Tag Archives: Divorce

Guest Post at The 40+ Woman
avatar

Posted on September 5, 2012 by

I was asked to do a guest post over at Michelle Murphy Zive’s new website, The 40+ Woman. Here’s the first installment of the two-part story: An Unplanned Life, Part 1. I’m thrilled to be helping start her new community of amazing … Continue reading →

Posted in My Life, News, Publications | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Mother’s Day Tradition
avatar

Posted on May 13, 2012 by

Back when I was a child, Mother’s Day meant all three, and then four, of us kids “helping” Dad with breakfast. Our usual Sunday morning fare was fried or scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, and Sarah Lee Honey Buns—which if … Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Autism, My Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

There’s No Daddy Here
avatar

Posted on May 9, 2012 by

A year or so ago, my daughter Katie noticed that her family looked different. She was doing a class project that involved identifying family members. Her drawing included the two of us plus Max the cat and Delta the dog. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Autism, My Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

One Thing I Hear Constantly
avatar

Posted on April 10, 2012 by

One thing I hear constantly as a single parent of an autistic child: Wow, I don’t know how you manage. I don’t think I could do it. I suspect these people mean well, that they are trying to give me … Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Autism, My Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

My Life as a Sweater
avatar

Posted on February 26, 2012 by

Last week I had one of those days where I felt like a failure. I was exhausted and depressed and totally overwhelmed. The day started out pretty well. Then around mid-morning a friend said that she didn’t know how I … Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Autism, My Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Christmas Crafts, Part 3
avatar

Posted on December 28, 2011 by

Eventually it dawned on me that Michael purchased the North Pole buildings because I provided settings that brought them to life. Sure the hot tubbing elves were cute, but they’d be downright adorable when placed in the North Pole Woods, … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, My Life | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Do Not Open Until Christmas
avatar

Posted on November 23, 2011 by

Once again the holidays are upon us. It’s time to plan a trip to see my daughter’s birthparents. Yes, you read that correctly. Her birthparents. My ex-husband and I chose to do what is called an open adoption. This is … Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, My Life | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Aiming for the Sky
avatar

Posted on November 10, 2011 by

When my daughter Katie was four and using two-word phrases, someone asked how I handled the shame. I stared at her, confused. I’ve never felt shame over Katie’s autism. Sorrow of course, but never shame. My mother says I’d feel … Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Autism, My Life | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Birth of an Unplanned Life
avatar

Posted on November 2, 2011 by

Back in high school I’d curl up and read John Muir. I wanted to be like him, but with better food and a tent. I wanted to tramp in the wilderness and call it a job. I wanted to speak … Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Autism, My Life | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment