Caregiver Awareness Week

I found an article worth reading on The Mighty. It was written by Jessica Pridemore, a caregiver in Illinois. As a mother to someone with special needs, Jessica's words describing her job do not surprise me, but I think many of you may learn some things that you had never thought about. To view how Jessica feels about the work she does, click here. 

Cody is blessed to attend a day program with amazing employees like Jessica Pridemore. This past week, I had the opportunity to recognize them by sending some small and simple gifts. Thank you Jennifer, Maureen, Shaun, Alexis, Gaby, Jessica, and Lindsi. Our family certainly appreciates each and every one of you!

Michael J. Fox Show Educates through Comedy

Pleased is a fitting word to describe my feelings about the new Michael J. Fox television show. It does my heart good to see that Michael is willing to share with the world his experience having Parkinson's Disease and to do so in a sitcom. 

I use to enjoy watching the television program Life Goes On about a boy with Downs Syndrome and his family. It aired from 1989 to 1993, a time when schools were beginning to see the benefits of mainstreaming children with special needs. While television dramas can be very moving, I look forward to watching and learning about Parkinson's through comedy. Knowing how and when to laugh when dealing with any disability is important. Our family certainly realizes this (see these posts).

I came across the following link through LeAnn Leach, a friend of mine from high school. LeAnn was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease seven years ago and is in the video. Please click and watch.

Utahns with Parkinson's gather for new Michael J. Fox show

Winner vs Champion

"Winning takes skill. What Demetrius did took character."

Why Parents Blog About Their Special Needs Child

I want to share an article I came across written by Leigh Merryday, a mother of a special needs child. Please click on the link below...

I May Be Oversharing About My Special Needs Child and That's Okay

Deficits in Social Skills

Parents who have children with special needs become accustomed to people staring at their kids. We become accustomed to staring, but that doesn't mean we are okay with it.

One time, when Cody was young enough that he sat in a stroller, we were in a department store and a young boy followed us around, gawking at Cody. We had no clue where his mother was, but evidently she was not keeping an eye on her obnoxiously curious son.

Somewhere in the infant department, Don lost all composure. He told the boy there was a booger hanging out of his nose and that sent the kid running.

I tell you this story, not because it's something I am proud of  (though Don will tell you it was one of his best moments), but to give you a glimpse of what it's like every. single. time. we take Cody out in public. There are times when it can be painfully heartbreaking.

While I was scanning through Autism boards on Pinterest last week, I came across the following pin...

Source: etsy.com via DeeAnn on Pinterest

I showed it to Don, mentioning that I would like to have this quote printed on a t-shirt and he said, "Hell, can I get it printed on a tie and wear it to church?" 

Sadly, Don is right. We can't get away from ill-mannered people, even while we worship.

Como Se Dice "Don't Break My Routine" en Espanol?

Cody loves holidays AND speaking Spanish, therefore, I think it's appropriate to air out my archives and share the following experience, originally posted October 4, 2010.

When Cody was in high school, he chose Spanish as one of his electives. He enjoyed it so much that he took it his sophomore, junior and senior year.

Every day, at the beginning of the period, the entire class would, in unison, say the alphabet in Spanish. One particular day, this important part of the routine was skipped. Cody became upset and no one could figure out why. Of course Cody would never just come out and say what was bothering him. By the end of the period, tears were streaking down his cheeks and when the bell rang, he would not budge! When the teachers and peer tutor finally figured out Cody was upset because the class didn't say the alphabet, they tried to convince him it would be okay. The class would be sure to remember to say the alphabet the next day. However, no amount of coaxing or persuading would get Cody out of that desk!

When students of the next period began to arrive, the teachers realized something needed to be done about Cody, who by this time was full on crying and causing a scene. They decided to pick Cody up, desk and all, and move him into the hall.

I don't remember what happened after that. Obviously Cody eventually calmed down and got over it, but I'm not sure his Spanish teacher ever did.

Ten Reasons to Give Thanks for Your Child with Special Needs

1. You never have to worry about worrying over nothing.
Let other parents obsess over the frivolous and the shallow. Your child will make sure you always have something worthy to worry about.

2. Developmental delays = more years of hugs, kisses, and little-kid sweetness.
My 13-year-old still wants to sit in my lap, give me hugs, and tell me he loves me. What mom of a sullen teen doesn't secretly wish for the same?

3. Maybe someday, Ty Pennington will come build you a house.
Hey, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition loves families of children with special needs. Your little one may be your ticket to a lavish living space.


4. Any little milestone is a cause to throw a party.
Your child works hard for every step, sit-up and syllable, giving you lots to be excited about.


5. Every day is a learning experience.
Some days it's a pop quiz, some days it's a crash course, but life with your child is always an education, for sure.


6. You have the privilege of putting several doctors' children through college.
After paying for all those appointments, you may feel like a one-family scholarship foundation. Put your child's name on some letterhead and take pride.


7. You meet a better class of parent in waiting rooms and support groups.
Your child frees you from having to hang out with those snotty parents on the playground, and gives you entry into an exclusive club of people who are sensitive, sarcastic, and sure of their priorities.


8. You have an iron-clad escape excuse for any occasion.
You'd love to stay at that boring party, crowded event, endless church service, but, you know, your child just can't tolerate it. (And if sometimes it's you who can't tolerate it -- who's to know?)

9. Coming up with new strategies every day keeps your brain sharp.
They say doing crossword puzzles helps ward off Alzheimer's. Figuring out your child's schedules and treatments and lessons and rights and restrictions must easily provide twice the protection.


10. Your blessings will always be fully counted.
Other parents may take the gifts that their children bring for granted. Not you. Not ever.



Written by Terri Mauro, About.com Guide

Special Needs Rodeo

The Rodeo comes to town every September and they do a "Special Needs Rodeo" on Saturday afternoon. Cody loves going, even though our family doesn't have an ounce of cowboy in us! We bought Cody the cowboy hat a few years ago (check out the way he insists on wearing it). It still looks new because he'll only wear it once a year; same with the shirt. What you can't see in this picture are his DC Shoes. No way am I going to splurge and buy him cowboy boots to wear a few hours a year!