"Josh's Story"- A Mother's Brave Account of Her Son's Challenges, Growing Up with Special Needs

Josh on Vacation

A few months ago I wrote a post called Do you feel that  life's unfair? I received a beautiful email from Nancy telling me about the 12 years of challenges and joy her family has had raising Josh, a child with special needs. 

February is Jewish Disabilities Awareness month. This year in our synagogue (Shul) Nancy spoke to the community about what it is like for their family and what we as individuals and as a community as a whole can do to be more inclusive. 

I will be publishing it in two parts. This post tells the compelling story of Josh's life so far. In the next post I'll share Nancy's ten practical suggestions for actions we can all take to help children with special needs feel more included in our communities.

Here is her powerful story.

Breaking News: Why it's not all Black and White

This morning I watched a grey squirrel scamper, spreadeagled, headfirst down the thick magnolia tree trunk outside our dining room window. My first thought was how incredible it was that he was able to do this so effortlessly. My second was that the squirrel was just doing what squirrels are meant to do. 

For the squirrel this feat was no big deal. I am sure he did not reflect on his actions for one second, let alone the amount of time you have just spent reading about him. 

But this got me thinking about our lives and how the hum drum stuff we do without a second thought would look to the squirrel.

Parent Alert: Your Mother was Right

It's a particularly grey, bleak London day here in Potomac Maryland. The dirty white sky and naked tree branches set off against it, look mournful and resigned. 

The streets are empty and I am curled up in our living room trying to write a blog post. 

There are many things I could tell you about.

What a Crisis Can Teach Us About Celebrating.

About six years ago I was sitting at a red light muttering to myself.  

No, I did not need to be referred to an asylum. But I had been getting myself very worked up about an upcoming birthday party for my almost 6 year old. (Jacob)

The endless to do list was swirling in my head as I remonstrated with myself  about planning a party for 18 kindergarteners in my house in a particularly snowy December. As I pulled up to those traffic lights, I was stressing about the weather and the games, party gifts, food and home made birthday cake.

And while that nagging voice continued, I suddenly had an epiphany.........