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Tag Archives: Divorce
Guest Post at The 40+ Woman
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 Acceptance, Adaptive Horseback Riding, Adoption, Autism, Divorce, Speech Delay, Transitions, Unplanned Life, Writing Life
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A Mother’s Day Tradition
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 Acceptance, Adoption, Autism, Divorce, Expectations, Family, Gratitude, Holidays, Resentment, Single Parent, Unplanned Life
5 Comments
There’s No Daddy Here
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 Adoption, Autism, Divorce, Family, Fathers, Milestones, Parenting, Single Parent, Unplanned Life
2 Comments
One Thing I Hear Constantly
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 Abandonment, Acceptance, Adoption, Autism, Dating, Divorce, Family, Single Parent, Unplanned Life
7 Comments
My Life as a Sweater
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 Abandonment, Acceptance, Adoption, Autism, Depression, Divorce, Open Adoption, Single Parent, Unplanned Life
8 Comments
Christmas Crafts, Part 3
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
Do Not Open Until Christmas
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 Adoption, Divorce, Family, Holidays, Open Adoption, Unplanned Life
4 Comments
Aiming for the Sky
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 Acceptance, Adoption, Anger, Autism, Divorce, Shame, Unplanned Life
2 Comments
The Birth of an Unplanned Life
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 Adaptive Horseback Riding, Adoption, Autism, Divorce, Expectations, Unplanned Life
1 Comment