Is it possible in the age of divisiveness? Let’s look at our own spheres of influence… our circles and personal experiences - we have a community we find comfort in… neighbors we have come to know and trust… friends, colleagues, coaches, business owners, partners, educators… people we know and get along with… some of us… Continue reading Coming together
Tag: truth
Transitions, grief and the wisdom of anxiety
"Most people struggle to some degree through the major milestones in life -- kindergarten, adolescence, graduating from high school and going away to college, graduating from college, starting a career, getting married, having a baby, buying a house. Those who are more sensitive, because they're acutely aware of the fleeting and ephemeral nature of life… Continue reading Transitions, grief and the wisdom of anxiety
Keynote Speaker : University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Recognition Day Ceremony
December 14, 2019, I had the honor and privilege of presenting as the Keynote Speaker for the University of Pittsburgh's Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Fall Recognition Day Ceremony, representing both the OI community and Clarion University. The majority of graduates were from the Physicans Assistant program, and others were from Speech Pathology, OT, PT, Audiology,… Continue reading Keynote Speaker : University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Recognition Day Ceremony
A New Conversation: Prenatal diagnosis, Genetics, Rare + the 20-week Anatomy Scan
"This was the gut-dropping, body-numbing moment…. this was the moment that we can refer to as the moment…. where there is a before this moment… and an after this moment…. this is the moment that divides… that creates the before photos… where I look at myself and think, “Oh, that’s the woman who she was before everything… Continue reading A New Conversation: Prenatal diagnosis, Genetics, Rare + the 20-week Anatomy Scan
Running out of the darkness: How a song about Jesus reminded me of who I am
Even knowing Jesus as a child, and growing a relationship with God as an adult... when tragedy and uncertainty strike, surrender boot camp begins. Tuning into this type of surrender changed me. .... letting go, and leaning in. ... this has transformed the way I feel into all experiences, relationships, interactions, how I raise my… Continue reading Running out of the darkness: How a song about Jesus reminded me of who I am
Orange Socks: Inspiring Life Despite a Diagnosis
Last weekend, our family was interviewed by the President of Orange Socks, and we couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to share our story. March 1, 2017, we went in for a routine ultrasound appointment, the 20 week anatomy scan. After 45 minutes of checking measurements, the ultrasound technician said, "I need to call… Continue reading Orange Socks: Inspiring Life Despite a Diagnosis
Baby’s 2nd Christmas: A Meaningful Milestone
This holiday will be filled with lights, glitter, colors, festivities, gathering, love and celebration... ... not without moments of worry, but with just a little less than ever before... ... a time to remember those who have passed, and to also remember just how far... we have come... This Christmas, I will feel just a… Continue reading Baby’s 2nd Christmas: A Meaningful Milestone
October is Dwarfism Awareness Month
"I think he has a form of Dwarfism." This was the moment it all started getting blurry for me. During our follow up ultrasound, at 20 weeks pregnant, our doctor said these words to us. Shock, confusion, curiosity and denial flooded waves over us. I wondered how anyone could tell with such certainty that this… Continue reading October is Dwarfism Awareness Month
Big Milestone
No one ever said he wouldn't walk.... No one ever said he wouldn't crawl. Most have said, "We don't know." The only thing scarier than the unknown... .... scarier than the not-knowing of how a future will play out... ... how our son's life will unfold.... .... whether he will live a full and purposeful… Continue reading Big Milestone
Niko is almost 1 + 6th infusion
Niko will be 1 next week! Can you believe it!? 26 fractures at birth 13 hours of labor for mom 6 IV infusions 5 days in the NICU 4 prenatal ultrasounds 3 siblings who adore him 2 parents who are beside themselves with his presence 1 big birthday boy + 923 miles to Omaha and… Continue reading Niko is almost 1 + 6th infusion
Diagnosis during pregnancy 