Sometimes play groups or the park can feel like a Mompetition. We all think we know what’s best for our kids, but judging, scolding, one-upping? Stop it. That mom on the left is just asking for a swift kick to the ovaries. “Goldfish crackers, Dora’s Spanish lessons, killing seals…” Just put a terry cloth sweatband on my head and I’m the mother on the right.
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When my friend Heather‘s son Zack passed away, every parent’s worst nightmare became a reality. But what Heather she chose to do with such insurmountable pain, is beautifully inspiring. Through her grief, Heather works to keep her boy’s spirit alive by celebrating him every day. So many of us have never met Zack, but we know him because his mama is always finding ways to share him with us. Heather has spoken at conferences and on television, sharing stories about Zack and her quest to raise money to build Zack’s Dream Room at York Central Hospital. Heather not only raised enough money to build this special room, but there are now two playful cosy rooms dedicated to making any child’s hospital stay more comfortable. Heather also shared Zack with his hero—Elmo. Kevin Clash reached out and made this message not only for Zack, but also to comfort those children who will be staying in one of Zack’s Dream Rooms. Heather wrote: My dream was for Elmo to know now much Zack loved him, and that one day he would say Zack’s name….this is the video that made my dreams come true. I only wish were here to see it all and celebrate with[…]
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The only silver lining to being hit with a virus is possibly shedding a few unwanted pounds. Unless of course, you’re a teeny, at-the-bottom-of-the-growth-chart tyke like my little girl, who doesn’t have an ounce to spare. So when she’s sick, maintaining her hydration level and caloric intake is essential. Two weeks ago she caught that nasty bronchial infection going around — cough, fever, no appetite, no energy. For a child who is a picky eater on a good day, getting her to eat when she’s unwell is a major struggle. If only she would suck back a healthy smoothie. I’ve tried many times… unsuccessfully to entice her into enjoying a yogurty, fruity concoction served in fun glasses with funky straws. Total bust. Mind you… pitcher of untouched smoothie + coconut rum = a tasty caregiver cocktail. For later in the day. I do not drink Pina Colodas for breakfast. Or while getting caught in the rain. Yesterday, I had a stroke of brilliance. It happens so rarely, I thought I’d share. Avery loves her cereal so piggy backing on that, I replaced the milk with a calorie packed smoothie. Yes. It does look like someone threw up in[…]
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My husband helped run a March Break Sports Camp, which our son attended. They brought home some truly wonderful father/son memories but also, some weird bronchial virus. A week later Avery caught it. Her soft voice was soon replaced by what we call her “Jazz Singer” voice. My initial fear was that she had Cholera. What? She had been playing in the yard, frolicking and splashing in stagnant pond water. I thought maybe she had ventilated some bacteria. Sigh. I tend to jump to the most extreme circumstances. It was just a virus. Mind you, a temperature of 105 is something to be taken seriously. Also, when your child has a seizure disorder, any illness suddenly becomes extra alarming. What if this fever triggers another seizure? What if it’s a big one? These are thoughts that never go away once you’ve experienced the worst. So whenever Avery is sick, we follow protocol. Daddy ships out of our bedroom and Avery moves in with me, and I assemble the “Medi Ready Over-Night Kit” — a plastic shoebox filled with supplies including: pre-dosed meds (because who can read the dosage in the middle of the night?), pen and paper to write[…]
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March 7th, 2012 is Spread The Word To End The Word Day, part of a campaign started by The Special Olympics to educate people about the offensive nature of derogatory terms like “retard.” I signed the pledge and proudly display the badge on my blog. I’ve written about my feelings about the r-word and many others have blogged about it too. It boggles my mind that people (some who I’ve quietly un-friended online) continue to use the word, in jest. It’s not funny. The r-word is “hate speech.” End of story. Love that Max (written by Ellen Seidman) is a favourite link on my blog roll. In a recent post, Would You Call My Child A Retard Ellen offers up some of the idiotic comments people have made in defensive of using the word retarded. Unbelievable. In answer to your question, Ellen… ….no. I would not call your child a retard. I would call him Max. And it breaks my heart to think somebody would look at my child and without even knowing her, call her retarded. Her name is Avery. This is Ellen’s video. Please watch.
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Good ghandi - the mom on the left is momzilla