This week Brian and I went in for a therapy intake appointment. We didn’t know what to expect and we had our reservations but we hoped for the best. Telling The Story I have talked about our situation many times over the last five months. I'm comfortable talking about it and blogging about it. It … Continue reading Starting Therapy After Our Son’s Suicide
Adding Grad School To The Mix
Life has been hard and complicated so what's a girl to do? I decided to grad school! I had pondered it and I had even started my application but didn't follow through, but one day, I just decided that I was going to officially apply. Of course, I didn't know if I would actually get … Continue reading Adding Grad School To The Mix
Socializing After Losing Your Son
It's been almost 5 months. There were moments that I didn't think I would make it this far. This story is actually from around a month ago but after I wrote it, it sat in my draft folder for all this time. I still want to share it, though. My Night Out I went out … Continue reading Socializing After Losing Your Son
Understanding Life After Losing a Loved One
Here we are, 12 weeks into this grieving process that I never would have willingly signed up for. My son committed suicide and is at peace. (Suicide And The Ones Left Behind) Everyone says that and I believe it. But what about us? We aren't at peace. I'm trying to think of a fancy way … Continue reading Understanding Life After Losing a Loved One
Navigating Life After a Heart Attack
When a loved one is in the hospital, it feels like you are in a movie or a tv show. This is my experience, anyway. I find myself noticing similarities and differences between tv shows like Scrubs and my actual experience. It all feels surreal. (This is apparently my favorite word for this saga.) On … Continue reading Navigating Life After a Heart Attack
From Suicide To A Widow Maker Heart Attack
They say when it rains, it pours. That has definitely been our experience this year. Or at least since February 10th, the day of my son's suicide. I was going to say that we were just starting to get back to normal when this happened. But that wouldn't be true. We were not back to … Continue reading From Suicide To A Widow Maker Heart Attack
The Truth About Love in Adoption
The adopted child. Is this child loved in the same way as a biological child? Do you love them differently? Do you love them less? Ever since adopting our boys, I have been sensitive to this topic. There has never been a question of whether they were adopted, at least not when my husband was … Continue reading The Truth About Love in Adoption
Understanding Loss: Reflections on My Son’s Memorial
Trigger warning: Suicide It's been 7 weeks since I walked into my son's room and found him hanging from an orange extension cord. It's been 7 weeks since I screamed for Brian and he somehow heard me through sink water running and 3 closed doors. It's been 7 weeks since I abruptly told Antwan that … Continue reading Understanding Loss: Reflections on My Son’s Memorial
Moving On After A Suicide And Dealing With The Trauma
I debated about whether to publish another post about the loss of my son due to suicide. (Here’s the original post.—-> Suicide And The Ones Left Behind) I don't want overdo it but writing helps me and I don't have it in me to write about anything else. Not yet anyway. So please bear with … Continue reading Moving On After A Suicide And Dealing With The Trauma
Life After Loss: Coping With Suicide
Trigger Warning: Death/Suicide If you follow me, you know that we recently lost our son to suicide and are now facing the challenges of coping with suicide. You can read about it here. Now What Do We Do As you could imagine, when we were faced with making funeral arrangements for our son, we had … Continue reading Life After Loss: Coping With Suicide
Suicide And The Ones Left Behind
Trigger warning: Suicide. Suicide. Virtually every day, you hear or read a story about someone who took his/her life. I always thought that was terribly sad, of course. But it was someone else's tragedy and nothing that I ever thought I would be able to relate to directly. That was until my son killed himself. … Continue reading Suicide And The Ones Left Behind
I Used To Be More Sensitive To Questions
Emily had this post ready to go, when her family experienced an unimaginable tragedy. While they are working through things, I'm helping to keep the blog's momentum going and publishing on her behalf. This is one of the many heartfelt stories about her family and children you'll find on this blog. Emily will be back … Continue reading I Used To Be More Sensitive To Questions
My Autistic Student Took My Badge Home
You never really know the effect you are having on people; just like you never really know what others are dealing with. This should be common knowledge. Life has proven that time and time again. Anyway, I had yet another reminder when I got a new student in my ESE class. Getting To Know The … Continue reading My Autistic Student Took My Badge Home
When Your Kid Is Secure
"Your kids are so lucky!" "You saved them!" These are statements that adoptees despise. I always responded with something to the effect of "we are the lucky ones" or "they saved us." These are meant as such kind comments and these are surely comments that I made myself. But people don't realize that it could … Continue reading When Your Kid Is Secure
Teaching An Autistic Child Who Doesn’t Want To Learn
As an ESE teacher to kids on the Autism Spectrum, the best part of my job are the simple moments of progress. The baby steps that are are actually anything but. In between dealing with kids in crisis and having the lens knocked out of my glasses, I get to see the kids learn and … Continue reading Teaching An Autistic Child Who Doesn’t Want To Learn
Can You Have A Turkey As A Pet?
