May 2018

Unexpected kindness is a great service.

The kindness of strangers transformed my day today. I was feeling under the weather today because I couldn’t get my asthma under control.  We stayed in the condo most of the day.  We were scheduled to attend a luau this evening and I wasn’t sure how it would go.  Not just because of my asthma,

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Sometimes I ask, is it worth it?

As a consequence of his Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, Nick’s mobility has decreased over time and he has experienced regression of many skills that he worked hard to master.  So of course, because of this regression, his personal care needs have increased and sometimes it is hard work for us to do everything for him, especially

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Where is the sun going?

Looking at the world through Nick’s eyes is interesting.  I am often surprised at what he does know and also what he doesn’t.  This evening while watching the sunset at the beach, Nick turned to me and asked, “Where is the sun going? Will it come back?” Nick is 38 years old and although we

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Vacations are a blast!

The post-vacation reentry is hell.  You know the feeling after being away, you are relaxed and feel refreshed and believe that you are ready to return to your normal life and responsibilities.  Goals are set and plans ready to be implemented and …. then all you want to do is return to vacation-mode. Don’t get

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Last night in Florence.

Tonight was wonderful.  We walked the streets of Florence and had a wonderful dinner.  Talking for hours, we finished the evening sitting in the roof garden at the top of our hotel.  Arden and I felt like we were a long way from home and then we saw a small bar called the “Burian Bar.” 

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My own room with a view!

I was reminded today that a movie I had seen years ago was filmed in Florence.  The movie titled “A Room With a View” was released in 1985.  I saw it a year or so later on TV.  At that time in my life, I was working with my father to get my career as

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Inspired by the Great Masters.

Images representing the statue created by Michelangelo and unveiled in 1504, are everywhere in Florence.  You can purchase small statues, pictures, postcards, even aprons and potholders.  There have been many great artists, architects and scientists who have lived and worked in Florence.  The city is very proud of two of them, Leonardo da Vinci and

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Today was a good day!

I really enjoy spending time with the attendees at the MIRCI Conferences.  They are women from all over the globe who come together once a year for three days to discuss current issues surrounding women, feminism and motherhood.  It is inspiring to be in the presence of such dedicated, intelligent women, to discuss their concerns

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Empowering Mothers.

Tomorrow I am presenting at the MIRCI (Motherhood Initiative for Research and Community Involvement) conference in Florence, Italy.  Today as I reviewed my notes and slides for the presentation titled, “Empowering Mothers of Special Needs Children,” I revisited some of the memories and experiences of my 38-year journey of being Nick’s mom.  I am grateful

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