Forty-Two Candles and a Community of Friends June has been one of those months that remind Mikelle and me how quickly life moves and how important it is to pause long enough to appreciate it. In just a few days, Mikelle will celebrate another birthday. Forty-three years ago, I couldn’t have imagined all the people, […]
Community. It is all about relationships. Read More »
Most of us experience a conflicting relationship with time. Time continues to be both the adversary and the giver of great gifts. As the world speeds up, our relationship with time becomes more conflicted–especially as we grow older, especially if we are caregivers and people who have lived experience with disability. Many of us operated
Nuturing a Loving Relationship with Time Read More »
Routine Life Most families have a routine. We have a daily set of rituals and activities that help us wake up, move around the house and help us run around our communities, and chat with each other over coffee. Yet, we all know that when the dishwasher does work, or the car won’t start, it
Our Everything, Everywhere All At Once! Read More »
Doubt Nagging doubt and uncertainty have replaced my fear. Yet, I know I am not alone as I share a cup of coffee with the unknown. Four other women, all with adults who experience disabilities and have been living an inclusive life in their own homes, feel my trepidation about growing older. What will it
Part Two: What is Next? Read More »
Balance. Is it possible in these turbulent times? When we think of balance, Mikelle and I see it differently. For her, balance is the lack of chaos and the smoothness of her basic routine. She likes a certain rhythm to her day while avoiding falling into a rut where every day looks just like the
Seven Steps to Finding Balance in a Turbulent World. Read More »
Why I have to get back to the islands. It is time for a “momcation.” I need a beach, a cocktail, and a whole night’s sleep. Being of the hardy sort, hard work is fine for me. I am of the hardy sort. I was blessed with great energy and long to be active in
Taking a “MOMcation”. Read More »
Tradition Every year is different, yet the same during the holidays. Tradition abounds at the Shining Beautiful household. So Mikelle’s annual holiday party is not to be missed. Except for last year when holiday parties took a COVID hiatus. Even this year, the darn virus threatens to disrupt as the Omicron mutation grows. But, thrice
Part Two Exhaustion Sets In In last month’s blog post, Mikelle and I lamented that we are still in the middle of a staffing crisis ourselves. Since then, I have met with other parents experiencing some version of this crisis in their own families. Compounding our situation are life challenges like parental surgeries and
It is Friday night, and I have a chance to do a bit of Salsa dancing with friends at a new brewery in town. It has been weeks since I have been with my friends, and I relish the time to relax and renew my wearied soul. The last two years have been challenging for
Staff Shortages are Scary. Part One. Read More »
“Never let the things you cannot do prevent you from doing the things you can.” -Coach John Wooden Oh my goodness, the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel grows brighter by the day. I don’t know about you but Mikelle has visions of unlimited purse shopping at Target, endless coffee chats with