I just realized that I haven't told the "world" about one of the coolest things that happened to me recently! I got a pet turkey and I highly recommend it. Her name is Charlotte. ❤️ I Got A Pet Turkey I said it again because I always have to say it twice whenever I tell … Continue reading Can You Have A Turkey As A Pet?
Confusing Conversations With My Students
I just wanted to share a funny story that still has me giggling when I think about it. It's also proof that every interaction that I have with my most challenging student in my ESE self-contained class is not a negative one. Awkward Conversations With Students My student echoes a lot. Sometimes he might be … Continue reading Confusing Conversations With My Students
My Student Thinks I’m Scared Of Him
After the holiday break, we were expecting some of our Exceptional Education kids to have rough transitions back to the school routine, particularly one. And he did not disappoint. Well, I mean if we were looking forward to a rough week, then we weren't disappointed. He Doesn't Like Change I've talked about this particular student … Continue reading My Student Thinks I’m Scared Of Him
Teaching Kids With Autism
There are highs and lows in the world of Exceptional Education. That is true in relation to the school system but in this case, I'm referring to the kids that I work with kids with Autism. Autism is complex, challenging, and complicated. There are so many pieces to that metaphorical puzzle, and I feel like … Continue reading Teaching Kids With Autism
Do My Kids Care About New Year’s Eve?
New Year’s Eve stopped being a big deal to me, years ago. In fact, I almost resent its existence because of the pressure to experience it to the fullest. So I basically ignore it now. But I do love celebrating anything and everything with the kids. Almost every year, we have toasted to a random … Continue reading Do My Kids Care About New Year’s Eve?
Making My Way as a Teacher
Well, it's my first holiday break as a teacher. I have really been looking forward to this. In a lot of ways, having this time off makes me feel like a teacher just as much as actually doing the teaching thing does. I still do mental double takes during the day when I realize I … Continue reading Making My Way as a Teacher
Am I A Good Teacher?
Well, I have been an ESE teacher for a little over a week and I gotta say, it's exactly how I visualized it and I'm so happy in that classroom that I feel like my heart is going to burst. Watching these kids take in the information and sometimes watching them struggle, it's an awesome … Continue reading Am I A Good Teacher?
