A Journey from Darkness into Light
It has been said that the grieving process is like peeling an onion. As each layer falls away, it gives the gift of deeper understanding and also reveals the next level of processing. The stages don’t go smoothly from 1-5… denial, anger, bargaining, depression and then acceptance. They are interwoven and revisit you many times even after... 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 →
Today was hard. I was inarguably consumed by the anger stage of grief. Before I write though, I want to preface this post by saying… I do not share our experience for pity or attention. My writing is a way to help me process through the harder parts of our journey. Sharing what I write fulfills a different purpose... Continue Reading →
It’s our first day home from the hospital and while I do feel great relief, there is also a weight of sadness plaguing my heart. I know this feeling. I recognize it because I’ve experienced it many times before. It is the resurfacing of grief. The unique thing about having a child with a brain... Continue Reading →
There have been a number of times in the last 5 years that I’ve literally thought I might lose my mind. This is one of those times. The news yesterday, of my oldest friend being found dead, alone in his home, hit my like a ton of bricks. The words, 'Ryan passed away', sent waves of shock... 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 →
Oliver's Odyssey 