According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime. Mine came five months ago, less than a year after I lost my father to the same form of cancer. While we had the same type, my father had a rarer, more aggressive form.…
The strain of current events flows around us like the force of rushing waters from a brutal storm. With it, we have the opportunity to stand firm and be still in the chaos. To remember that while we look or feel alone, we have each other. Where politicians argue and act in divisive self-interest, we can come together bonded by…
Last week my son, Joshua, would have been 17. We lost him almost 3 years ago after his lifelong struggles with complex medical challenges. That included being born with a small head and smoothing on his brain, a neurological condition called microcephaly with simplified gyral pattern. While my son had a variety of medical issues, this certainly was the most…
A new year can bring the promise of positive change, new beginnings and opportunities for something different. As 2015 approaches, I wanted to share 7 life lessons from the reward of raising a fully dependent special needs child. I hope that maybe some of these will provide inspiration for you for a great 2015. A path to a happier life can start…
You’re probably expecting that I have some crazy story about a shopping misadventure. I don’t. Black Friday in our house has a completely different meaning. Two years ago on the day after Thanksgiving, my son stopped breathing just as we got into the emergency room of our local Children’s Hospital. We made it just inside the doors before he went…
It started innocently enough. It’s Friday (the 13th in fact which is ironic beyond all measures) and I am parked in my home office to begin the day. I prepare to read through the list of personal emails that have filled my account since the previous morning. I’m into my typical morning routine which involves email accompanied by some type…
1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 7. Cry with…
This is an excerpt of my dedication celebrating the life of my son, Joshua who passed away on April, 12, 2013 – as presented at his services on April 18th, 2013. Introduction A couple weeks ago Jess and I were at a meeting regarding Josh’s education plan. Part of the standard process for reviewing special education goals at Josh’s age…
AJ Collette 