Three Photos
Don’t really think any more needs to be said. Happy Birthday Catherine!
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Happy Birthday Catherine!
It still surprises me that seven years ago, at this time, I was in actual labor with Catherine. I even gripped the bed rail and said, “I’m ready for the drugs.” I still remember calling my Mom and telling her…
A Post on Babble.com
Picking out a wheelchair with your daughter is a lot like picking out a prom dress — there are loads of choices, it doesn’t happen often, you imagine the time she’ll have in it and hope it’ll be magical. And…
The Peanut Butter Sandwich is Life
There is something comforting and relaxing about making myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in the early stillness of the morning. I’m pushing through an especially tiresome week at work, and being up at 5 AM isn’t something I…
Special Needs of the "Normal" Sibling
It happened again. Another seizure that required meds. But this one had a twist: Sarah wanted to be put to bed in the middle of it by Brian – and Brian was holding Catherine. “Daddy put you to bed,” she…
Let the Data Show
We’re entering another phase where instead of being a mom, I become a scientist. Instead of snuggling and hugging and cheering, we will observe and track and analyze. I don’t especially like these phases, but long ago I learned that…
Early Morning Conversation
Sarah: Cackie’s eyes are open. Me: Yay Catherine! Let’s give her claps. Sarah: It doesn’t work. Me: What doesn’t work? Sarah: Her eyes. Me: That’s right. Her eyes are broken. Sarah: Yeah… She can’t see me. And now I know…
A Little Weekend Reflection
Sarah knows the word “Dadgummit!” Catherine now knows the smell of burned food – three different kinds to be precise. She knows the smell of burnt candy, burnt toast and burnt toast with gruyere cheese blackened on top. This was…
What Makes You Angry?
Years ago, I was giving a talk about Catherine’s life and how we manage to have hope through it all. At the end of the presentation, someone in the audience asked me, “What makes you angry?” “I don’t really feel…
I Wish I Knew
The most common question I get from people who know Catherine right now is, “How’s she doing? Is she over the pain?” I wish I knew. Most times, she seems comfortable, but frankly, she seemed comfortable even just after surgery….