His once rounded shoulders are skinnier and he’s almost as tall as me. An avid gamer, he knows more about cars, airplanes and trains than I ever will. He’s smart, goofy, sensitive and absolutely ruthless at negotiations for extra game time. And when his face breaks out into the purest, most beautiful smile — aah! I live for that perfect moment.Continue reading“12!”
I was having a fantastic week. Work was rewarding, my hair bounced and shone, I’d added some distance to my daily run, and my coffee game was ON POINT!
Such a fantastic week.Continue reading“Mamma Mia!”
(Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash)
I must have been 9 or 10. My baby sister was at daycare — “creche,” as the snooty owner-manager called them. The air was humid, grandma was snoring softly from her daybed, and I’d just discovered a jar of Nutella hidden behind some wheat crackers. The afternoon suddenly looked brighter.Continue reading“My first sugar coma.”
(Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash)
He looks forward to Wednesday evenings. They feel safe and dependable — a godsend if you’re autistic and anxious, like my son.Continue reading“Wednesday evenings.”
(Photo by Katie Drazdauskaite on Unsplash)
Saturday, 01/15.2022
I’m spending two nights away from home, and hoo boy, it is such a maelstrom of emotions. On the one hand, I’m thrilled to have some me-time. One of the kids is coming with, so it won’t be all windswept hair and sips of chardonnay, but hey! Oregon beckons, and I get to see my dog again. Continue reading“A tale in two parts.”
He was an autistic 8-year-old; not fond of animals. She was a feisty corgi puppy, determined to bite everyone in her path.
He screamed. She herded. He cried. She cocked her head and squeaked. But nevertheless she persisted.Continue reading“Nevertheless, she persisted – a true story.”
“Amma, I hate it! I hate it so much!”
“I’m never going back there again. Ever!”
“Please, Amma. Can you please take me out of swimming class?” Continue reading“Just keep swimming.”
(Photo by Japheth Mast on Unsplash)
My nephew is a firecracker. And not the sedate, sizzling kind. No, he’s the kind who comes wrapped in a tight, trim package, sheathed in fancy plastic and promising simple, wholesome fun for the whole family. He soaks in all the energy around him and lights up like a firefly in the twilight. You think he’ll crackle merrily, maybe even go off with an adorable pop, so you step in close to watch the fun.Continue reading“Firecracker.”
My 6-year-old came up to me yesterday, her eyes shining with some concern.
“Amma?”
“Yes, darling.”
“So Eva told me yesterday that Santa is not real. Is that true, Amma?”Continue reading“When in doubt, lie.”
(Photo by nikko macaspac on Unsplash)
I’m a professional worrier, and this week, I’m earning my entire keep. On Thursday, at 3 pm, I’m set to participate in a meeting that decides Nirav’s academic plan and placement next year. Continue reading“Thursday can’t come fast enough.”
