more

There are studies on what I’m about to write. Lots of them. There are scores of posts out there on the topic, undoubtedly far better written than this one. Certainly they are better referenced and include links to, ya know, sciency stuff — studies and the like. I’ll do my best to include some of … Continue reading →

value

* Since the moment last Monday when I was sitting at my desk in downtown Boston and a colleague shouted, “What the Hell just happened?” I’ve run through the expected gamut of emotions. I’ve been scared. I’ve been angry. I’ve been sad. I’ve been worried. I’ve been defiant. I’ve been resilient. And then something else … Continue reading →

phone home

  ~ * Yes, this was an actual conversation ~ Yup, I gave in. Caved. Crumbled like a house of cards. Go ahead, say it – ‘If all the other moms were jumping off a bridge, would you jump off a bridge too, Jess?” Apparently, yes. Yes, I would. I got Katie a phone. Well, … Continue reading →

person first

* “…One thing bugged me and I don’t see how it still happens especially in this tight knit community. This is referring to a person with autism as autistic (I.e. my autistic daughter/son/brother/etc.). One big step we could all make as a whole is to utilize person first language a person with …(insert any disability)… … Continue reading →

his body does his feelings

Brooke, doing happy – Katie and I are chatting as we walk. Well, Katie’s chatting. I’m listening. And trying to keep up. Good Lord, this child can talk a blue streak. Yes, I know, she comes by it honestly. Thank you. She’s talking about a boy in her class who she assumes (and we know) … Continue reading →

not wrong

Gratuitous picture of my girl that has nothing to do with the post you’re about to read – Brooke and I are cuddled in her bed. It’s getting late and at least one of us is nodding off. It’s time for me to go. “OK, baby,” I ask, “who’s picking the number?” “You would do … Continue reading →

all along

** Although my recent return to work has made this the most harried holiday season in recent memory, there has been something particularly magical about this Christmas. Even as I’ve run around town like a headless chicken in search of gifts for the eight hundred and thirty-seven people on my list, I’ve felt it. Even … Continue reading →

welcome to the club

My dear friend, I am so sorry for your pain. Don’t worry; no one else sees it, I promise. To the rest of the world, you’re fine. But when you’ve been there, you can’t miss it. I see it in your eyes. That combustible mixture of heart-wrenching pain and abject fear. God, I remember the … Continue reading →