December 12, 2013
December 12, 2013
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The Road Trip Begins

Yesterday I arrived at Ave Maria to find my coworkers had transformed the office into a real “winter wonderland.” Up to and including the fireplace, fashioned from glittery paper and Christmas lights hidden behind a Yule log. Clever, huh? Made the sixteen-hour journey in the snow the previous day via train, two airplanes, and car . . . worth it. “Journeying” is a popular metaphor in the publishing world. A good book is supposed to be transformative, leaving you better off simply for having invested yourself in it. Parenting is also a journey. You start out with a little bundle (or, in my case, three larger ones), […]
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October 16, 2009
October 16, 2009
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Beatitudes for Special-Needs Families: “Mommy Life”

Today I came across this wonderful post from Barbara at “Mommy Life,” which reads in part . . . Blessed are you when you assure us, That the one thing that makes us individuals Is not in our peculiar muscles, Nor in our wounded nervous systems, Nor in our difficulties in learning, Nor any exterior difference. But is in our inner, personal, individual self Which no infirmity can diminish or erase. Head on over and read the whole thing — you’ll be glad you did!  Picture Credit: Barbara’s son Jesse. Thanks, Barbara, for sharing your world with us!
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August 29, 2009
August 29, 2009
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New Theory Of Autism Suggests Symptoms Or Disorder May Be Reversible

“The central tenet of the theory, published in the March issue of Brain Research Reviews, is that autism is a developmental disorder caused by impaired regulation of the locus coeruleus, a bundle of neurons in the brain stem that processes sensory signals from all areas of the body. “The new theory stems from decades of anecdotal observations that some autistic children seem to improve when they have a fever, only to regress when the fever ebbs.” Read the full story here: New Theory Of Autism Suggests Symptoms Or Disorder May Be Reversible Shared via AddThis
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August 28, 2009
August 28, 2009
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Weekend Ponderings: Uncertainties and Surprises

At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom!  Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Today’s Gospel is a sober one. It is no exaggeration to say that I […]
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July 22, 2009
July 22, 2009
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When “Sad Monster” Attacks

Today at “Faith and Family Live” an EM named Christine Robinson wrote of her special-needs son, Nathan, who has RAD (reactive-attachment disorder). They’ve had him since he was fifteen months of age, and recently she was told their son may never improve. She wrote a heartfelt post about her “deep sadness,” a sadness to which many EMs in difficult adoption transitions can relate. Will he always resist my efforts to be affectionate? Will she always be such a non-stop ball of chaotic resistance? And (here’s the real point) how am I going to survive it? Let me reiterate something I said to Christine: “You are […]
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April 7, 2009
April 7, 2009
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EMN Mailbag: Adoptive Mom of Romanian Special Needs Child Seeks Support

Hello, I am Lori Lesko, mom to Michael Marius Lesko, 10, whom we adopted from Romania in 2000. Our son has been diagnosed with autism and verbal apraxia so we have had our share of ups and downs. I am interested in keeping touch with other parents of kids from international adoptions, and would like to get your email and be allowed to post comments. Thank you, Lori Lesko Mom of Michael You can contact Lori through her e-mail: mike.lesco@sbcglobal.net.
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September 1, 2008
September 1, 2008
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Taking the Hooligans to Mass: Guest Post by Sarah (a.k.a. “MightyMom”)

In lieu of an actual Carnival this month, I’d like to introduce you to Sarah, a.k.a. “MightyMom,” who blogs over at “My Wonderful Life.” A mom with three children, two with special needs, she never seems to lose her perspective … or sense of humor. Enjoy! It’s quite the adventure.  Let me tell you about it.  But first, a few introductions.  I’m MightyMom, a Pediatric Nurse, a teething ring, a wife, a jungle gym, a mother, a burro, and I was a lifelong Methodist until 3 months ago when I discovered that the Methodist church is actively pro-choice on a national level.  Since then I have taken the […]
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August 4, 2008
August 4, 2008
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EMN Carnival #1: Tea Time!

I wanted this, our first Carnival, to be a friendly introduction to the women you’ll be hearing from now and again through EMN. We’re just getting started, and I’m hoping this time next month there are many more entries for you to peruse. But for now, just pour yourself a favorite cuppa, and “come and see.” (This is a picture of my favorite teapot … just ignore the tree!)
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