A Journey from Darkness into Light
*** I have been cautioned by some about sharing the truth of my experience right now due to the level of darkness it involves which, of course, is reflected in my writing. While I respect that advice and do want this space to be one of hope and encouragement, I cannot in good conscience, omit significant... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, the one-year anniversary of Oliver’s Odyssey slipped quietly by. I had planned to do something big, in celebration, but true to the current theme of our life, the month leading up to this special day was filled with chaos and little opportunity for creativity. But this only solidifies in my mind one of the greatest... Continue Reading →
Most of us share the basic human desire to escape pain. It is weeks like this one that illuminate the desperate attempts my mind makes to transcend my own. Our HIE community was shaken by the passing of 3 of our children over the last week. This unbelievable loss has thrust me hard back into... Continue Reading →
I was in rare form this morning. Well, let's be honest, it's not so rare these days. LOL After all of the craziness of the last couple weeks, I completely forgot about our Gastroenterology appointment at UCLA this morning. Luckily I had glanced at my calendar last night and caught my oversight before missing it... Continue Reading →
Hot showers have always been one of my most favorite things in the whole world. When I’m tired, sick, stressed, worried, sleepy or wound up… a hot shower is always the cure to my ails. I love the calming caress of the water as it falls over my shoulders, melting away the tension and easing my worried... Continue Reading →
If, five years ago, someone would have told me that I would soon be a person who not only used a calendar, but absolutely depended on one to keep an insanely packed schedule of appointments straight, I would’ve laughed out loud. Calendars were never my style. I was way too carefree and laissez faire for... Continue Reading →
Before I had Oliver, I was very uncomfortable around people with disabilities. It’s kind of embarrassing to be honest about that, especially at this point in my life, but I wanted to open this conversation up because I don’t think I am the only one who’s felt that way. Often when I am out in the... Continue Reading →
Today was the day. After nearly a year of appointments, phone calls, follow up phone calls, disappointments, more phone calls and a whole lot of waiting, the growth kit for Oliver’s wheelchair was ready to be installed.They’re funny… These simple things. So much emotion from such simple things.It was a hurried morning to get the... Continue Reading →
Sometimes I barely recognize the person I’ve become. I took this photo just before walking in to confront our respite agency about why they aren’t staffing our hours with competent caregivers. Five years ago I never could’ve imagined dressing in this conservative outfit and coolly and confidently walking into an office to deal with an... Continue Reading →
As many children with Cerebral Palsy do, Oliver also has epilepsy. He doesn't have very many seizures but when he does have one, it doesn't stop on its own. Although we have rescue medication that we carry with us at all times, it has never actually worked. So we are left with only the choice to... Continue Reading →
I’ve felt this coming for a couple months now… I rely on coffee to bring my body to life every morning and wine to force it to keep going each night, far beyond when it begs me to rest. My diet consists of whatever is closest, easiest and quickest to grab which often means pretty much... Continue Reading →
Boy do I feel tired right now. It’s not the kind of tired that comes from lack of sleep… I got five consecutive hours last night, which felt pretty freakin amazing. It’s not the kind of tired that comes after a long day of physical exertion…all of the therapy and errands for today were cancelled. ... Continue Reading →
Oliver's Odyssey 