July 9, 2017
When we were growing up we had a 1978 Chevy Impala station wagon. It was pale yellow, huge, had rear wheel drive, and felt like sailing a boat over the road. We – my parents, brother, two sisters, and I – took many family road trips in it across the western United States. Those of
April 23, 2017
Neil had been saving up for a new video camera and was finally ready to buy it. Every week he sets aside money so he can buy Amazon gift cards, and then he can order items online that way, since he doesn’t have a debit card (we’re working on that). I brought $250.00 in cash
March 5, 2017
There was the typical amount of squabbling in any big-sister/little-brother relationship. Most of the time we were close; occasionally somebody did something to somebody else and somebody else threatened to tell on somebody. At one point, around ages 5 and 7, an egregious deed was brought to the attention of our father, who was
January 21, 2017
I figured it would be a good project – asking those closest to me how it was and is for them having a wife/mom/daughter/sister/friend with bipolar. What’s challenging? What’s strange? Anything interesting? Anything good? Or not really? The project – a series of blog posts interviewing my family members – never went anywhere, and I
November 13, 2016
My son Neil has long referred to his autism as his “difference.” If someone he knows is nice to him, he’ll say, “She understands my difference.” * Earlier this year I accompanied Neil to his annual Individual Service Plan meeting with his service coordinator. We’ve been to this building several times before for other meetings,
October 17, 2016
Pace yourself with the food and alcohol intake. Seriously. The pillows are actually very comfortable. There are some really funny cruise ship comedians! Don’t pay to have internet access. You will gain a new perspective on your life. I just got back from my first cruise and loved.every.minute.of.it. That could have something to do with
July 1, 2016
Seventeen years ago this month, my divorce was finalized. I think more than anything else that’s happened in my life, all these years later, being divorced makes me feel like a failure. (The only thing that comes close is losing my house, which happened in 2012. But that’s another story.) Typically in the western world
May 15, 2016
I was six years old. A long-time friend of my father was visiting from the East coast, and we were returning from taking him out to dinner. It was late, and I had been dozing in the car on the way home. I woke up when we pulled into the garage, but I wanted my
April 16, 2016
It used to be, say in 2008, parent bloggers could write – without experiencing any backlash – about the challenges of raising an autistic child. Soon, though, we were chastised for saying “autistic” – we were told to say “with autism.” We had to use person-first language, even if we could clearly see that autism
March 20, 2016
I become aware of a familiar hollowness in my chest, like something has been removed and I don’t know what it is. I feel shaky. I suggest to the participants in the 2-day workshop I am co-training that we take a break, even though it is not time for one. I go outside and begin
February 20, 2016
It was my birthday. After class, I changed my clothes and drove to the large chain drugstore where I worked. I went to the back area where the employee lockers were and stowed my purse and jacket and walked back to the time clock to clock in. In the hallway I was greeted by my
January 17, 2016
An electrical cord has somehow twisted around his neck. He lies on his back, his arms pinned behind him underneath his convulsing body. His head is smashed at a right angle against the wall and there is so much froth in his throat he is choking on it. This is how I find my son.
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