Have you been counting how many days we have been home? I think it is 80?! I did start counting and then stopped and started again, so I am not sure. What I am sure of is that life can feel a little heavy and hard right now. A pandemic within a pandemic and for most of us on this site, managing a loved one with special needs. How do we do it? I do not have the “right” answer, as each of us will find the way that works best for us. What I can remind you of, is this:
It is May? I woke up this morning after a few hours of sleep and knew I was forgetting something, but wasn’t sure what. Then it hit me. It is a new month and I did not do an opening here. Guys, this has been tough. I know I am not alone and I know some days are better than others. I have had many days of feeling like I am failing my son, I do not know how to do all of this. I keep reminding myself that it is not forever and our goal right now is to keep our family safe and healthy.
Dear KNOWDifferent Families,
This continues to be such an unfamiliar time, I would be lying if I told you I am not struggling. I know I am not alone, and, honestly, that helps me so much. I keep telling myself to be patient, have grace and know that we are in this together. School being canceled for the rest of the year was a lot to digest. I believe it is the best thing for us and we will all be ok, but, friends, I am not a teacher. nor do I know how to schedule a school day for a special needs child. BUT, in the scheme of things, I will make it work. I will create a plan, one that allows creativity, one that allows downtime and one that continues to remind me that this will be temporary IF we all do our part.
March is here, month 3 of the new year! March means Spring is coming, which I am now embracing. I am looking forward to flowers . longer days and more warm weather. It is also the birthday month for my hubby, the guy who really is my rock! I am figuring out my plan to surprise him with something special!
Read more on Marchin’ In To Spring…
January was a busy month at our home, and it felt like it was 3 months long! We celebrated 2 birthdays, including Marky’s 17th. I admit, my emotions were all over with this one. Maybe it is the anticipation of the next one or the reality of how quickly time is passing. Probably both. It was a great celebration doing things he asked for, which made me happy. Dave & Buster’s and an Escape Room, which I was terrible at, but it was fun! 
KnowDifferent.net is a site for all special needs families that have to do anything “KNOWdifferently”. No matter what the diagnosis, our site will offer you a place to learn, a place to share and a place to feel KnowDifferent.We have some great community events coming up, be sure to check our calendar frequently as we add to it daily. Some more detailed info is included here about Winter sessions for our kids to keep busy as well.
Read more on Falling Into February…
Happy 2020, it is a New Year, and a new decade! My hope is that this year brings us all laughter, good health and some wonderful new memories! I try not to set resolutions and make promises to myself that I just cannot keep. I choose a word of the year, that sets the foundation for the year. It seems to work for me, have you chosen yours yet? You can read mine and get some ideas in the article below.
Read more on Here’s To 2020 And All Of Us!…
December is here. I have seen so many posts on social media about levels of anxiety and stress increasing. and I know that happens for so many of us. I am very aware that my spirit is way lower right now than in years past. I do not want to get caught up in the shopping stress and pressures all around us. I really want to enjoy the simple pleasures in family, friends and making memories. Everything feels so much more rushed and “staged” . What can we all do to prevent some of this? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Happy KNOWVember! One of my favorite months, the holiday we celebrate this month revolves around food, thanks, and gratitude. I love the gathering of loved ones and traditions of food and sharing together. I know this month also brings some stress for many with the anticipation of December and the holiday madness that can easily take over. I will be sharing some ideas for this later this month.
Today is our daughter’s 19th birthday. It is the first birthday we won’t be together to celebrate and although it is all part of the life process, it is hard and I am missing the old normal. We will head to Charlottesville this weekend to celebrate with her and new traditions will create new memories. I wrote this poem a few years ago, it still rings true.
We change our clocks this weekend, be sure to plan for that in any way that will help it be the smoothest transition. We share some ideas here.
Read more on Happy “KNOW”vember…
October! Although it still feels like Summer, it is officially time to enjoy apples, pumpkins and all things Fall. It is one of my favorite seasons, I am looking forward to a little cooler weather and the change of leaves. This is one of my favorite quotes I want to share with you-
Read more on “OWL” Ready October…
Well, September is here. Goodbye to the lazy days and less structured days of Summer. Welcome back to routines, homework and Fall Fun. It has been a rough few weeks for me but I am moving forward! We actually decided at the last minute to take a day trip to the beach to celebrate this last weekend of Summer, it was exactly what I needed! For me, the ocean and sunshine is therapy!
Read more on Swinging Into September…
