bshort1968

Short Lives-Impactful Dashes

When we have children, our lives are forever changed. For some parents the changes are minor. The family grows, but the flow, friends, and routines are only slightly altered. When Justin was born, we were in this category. He was so easy. I could take him anywhere, and he just adapted. My routines, friends, andContinue reading “Short Lives-Impactful Dashes”

Stealing Time for ME

I have learned the hard way the value of taking care of myself. I used to believe that self-care was going to the spa for a massage or a weekend away at a retreat. While I do believe these are wonderful ways to refuel and recharge, the result is short term. They will rejuvenate theContinue reading “Stealing Time for ME”

Feeling It Helps You Heal It

Oh, there is such joy and beauty in laughter. When Emily was a toddler, she giggled and laughed all the time. Her smile and laugh could cheer me up on even the worst day. Laughter lifts our mood and the mood of those around us. It brings inner joy and happiness, but sometimes we doContinue reading “Feeling It Helps You Heal It”

Can We Just Stop Pretending?

This weekend our family went to look at homes a few hours from where we currently live. We are exploring our possibilities after Todd retires in a few years. We scouted out a few areas where we found homes that looked promising for our family. We booked an Airbnb in the community to get aContinue reading “Can We Just Stop Pretending?”

Caregivers Need Care Too

I believe caregiving is the toughest job on the planet. I have had a lot of jobs, and nothing compares. The exhaustion I often feel at the end of the day is brutal. Caregivers often feel like they have no choice or other options. They could relinquish the care to someone else, but they wantContinue reading “Caregivers Need Care Too”

Disabled Children and Traveling Challenges

When Todd and I were married, we dreamed of all the places we would travel to and the adventure we would share. Before we had children, we would take trips. We mostly traveled the Pacific Northwest and a few trips to Mexico. We did not have the finances to travel overseas. One day, after theContinue reading “Disabled Children and Traveling Challenges”

A Cup of Coffee and Greater Connection

According to worldpopulation.com, 50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce. That means for every wedding you have attended, half will end in divorce. If the couple has a child with a disability, the divorce rate jumps to 80%, and if the child is severely disabled, some figures show the rate as highContinue reading “A Cup of Coffee and Greater Connection”

When It Rains, It Pours

I worked at Morton Salt for ten years. I have used their motto for years to describe times when it seems God is piling a lot onto my plate. “When it rains, it pours.” The motto was never meant to be used the way I use it, but that never stopped me. When it rains,Continue reading “When It Rains, It Pours”

Disability, Communication, and Covid

This week we all tested positive for Covid. This has been challenging for our family. We usually work as a team. If one person is down, another can pick up the slack. (Think Brené Brown’s GAP plan.) Well, we are all down. This would be okay if we could all retreat to our corners andContinue reading “Disability, Communication, and Covid”

Caregiver for a Season, Part of Our Lives Forever

As we walked into the store, Emily let out a squeal or a scream. Well, it was a high-pitched reaction that vocalized extreme emotion. Emily doesn’t regulate her emotions the same way we do. She may go from a cry to a laugh in a millisecond. Her squeals told me she was experiencing an emotionalContinue reading “Caregiver for a Season, Part of Our Lives Forever”