SusanMay 1, 20194 min#28: Letter to MeToday I’m still reveling in hearing the words “I love you, Mommy” from E for the first time. I’ve been riding that high for a week now. I...
SusanFeb 24, 20194 min#27: I Love YouThere are good days and bad days as a parent, and that holds true for special needs parents as well. But sometimes a day that starts out...
SusanDec 14, 20185 min#26: Stronger“E is just weaker in certain areas at this point, or maybe I should say not as fully developed.” My back stiffens. I am in a meeting at E...
SusanNov 5, 20185 min#25: ActivateWhen I was a child there was a television cartoon called “Super Friends” that included a brother and sister team called the “Wonder Twins...
SusanOct 9, 20183 min#24: First DayThe first day of school means excitement, anticipation, concern, and anxiety … and that’s just for the parents. Today we will find out wh...
SusanSep 7, 20183 min#23: RestRest is something I’ve struggled with for a long time. I don’t sit still well. I don’t enjoy watching movies because two hours is too lon...
SusanAug 20, 20183 min#22: 9/11On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was at work in my office on the 5th floor of the Department of Justice, in downtown Washington, D...
SusanJul 15, 20183 min#21: Sounding BoardIf only I’d had a sounding board. Another mom who knew the signs. Someone who could have helped me spot that E’s lack of words, food aver...
SusanJun 16, 20183 min#20: FriendsIn a few short months E will start kindergarten. Like every parent whose first child is about to start school, I’m struggling with fears ...
SusanMay 15, 20184 min#19: GeniusLast night before bed E came clomping into the kitchen in his pajamas, wearing Daddy’s sneakers. I grabbed my phone and snapped a picture...
SusanApr 23, 20184 min#18: Love Without WordsLast night at bedtime, after we read a story and said our prayers, I spent a few extra minutes sitting on E’s bed with him. Like he does ...
SusanApr 9, 20184 min#17: Rescue PartyWe moved here to north Texas about 18 months ago, a matter of weeks before our daughter was born. Those first few months were really hard...
SusanMar 25, 20184 min#16: MissionAs a little girl I dreamt about being an actress. Actresses always seemed so confident, so fearless and strong. For a shy child like me, ...
SusanMar 14, 20184 min#15: One StepIt snowed last night, a rare occurrence here in north Texas. We awoke to the view of a pristine white blanket covering our neighborhood, ...
SusanMar 7, 20183 min#14: IdentitySome days I wake up and feel like I can conquer the day. Today is not one of those days. Last night my anxiety-ridden mind would not shut...
SusanFeb 27, 20185 min#13: New NormalThe holiday season is upon us. As we continue our quest to find our new normal, the rhythm of life moves on. Holiday gifts to buy, food t...
SusanFeb 19, 20183 min#12: The LetterIt’s November 19th. Our sixth wedding anniversary. It snuck up on me this year. Thanksgiving is in a few days, too. Normally by this poin...
SusanFeb 14, 20184 min#11: PerspectiveIt is 5am and I’m driving through dense fog on my way to the airport. The fog is fitting. It’s a perfect picture of how my head feels tod...
SusanFeb 8, 20185 min#10: TransitionsE is in boot camp. That’s what it feels like anyway. For nearly three hours yesterday he endured a thorough evaluation by a speech therap...
SusanFeb 2, 20184 min#9: The LullabyHe’s been feeding off my stress these last few weeks. E has always been so sensitive to my moods, even as a baby. Today, his actions are ...