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Hope For 2021

January 5, 2021 By Carissa Garabedian

Well, 2021 has arrived. It sure has been quite the year. So much has changed, but, we have shown our resilience, our strength and our ability to adapt. I will speak for myself and say, it has not been easy. I have shared, over and over, with you all that I have had such a hard time with my loss of freedom and space. I would not do it differently, as my son needs me and I am lucky to be able to be with him. But, again, my creativity and this site have had to come second. I am working on ways to get my juices flowing again so I can write, as it helps me so much and I hope you as well.

Dear December 2020

December 2, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Dear December 2020,
We have had a rough few months and hope you bring in a better arrival
We hope to spend time with our family & to stay healthy
We wish things were a little easier for all of us
We want to enjoy each day and make the most of the season
Dear December,
We are going to try to find gratitude in every day
Let’s remember, our days may not be perfect, but there is always beauty in a better tomorrow
Let’s embrace our “KNOWDifferent” and keep our hearts full.

Falling Into November

November 3, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Dear Dear KNOWDifferent Families,

It is November! Clocks have changed, Halloween came and went and now the holiday music is on! It all feels like a blur. Halloween is Marky’s favorite holiday, he loves to get dressed and loves to go trick or treating. He does NOT eat ANY candy, but loves to collect it. This was his first year in 17 years that we did not participate. Thanks to COVID, we opted to stay home, He has become a little anxious about it all and spent much of the day saying Halloween was canceled. I am hoping 2021 will make up for the lost fun of 2020!

October’s Arrival

October 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Dear KNOWDifferent Families,

October! Can you believe it? Sometimes I wake up and wonder what month, season and year it is!!

We are in week 4 of virtual school at our home and it has been HARD! It is mentally exhausting to be on the computer and to be so disconnected. I am talking about what is is like for me. I can only imagine how difficult it is for my son. I can see his struggles, I can feel his anxiety and I can not do anything about it except continue to support him. I know the teachers are also struggling, it is not easy for anyone. Many have asked me what my days are like and I thought I would share a little with you all, it may confirm that for those of us doing this- we are not alone.

September’s Arrival

September 2, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Dear KNOWDifferent Families,

I cannot believe it is September. I keep asking myself where the time has gone and when Summer will be happening. The answer to that, is Sumer 2020 is over and we are moving ahead. Now in our home, we are preparing for virtual learning and all of the challenges that will come with that. For me, it will be the continued struggle of time and schedule. I “work from home” and love what I do on this site, but time has not been easy to find. Like many of you, the need to add therapies and schooling at home has happened, but nothing has been taken away. Food shopping, cooking and all needed in running the home still have to happen. How are you finding ways to fit all the extra in? I would love to know. Please send me some ideas! There have been many challenges thrown at all of us since March. I have shared month after month, that our focus is to stay healthy and safe- so now we will be continuing to push ahead.

August’s Arrival

August 7, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Dear KNOWDifferent Families,

August doesn’t have the same feeling as it has in past years. We do not have any of the typical anticipation of back to school. This year it is all about finding our balance. Everything is just so different. Our goals have been to stay safe and to stay healthy for ourselves and any we may be exposed to. Summer has not had many outings or adventures, by our choice. But, I would be lying if I said it hasn’t been hard! I have longed for some “normalcy” and some fun with friends and family. Finding things to do has not been easy. This past weekend we did venture to Charlottesville for some “river floating”, it felt great, the ability to socially distance was there and I was with my family in the water. First time all year!

Hello July…Mid Month

July 15, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Dear KNOWDifferent Families,

July 1 arrived but our update here, did not! Mid month news is here, we hope you are all doing well. Summer sure is different this year. We have begun summer school and virtual camps in addition to trying to stay busy with some outdoor activities. No joke, I have been struggling to make this all work but at the same time, finding gratitude in staying healthy.

June’s Here ..

June 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

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:

May Moments

May 5, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

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.

Our April Hello

April 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

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.