Marvelous Moms Podcast

So I lost my husband in April; big sea change for me and my sons.  So how do I work with Jeremy on the loss of his step father (he is non verbal) so we can't really discuss this topic. Tune in to get the latest on this "unexpected wrinkle" in our continuous story..

It has been awhile since my last podcast. My husband and soulmate, Al, passed away April 25th from lung cancer.  It was rather quick and definitely not expected.  Hear how myself, my family, and most of all, my sons, are managing this difficult time..

Wow!  We are angry and taking it out on each other. The question is why??

What is Advent?  Many people all over the world celebrate Christmas but few seem to know about the weeks of anticipation and hopefulness that Advent brings.  Let's explore this topic together!

Ann was a teacher in her early 30's when she realized she could not hear the students in the back of the classroom...thus began her journey with hearing loss that has continually worsened over the years.  How did she cope? Learn about the struggles she shares about "the elephant in the room" that most people do not discuss and our health systems do not address.                             

Back from a summer hiatus, I have interesting interviews coming up over the next several months.  Listen and find out more about who will be my guests!

When Jeremy was 3, his brother came into the world.  Having a brother who was not verbal, and had no interest in playing or interacting in a typical way, had to be challenging for Dan. Dan always loved to write; at one point, he expressed interest in writing a book entitled "An Only Child with a Brother".  This was a bittersweet moment for me. Being a sibling of someone with autism is not easy but it is an interesting journey. Explore this journey with Dan as he shares his experiences and insight growing up with Jeremy.

Let's hear from a teacher who has taught in the field of Special Education for 19 years. Insight into what these teachers face each day from the education system, working with parents, and teaching during a pandemic...and what about the next school year? 

Dating again in my mid forties was a real challenge, considering I hoped to find that special someone who would be my partner in life, as well as, treat my adult children with love and respect.  Questions abound...my younger son was in college and starting his own life.  But what about Jeremy?  I determined that if someone really wanted to be a part of my life, he would need to understand that Jeremy is ever present in my life. Listen to how Al, my husband, navigated this interesting relationship.

This is a very special time for those of the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian faiths.  Each has its on take on what Charity means...Jeremy has some thoughts on this as well.  Listen up!

Sounds like a good thing to happen!  How do we really move forward into this new"ordinary". It may look different to each one of us, and especially to those individuals with disabilities.  Let's think about that....

I was in pain and looking for answers...then I heard a phrase that changed my life and eventually helped me to move on with my own life.  Could this phrase assist in your journey?

What happens when your loved one becomes aggressive or even violent? While there are no easy answers, I share my own experience with my son. All the feelings and thoughts that come through as you learn how to deal with this difficult situation; what I call the "love/hate relationship.

We think about them at the beginning of each year...but what do you think your loved one would list as his/her goals for 2021?  Listen and learn about a new way to look at your child, teen, or adult with a disability and what goals he/she may have for 2021.  Plus a few thoughts about the recent chaos in our country.

Let's examine what works and what doesn't when you are mom to a child, teen, or adult with special needs..a list of "Learned Lessons" and "Mistakes" may help you along the way. 

What a strange title; how can thankfulness and the pandemic appear together in the same title?  Listen and find out how you, as a marvelous mom, can find a positive side through all the challenges of this difficult and unpredictable time in our lives.  

Birthdays can be fun but also challenging for Marvelous Moms.  Let's explore our feelings and expectations when it comes to those yearly celebrations.  It is usually a time of joy but also a time when we take a look at what has transpired over the past year for you, as a mom, and your loved one.  And then there is that wonderful ritual we celebrate every year... Halloween.  Very interesting for those with disabilities...let's think about how to make it fun for those kids who are not sure what this is all about!

Marvelous Moms are terribly busy every day.  Although advocacy may be the last on your list, if you want to be sure the loved one in your life is getting all the services he/she needs, learning how to be a good advocate is the only way to accomplish this task.  Here are some tips to help you along the way. 

Communication is vital in everyone's life.  It is key in how we indicate our needs, how we relate to one another, how we learn about ourselves and others. What happens if an individual cannot communicate verbally, or does communicate but in ways that are not understood by those in his/her life. Maybe we have to pay closer attention......

How does a marvelous mom remain resilient while going through all the ups and downs of raising a child or teen who has a disability?  How about the moms out there who have an adult in their lives that challenges them each day?  I share some food for thought on this topic, knowing full well that every family, every mom, has her particular situation.

Welcome!  To all those moms who have someone in their lives with a disability... You are not alone in your challenges or your triumphs! Please join me in my journey as a Marvelous Mom. Would love to hear from you after each episode...marvelousmomspodcast @gmail.com, or Marvelous Moms Podcast on Social Media.