Special Needs Mama

Even the most anticipated ending can leave us lost, confused. Imagine an ending that comes without warning or preparation, one that is shocking, sudden and unexpected. When my husband and…

All of us at Literary Mama are so stunned and saddened to learn of the death of columnist Vicki Forman’s son, Evan. Most of us never met Evan, but we…

As my son’s disabilities became obviously permanent, I began to discover new mothers, and a new tribe: my friend Holly, whom I met in the hospital and whose daughter is…

Each year in early June, as my daughter eagerly awaits the end of the school year, with all its parties and victories, and makes plans for summer and friends, I…

Like any action hero, however, when the costume comes off and I emerge from the phone booth wearing just my civilian clothes, I’m imperfect, indecisive, and often downright wimpy. The…

Even before my son was born, music was always part of our lives. But having Evan, a blind child whose communication opportunities are limited, has brought music into our lives…

“Medical…medical…medical.” So went the refrain as I categorized transactions from my checking and credit card accounts in preparation for the tax man this week. Prescription drugs (medical); doctor’s visits (medical);…

In the world of special needs, when one is in the midst of grief — by way of illness or diagnosis — there is no predicting the moment where it…

Because of all the caretaking I do, over the years I have also had to learn the art of taking care of myself. It wasn’t easy at first, listening to…

In the world of special needs, the language we use to describe our children comes loaded with meaning. I’ve resisted the mental retardation label for Evan because at its heart…

Each year, the holidays remind me of what I already know: it’s hard to celebrate, to watch typical kids grow up, while my son remains stalled, progressing (so very slowly),…