Ariana's Posts
341 posts
Originally, I had planned to discuss the sleep-related challenges Tony had during his early years in this week’s post. But honestly, the last two posts- by nature of the circumstances laid bare- starkly avoided most anything approaching cheer and even I need a break from that. Often what we have here is not simply a
But, it’s probably not what you think. Trying to explain the Fall of 2013 would be a book all by itself. I cannot begin to convey with a single post much less anything approaching brevity the sensory battlefield we were already entrenched on. Let’s just say, things were difficult by the time I was getting
I want to start this post out with a few concise thoughts. My concept of fitness is very utilitarian- I do what I do for my functional needs (which change over time) and for my health. As a person with a history of body dysmorphia and disordered eating, I have a very uncomfortable relationship with
When I described our first meeting with J.N. a couple of weeks ago, I kept the cover firmly closed on the subject of my own self-care. This is I think an incredibly important subject when it comes to families of individuals with extensive needs, but experiences can vary widely and there are the rights and
To Heidi, Randi, Derril, & Kyle The day I thought my digital piano was starting the long, slow process of gasping out it’s last, I sat in an empty chapel and played notes that tried to restrain my tears, but could do nothing to erase the depth of my sorrow. I am the most mediocre
A few months ago, Stephanie (the super fab Case Manager for Tony’s ABA programs), recommended we transition the funding of our little man’s ABA therapies to the behavioral health division of his long-term care benefits. I was assured that she and her team would remain as the primary providers of service and given a list
Several months ago, Tony, the Fabulous Miss Whitney, and I had just strolled a few feet into our local Costco. I was wearing an Autism shirt I had recently purchased from a vendor on Etsy. A woman we were passing looked up, read my shirt, and fired off the following: “Lucky. I can’t even get
I want you to imagine with as much detail as possible plunging into an encounter with your deepest fears- the ones that instantly and efficiently sever the communication between your intellect and your reactions. These are the things that cause you to panic, raise your voice in fear, flee, or propel you to act before
When I was just under three years old, my mom began taking me along to her lab hours at our local community college. I would mostly listen to other people’s conversations as I sat and put together little wooden dowels and colored balls that were meant to be used to build 3D molecule models. Sometimes
To Miss Leah, Many Thanks and Best Wishes As you have stepped forward and begun to sing your life’s song looking toward a new future so far away, I wish to share a quick note expressing my deep appreciation for your kindness to our son. Thank you for working so patiently with Tony and for
