Jacqueline

Does a mother have to be the person who had you in utero?  Most of the time this is what we associate mother’s day with.  The person who endured the concept of trying to get pregnant, the pregnancy with all the whirls and swirls, and of course the birth.   Of course this doesn’t happen

It’s that time of year where school is ending and summer is coming and it’s exciting being a Midwesterner. I really love the change in seasons. A change in seasons means a change in orders for Anna. What are orders?  Oh goodness they are loads of paper with all kinds of things that must be

I’m getting through this shoulder injury.  Three weeks post op today, physical therapy or as my husband calls it (physical torture) starts in one week.  I’m doing well.  Anna is doing well.  Paul is tired but holding up.   The thing I miss the most is the caretaking.  It’s very weird indeed.  I have not changed

It is with extreme pride and love that I title today’s blog.  I have had the best experience in documenting our lives.  I have so many beautiful comments from so many other Warrior readers.  I just recently received this one, “You are my hero.”  I am her hero?  I admire so many of the mothers

It’s been so upside down, but I’m still holding the family above water.  I realize how much care Anna really is as I watch it happen from the couch.  I find positives in everything.  I’m grateful she is in school.  I’m grateful that I can stop managing Paul and let him do his chores and

It’s not what you think.  It’s not benefits for Anna.  I try to make this blog mostly Anna focused.  But then who is Anna with her Warrior?  The children or adult we care for are dependent on us. But I will be experiencing short term disability in a sense.  I will be dependent on Paul

I’ve had a realization this week for Spring Break Time.  Anna sucks up my morning. And we know that ALL KIDS do that.   I let her suck it up, but boy do I like this Spring Break Time.  I’m out running way earlier, I get to read, do laundry, clean up the house, run,

I’ve been changing diapers for 22 years I understand the precious feeling of having time by myself before the caretaking begins AGAIN I can pull a grocery cart and steer a wheelchair so well that it should be an Olympic sport I appreciate the fragility of human life having almost lost Anna more than once

I dreaded the talk of guardianship when Anna was turning 18.  It wasn’t because I was confused, it was another thing that we need to do as special needs mothers, the Warrior role.  It was talked about almost incessantly at every IEP.  Then again at other meetings with Anna’s social worker.  Since Anna has a

I am finishing a book by another Warrior mom, Kate Swenson.  It is called “Forever Boy.”  It was given to me by my Aunt.  My aunt is a lovely person whom I have had the chance in recent years to get closer to and visit more.  It has been a joy to read this book