Childhood Trauma And Elephants
You know how they say that your parents give you trauma? Well, it's true! Ok, that's not exactly what this post is about. But the story starts with my mom completely by accident saying something that has stuck with me for years. (If you keep reading, it will be clear that this is not really … Continue reading Childhood Trauma And Elephants
Meeting New People And Learning To Teach
Before starting to teach, I had to make it through training week and I have a story that I just must share. At the meet and greet, the night before training started, I was introduced to the other members of the ESE team. It was then that I met my soon to be work bestie. … Continue reading Meeting New People And Learning To Teach
Becoming A Middle School ESE Teacher
One thing that I learned over the summer was that there really is a teacher shortage. After sending out some resumes and applying with the school district, I soon found myself inundated with interview requests. It was both an ego boost and a sad statement of our education system. Anyway, I agreed to an interview … Continue reading Becoming A Middle School ESE Teacher
I Almost Didn’t Graduate
In my last post, I gave the basic update of my life but I I do have to share the story about how I thought it was all going to fall apart. I gotta say that I didn't think I was going to make it through this last semester, because of Research Methods Lab. The … Continue reading I Almost Didn’t Graduate
Here’s To Future Adventures
There have been a lot of changes in my life over the last couple of months. I finally finished my BA which I never thought it would happen. (My graduation ceremony is August 2nd!) I passed my Exceptional Student Education Certification Exam and will start a job as a middle school ESE teacher in August. … Continue reading Here’s To Future Adventures
A Text From An Old Flame
I think we all have "the one that got away" people in our past, right? Well, I definitely do. He was the guy that I was head over heels for but he did not feel the same. I mean, he cared about me and we had a bond, but my deep feelings were not mutual. … Continue reading A Text From An Old Flame
Racism And My White Privilege
I had kind of a weird thing happen at work a few months ago. In the mornings, a few of us sit in the lobby waiting for the kids who were still arriving (late). One of the moms stayed back to talk. After a few minutes, the conversation turned to how she went to a … Continue reading Racism And My White Privilege
Finishing My College Adventure
Well, after the financial aid drama (which I finally got!) and the pure adjustment to doing homework again, I have finished my spring semester and only have one semester left. I will be taking 2 classes over the summer and then I will be done! I can't put into words how truly excited and proud … Continue reading Finishing My College Adventure
Quality Time With Your Teen
It's so hard with teens/young adult kids. I call them all teens but only two of them technically are. Even my little William is now 21. You are far away from the days when they are all over you and driving you bonkers. You know, those days when you yearned for a break and people … Continue reading Quality Time With Your Teen
How Not To Ride An Electric Scooter
Before the holidays are completely in the past, I would be remiss in not telling this story. The kids are quite amused by my skills on the electric scooter so maybe you will be too. Ha. Did you know that I'm a bit clumsy? I have never been accused of being graceful. And definitely, no … Continue reading How Not To Ride An Electric Scooter
It Was A Chinese Christmas
This was a quiet Christmas. We had a death in the family and no one was feeling particularly festive. I focused on making sure the kids enjoyed the day and they did. So it was a success. Brian and I were ready to cook dinner. I was tired so I wasn't really looking forward to it. … Continue reading It Was A Chinese Christmas
Maybe Everything Does Happen For A Reason
Being a working mom is challenging; basically everyone knows that. Around 10 years ago, I attempted to go back to work full-time and become one of those working moms. My three kids were so little and we were going through the adoption process with Kaleb. There was a lot going on and honestly, it was … Continue reading Maybe Everything Does Happen For A Reason
I Thought I Was Getting Scammed At Work
Scammers are a part of reality now. It really is depressing that you have to keep your guard up so much because you just don't know who you can trust. I have had a couple of scammy experiences already like when I thought I was being hired for a work from home job or when … Continue reading I Thought I Was Getting Scammed At Work
I Just Want To Be Liked
You know how they say that when you get older, you stop caring what people think of you? I have heard that too. Well, I'm older but I'm apparently not one of those people. 😁 I do feel more confident, the older I get. But, yeah, I still care. What can I say? I just … Continue reading I Just Want To Be Liked
The Challenges Of Paying For College
So I'm going to school on-line at UNF. At least, I think I am! I do know that I'm enrolled at the moment. But it could blow up in my face any moment. Ok, here's my story! One of the challenges for getting my BA, besides my ridiculous lack of motivation, has always been money. … Continue reading The Challenges Of Paying For College
Transitioning To Full Time Work
I’ve been quiet on the blog for a few weeks because I started working full-time and I have been too exhausted to write. It was really hard to make the decision to go back to work and it felt so big. I felt like I would be trapped potentially in the wrong place. The last … Continue reading Transitioning To Full Time Work
Week Recap: Work, School, And Crazy Dogs
Welcome to a weekend coffee share hosted by Natalie the Explorer ! I haven't blogged in a few weeks. I feel like there has been so much going on and it is, as they say, a whirlwind. I haven't been able to get a toehold but at the same time, I feel very hopeful for … Continue reading Week Recap: Work, School, And Crazy Dogs
Week Recap: Life Changes
Happy Saturday! And welcome to the #weekendcoffeeshare hosted by Natalie the Explorer This week has been consumed with filming. Brian has really put together a good group of super talented people. It is amazing how committed these people have been to basically a passion project. If we make money, they make money but there are … Continue reading Week Recap: Life Changes
Week Recap: It’s Wet In Florida
How was everyone's week? This is another #weekendcoffeeshare hosted by Natalie the Explorer Natalie the Explorer! It's been dark and rainy here in Jacksonville but on the upside, it hasn't been as hot. Internet Trolls Beware I wish I had something new to say but we have been busy preparing to film our movie. Four … Continue reading Week Recap: It’s Wet In Florida
Did I Give Birth To My Adopted Son?
