Tag Archives: Gratitude

Dreaming of Camp Arroyo
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Posted on July 30, 2015 by

In October 2014, my daughter Katie attended outdoor education camp at Camp Loma Mar, near Half Moon Bay, California. It was a big deal, and not just because it was my ten-year-old’s first time in a camp setting. Katie has … Continue reading →

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Late Bloomers
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Posted on July 16, 2015 by

It’s a sad truth, but kids on the spectrum don’t often get invited to parties, birthday or otherwise. Over the years I’ve grown used to this difficult state of affairs–even as it continued to frustrate and sadden me. These children … Continue reading →

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Guest Post at Monday Coffee
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Posted on March 17, 2015 by

The multi-talented Liz Whiteacre asked me to do a guest post for the Monday Coffee and Other Stories of Mothering Children with Special Needs website and blog. If you remember, I had a story published in the Monday Coffee anthology … Continue reading →

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Some Thoughts on Luck (And Other Stuff)
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Posted on March 12, 2015 by

As Saint Patrick’s Day approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about luck. Most people think it’s incredibly unlucky that after eight years of infertility, my ex and I adopted a baby girl who turned out to have autism spectrum disorder—a … Continue reading →

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Mark Your Calendar for a Special Autism Awareness Event
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Posted on February 22, 2015 by

I am proud to announce that I will be a featured reader at the Sixth Annual Benefit for Autism Research sponsored by the Sacramento Poetry Center.  The event will take place on April 13, 2015, at the U.C. Davis MIND … Continue reading →

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Storm Clouds Overhead
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Posted on December 18, 2014 by

I just finished reading Claire Bidwell Smith’s memoir, The Rules of Inheritance. I read it straight through in two days—a feat which rarely happens anymore in my hectic life. This is even more incredible because the book was not a … Continue reading →

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Mr. Mike
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Posted on November 6, 2014 by

When my daughter Katie switched to yet another school district back in February 2013, she once again was slated to ride the special needs “short bus.” The two school districts, however, didn’t share bus service, so after a month of … Continue reading →

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Camp Loma Mar, Part 2
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Posted on October 23, 2014 by

For a week Katie and I practiced showering and using a sleeping bag. We talked about camp. We practiced greeting strangers. We labeled and packed clothes. We assembled the required gear. I read her social stories. The night before camp, … Continue reading →

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Cynthia’s Yearlong 50th Birthday Bash-July Update
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Posted on July 31, 2014 by

As I described back in April (you can read the post here), I’m celebrating my 50th birthday with a year of activities and challenges designed to honor this milestone. I’m calling it Cynthia’s Yearlong 50th Birthday Bash, and so far … Continue reading →

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Summer Fun
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Posted on July 24, 2014 by

Sometimes, I have to admit, life forces me to try something new with my daughter, and virtually every time, Katie wildly exceeds my expectations. You’d think I’d remember this by now, but I almost never do. Which is why, perhaps, … Continue reading →

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