool years, he’d be ready for school. I never really considered an alternative route, but there he was, in a self-contained special education classroom. I was still processing my denial, so the timing wasn’t great for someone to suggest that he compete in the Special Olympics. Yeah, I wasn’t happy. Continue reading The Sweet Olympics
Category Archives: Gratitude
Kindness in Abundance
When I read this week’s writing prompt for Finish the Sentence Friday, I panicked a little. “One of the best things anyone ever did for me was…” Well that is tough to call, because I have too many acts of kindness to choose from. Some examples from my notes –
- My mother for letting me read whatever I wanted.
- My husband for saying yes, when I asked him if I could take his four young children on a thirty day road trip, while he stayed home and worked.
- The Manager at CPK who helped me out with Barrett this past February (although that blog topic has been beaten to death).
- Anyone of the therapists who has worked with my son over the years.
- My brother and sister in-law for babysitting our kids whenever we desperately needed help.
- Melissa at Chick Lit Central who took a chance on me.
- My besties Michele, Marice & Barb for an endless number of things over the decades.
- The two different relatives, who on two separate and unrelated occasions, surprised me with checks in the mail.
You see where I’m going here? Continue reading Kindness in Abundance
11 Alive News, The Huffington Post, The Forsyth Herald & My Forsyth
It’s been a busy week! I’m grateful for all the shout-outs about my interview on 11 Alive, featuring Barrett and the story about the new garden at his middle school. I really appreciate the support (but still cringe whenever I view the clip). The excitement didn’t end there – the Huffington Post Parents posted one of my blogs, with Barrett’s picture front and center on the page. The boy is going to get an attitude! I was overwhelmed by all the positive comments and shares. Thank you, thank you, thank you! If you missed it, you can read the article by clicking here: Huffington Post.
Continue reading 11 Alive News, The Huffington Post, The Forsyth Herald & My Forsyth
Ten Things That Make Me Happy Right Now
Welcome to my first “Link-Up.” Today I am participating in Mama Kat’s Writer Workshop, Things That Make Me Happy (don’t you just love my original title?).
1) Tulips. I love tulips, they’re my favorite flower. And I really love them when I successfully grow them in my garden.