I was laying in bed, this morning, wishing I could fall back to sleep. And I started randomly thinking about how my son wants to be called Will but Brian and I still insist on calling him William. Well, not insist. I mean, I have tried to switch but it never sticks. So instead, I … Continue reading Did I Give Birth To My Adopted Son?
We Are Making A Movie
Internet trolls. Almost everyone has experienced some kind of trolling from a jerk on the internet. Well, that was what inspired my husband, Brian, to write his screenplay and successfully make a movie. (Well, I assume. It’s happening tomorrow!) This has been a dream of his since basically forever so I'm insanely excited for him … Continue reading We Are Making A Movie
Tips For A Successful Cosplay
So you want to cosplay? Well, cosplay is for everyone! No matter your body-type, your gender identity, or race; you have the right to join in the fun. However, that also means that everyone has to struggle with the challenges of cosplaying. So, here are some things to remember when cosplaying! Wear Comfortable Shoes Wear … Continue reading Tips For A Successful Cosplay
What Happens At A Science Fiction Convention?
I've been going to conventions for years. I used to hear them referred to as sci-fi conventions but really, it's more than sci-fi. It's about pop culture, fashion, history, movies, tv shows and just about everything else you can think of. And one of the hardest things has always been trying to explain to others … Continue reading What Happens At A Science Fiction Convention?
Week Recap: Becoming Olaf And Making A Movie
Welcome to another #weekendcoffeeshare hosted by Natalie The Explorer! As some of you may know, I attended Enchantment Con a couple of weekends ago as a table helper for my friend, Candy. Although, I choose to refer to myself as her handler, it sounds so much fancier! I was working on an Olaf cosplay, and … Continue reading Week Recap: Becoming Olaf And Making A Movie
Foster Care Adoption: Getting Matched With A Child
Foster care adoption taught me many things, including how to advocate for myself. I wanted to be a mom and I wasn’t going to let beaurocratic red tape stop me. Not for long, anyway! So in this post, I’m gonna talk about what you can do to help control your fate while trying to adopt. … Continue reading Foster Care Adoption: Getting Matched With A Child
How Do I Adopt From Foster Care?
How do you go about adopting from foster care? What are the steps involved? I have tried to summarize the process for you! (Disclaimer! I haven't researched each state or any other countries so don’t go arguing with anyone official based on what I say, haha, but this will give you a general idea of … Continue reading How Do I Adopt From Foster Care?
Week Recap! Convention Bound
Welcome to my week’s recap and coffee share hosted by Natalie the Explorer This was actually a pretty lousy week. I don’t know, maybe mercury was in retrograde or something. I don’t really understand what that means but I know people say it a lot. My daughter ran down my car battery. My job got … Continue reading Week Recap! Convention Bound
5 Things to Keep in Mind on Your Next Travel Adventure
Traveling is one of those things that sounds amazing in theory, but once you're actually doing it, there’s a lot to juggle. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend city break or a big once-in-a-lifetime trip, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in the back of your mind to make life easier. Here’s … Continue reading 5 Things to Keep in Mind on Your Next Travel Adventure
Making A Stressful Move Easier
Moving is an exciting yet daunting proposition for most of us. While finding a new home can be a positive adventure, the process is not always plain sailing. If you’re ready to start searching for a property you love, here are some top tips for prospective home buyers. Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/house-for-sale-red-sign-7937733/ Figure out the finances … Continue reading Making A Stressful Move Easier
How To Stay Cozy On The Slopes
To enjoy skiing or snowboarding in cold conditions, proper layering and gear are essential. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer shells. Protect extremities with warm gloves, thermal socks, and neck coverings. Regular breaks and swapping damp clothing help maintain warmth, ensuring a comfortable experience on the slopes.
the6parkers 