One to Another
Written by a parent for parents of children with epilepsy, Nonverbal Learning Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning disabilities and other special and additional needs.
Thursday 3 October 2024
Finn
Monday 15 July 2024
Kezia
Her name is the Hebrew form of the word cassia and means "cinnamon" and was the name of Job's middle daughter. It will always evoke for me sweetness, loyalty and spirit. At five years old and the youngest she was the very centre of their family, the one that everyone else big or small, looked out for. As she twirled and whirled and ran like a tiny breeze in those dresses she loved, she was the epitome of light and life and love. Our entire extended family is unable to understand how she could be so fully with us one minute and gone from us the very next. I sat with her on a swing this past Thursday and we talked about everything and nothing. She did not stay still for long! But I knew from that conversation and from every other interaction that I have ever had with her that she would not want me to be miserable. Surely I think, she would want us all to smile when we thought of her. The trauma of her leaving us, all of us, for we were all there, although horrific, is unequal to the joy she brought to everyone upon whom she bestowed a smile. And forever and ever the smell of cinnamon, the face of a five year old, the kindness of a little one to another, the feel of a welcome breeze, will always make me think of her. That means that she will never be far from my thoughts. And I can live with that. I must live with that.
Saturday 29 June 2024
Sunflowers
Thursday 20 June 2024
Robin
Monday 29 April 2024
Orchids
Sunday 10 March 2024
Thursday
Saturday 10 February 2024
Goat
Looking after a tiny goat kid is more work than you might imagine. It's also more rewarding than you could possibly think. Our little friend was about a month old and her mum had rejected her so things weren't great and to top it off she had a heart murmur. Our daughter and I figured that we were her only chance for survival so we decided to give it a whirl. Here's what I learned from our little cloven-hoofed friend Misty:
1. Communicate, communicate, communicate. And volume is key here. Don't whisper when loudness is so much more effective. If you're hungry, let everyone know about it. Heck, let the neighbours know....everyone needs to know.
2. Strolling is overrated. When at all possible run, spin, leap at full speed. Slowness is for sissies.
3. Everything is a potential snack. Chair cushions (especially the green ones with cute little ties), coffee tables, jacket zipper pulls, house plants....everything has some nutritional value. You just don't know until you try....
4. Every place has what it takes to be a toilet. We are not fussy; towels are good, mats are nice, dog beds are awesome even just the plain old floor. Even grass. We're not fussy--- why should you be?
5. Pushing things with your head is underrated. There is no end to fun when you are applying your forehead to any imaginable surface: fireplaces, furniture, doors. Anywhere has possible pushing possibilities. Also it feels good on those little horns that we are growing. You should try it!
6. Neatness is not a thing. Whenever possible, drip your milk, spit out your hay, knock over your water and jump at the slightest noise. It keeps life interesting and let's face it, Martha Stewart is not coming over anytime soon. Also see #4.
7. Goats are people too. Sure you may not give us the best names or dress us in the highest fashion clothes but we like the attention so we don't really care. As long as you are into the same kind of fun that we are, we like you. And if that includes racing around a field like an idiot then we love you!
8. You never know how long you have on earth so it's best to live your best life every day that you can. Make friends, sing, dance, enjoy the outdoors as much as you can and just know that every day is another chance to make someone smile....
Rest in peace Misty!