Musings and What-not

As a mother to one of the MOST amazing people I have ever known, I cannot even fathom thinking these words, let alone stating them out loud... in a court of law, or anywhere else. Yet, Ariel and Deborah Levy did just that. Now, before you jump all over me... hear me out. When it comes to the choices in my life, I made them, and I have zero regrets. I'm here, living this life, as a result of all of them... and I am immensely grateful. I am also a special needs mom... a label, no matter how you slice it, is one that I will proudly wear until I leave this earth.

This post is in response to an email I received from a friend! I've been asked about my thoughts regarding the passing of John Travolta's beloved first born, Jett, and I believe I was asked because there is broad speculation that he "had" autism.

I am working on being a parent who educates first and reacts second. Too often, I read or hear about a parent apologizing for their child's disability/disorder, and I just want to jump on the nearest plane, fly to their town, and lay the smackdown on the person that messed with their child. Of course, it is only minutes later when I remember that this approach has and will continue to get us, the dis abled community absolutely nowhere. But I do wonder why parents feel the need to apologize, especially to people who are rude, condescending, and ignorant. I mean who really should be "apologizing"? The special needs child who may not understand that certain behavior could be deemed inappropriate and/or disruptive or the adult who is oblivious to the fact that they are not interacting with a neurotypical ( NT ) child? Or... Are apologies even warranted? Another thing I think too much about is discipline. As parents to special needs children, are we not to discipline them?  Is...

By Erma Bombeck Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen? Somehow, I visualize God hovering over earth selecting His instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger. "Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron saint, Matthew. "Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia. "Rudledge, Carrie, twins. Patron saint...give her Gerard, He's used to profanity." Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child." The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy." "Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a handicapped child a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel." "But has she patience?" ...