What a wonderful day!! I had the opportunity to do an assembly for all of the 2nd graders at an elementary school where I work with a student. I’ve done a lot of trainings for both adults and children, but this one was soooo different. I talked to them about all disabilities, what people with disabilities can do and can accomplish, and how they can be supportive of their friends with special needs.

The most amazing thing happened at the end of the assembly. The kids who are in general education and the kids who are in special education all started to raise their hands and share their own special needs. Oh my goodness, to think that they felt safe enough on the 2nd day of school to share these kinds of things with their friends! My own 13 yr. old son told me there was no way he would have done that. What a beautiful day!!

I took the boys to see a play today….not just any play, and they loved it! Especially Will….he laughed and participated. The play was called Mission Possible and was performed by children and teens who are all Deaf/Hard of Hearing and who use spoken language. These are all No Limits kids, and Michelle, you do such a great job with them. These families are truly lucky to have you in their corner. It was especially fun because I have worked with most of these families in one capacity or another. What a blessing to hear them perform, see them shine, and see their friends and families bursting with pride and happiness. Thank you Martina for inviting me.

18 years ago today I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. When I was alone in my room with her in my arms, on my chest, against my heartbeat, looking down at her I knew for the first time in my life what it meant to truly fall in love. We have been on such an amazing journey together. There have been life-shattering, horrible times that I didn’t think I was capable of surviving and miraculous, breath-taking moments that have defined who I am and my purpose on this earth. And today she turns 18…today she thinks she can make all her own decisions… but, oh yeah, I still need to take care of her because she’s still just a kid.

Thank you, Sylvia, for telling me about the book Get Out of My Life, but First Could You Drive Me & Cheryl to the Mall!! (Macmillan) Life sure is funny, and so is Krysta. She actually looked at me yesterday and lovingly asked me if it seemed like just yesterday that she was a baby. HAHA, no baby, we have walked a long, long road. It most definitely does not feel like yesterday. But what is still as fresh as it was 18 years ago, is how much I love you. I am proud of the person you are and proud of the mother I am.