November Gratitude & Some Reading/Viewing

Miss Emily

Somehow even when I know the way time can slip through the fingers and the mind, I still struggle to math that there have been enough days to add up to nearly 9 years now that we’ve known each other. From Tony’s second music therapist to one of my closest friends, you will always be part of the family of my heart. Thank you for dropping everything you were doing that day back in July to come to my house when I called so that someone could be with Tony until another family member could get here while I was taken to the ER. I don’t like to go anywhere like that at this point unless I know I need it, and my right sided weakness was bad enough the ER doctor thought I might be having a stroke. I thankfully wasn’t, but you rushed over as if I could have been when I told you my symptoms and like every second counted. You are a wonderful, kind, caring, and giving woman. Thank you again <3

Our School Family & IEP Team

Anonymous here but not in my heart, thank you for expeditiously approving an IEP addendum arranging for Tony to ride the school bus with my assistance. As always, we are grateful for your support of his needs and his growth. (Shown below is some of his school work from this past week, where he’s showing improvements in tracing things on programs that allow for errors).

Some Reading and Viewing To Consider

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, by Ashley Herring Blake

I picked this book up in paperback format quite some time ago during a public therapy outing, but didn’t read it until this past month, when I decided the lack of blue screen light made it ideal for pre-bedtime reading. The titular Delilah has a complicated, pain filled relationship with both her stepmother and stepsister Astrid, to the point that only a very hefty paycheck can persuade her to return to her hometown as Astrid’s wedding photographer. While in town, she falls in love with Claire, one of her stepsister’s closest friends.

The past few months have had difficult moments for me, and while there are multiple things about this book I liked, my primary reason for recommending it was a certain cayenne pepper filled scene that started on 271. I hadn’t laughed so hard in weeks, it was great for elevating my spirits. I felt like the author did a good job bringing nuance to the reasons Delilah and Astrid’s relationship had deteriorated, and I appreciated that it ended on a hopeful note for a true family relationship developing between the two.

El Secreto Del Rio, Netflix

I loved, loved, loved this. I watched it in Spanish, but I believe it does have English audio as an option. The story starts with a young child (Manuel) who goes to stay with a grandmother because the mother is secretly receiving cancer treatments. While there, the drunk uncle of a new friend (Erick) tries to abuse Manuel, and while Erick is trying to help free Manuel, the uncle falls into the river, hitting his head and dying. For me, Erick finding a way to overcome the prejudices instilled by his father to find an enduring love for Manuel (who transitioned to Sicarú as an adult) as the plot evolved was the gem of this story. I think learning to listen to the stories of others, to see their value and humanity even when we don’t understand their differences, is a beautiful thing. I also greatly appreciate that the 8 episode series ended on happier notes for most of the characters.