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This week I am participating in a conversation on iVillage.ca about raising special needs children. The chat is hosted by noted pregnancy author Ann Douglas and includes blogger Lisa Thornbury and writer Catrina Carefoot. We cover the joys, sorrows and challenges of raising special needs kids. Check it out. iVillage comments about support networks and … Continue reading
So I legitimately had a doctor’s appointment when the school called to say my son was “exhibiting a high temperature.” But I didn’t have to get off a station early and make three stops on my way home to get the car. Or take the time to delete 97 emails from my phone and make … Continue reading
The dietitian’s accent is strong enough that I don’t catch every word and my voice is so low that he has to ask me to repeat myself. But the message was loud and clear: Deane had lost weight since coming out of the hospital and the dietitian is referring us to the g tube clinic. … Continue reading
The list goes on and on: the musical letter matching pad, the remote-control Brio train; the DVD complete with dance pad; the 18” remote-control robot that danced, burped and farted; the glowing, spinning sphere controlled by an iPad. We even wrapped up the Wii console and gave it to him (not that the rest of … Continue reading
A car dealership in Idaho recently advertised its new trucks by asking, “Are you driving a wimpy truck? Do your kids take the short bus so they won’t be seen in it?” The dealership was then hit with complaints from parents of disabled kids complaining about the derogatory reference to “the short bus.” In places … Continue reading
A neighbour crossed the street to speak to me. “You’ve had a dreadful winter,” she said, her voice full of sympathy. I was at a bit of a loss as to how to respond. While it was happening, it was dreadful, although, lost in the details, I couldn’t have summed it up that succinctly. … Continue reading
There is no hiding the scars on Silken Laumann’s tanned leg. More than 20 years after the injury that almost ended her international rowing career, there is still a misshapen chunk missing from her calf. She spoke about that injury during a talk to a group of parents at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital last … Continue reading
My office is strewn with file folders. I can’t turn around without rolling over some vital document. The recycling under my desk is so full I can’t straighten my legs. My desk is covered with a mess of papers that were once distinct, important piles. Although I would never claim to be the tidiest person, … Continue reading
Wanted: energetic and enthusiastic person who likes like swimming, boating and being outdoors. Must be patient, have experience with children and comfortable “living-in” in separate accommodations during the week. Pay negotiable. Sounds like a great summer job, doesn’t it? Shouldn’t be hard to fill. Oh, did I mention must be strong enough to lift a … Continue reading
“Do you think you will need some assistance when you go home?” the outplacement co-ordinator asked me. Although my bullheaded instinct is to always say we can handle it, this time I hesitated. I was sitting in a team meeting about half way through my son’s 80-day rehabilitation from hip surgery. “What kind of assistance?” … Continue reading
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