Her hand reached for mine as I stood in the doorway, partially hidden, and trembling. Tears streamed down my eleven-year-old face. I was completely distraught. Destroyed. I felt as though my feet had rooted to the wooden floors that creaked beneath me. I was immobile. Powerless. Her eyes filled with compassion as she looked at […]
Continue readingMore TagAuthor: Linda Seiford, Ph.D.
Moving Forward After Loss
“Wait for me, Mommy!” I looked up, shielding my eyes from the brilliant sun, and searched for the owner of the little voice. In a field of wildflowers, I saw a little girl knee-deep in dew-kissed blossoms. She was wearing a simple sundress belted around the middle. Her golden hair danced playfully in the gentle […]
Continue readingMore TagAn Anchor in the Storm
She was struggling. I could see it. I could hear it. I could feel her desperation. I watched as liquid pain pooled in her eyes, obstructed her vision, and threatened to erupt. She held her breath trying to find her center – her anchor. I reached for her hand and whispered, “I am here. I’ve […]
Continue readingMore TagLove, Loss, and Letting Go
The gentle chimes tinkled softly in the peaceful room. I rolled over, reached for my phone, and muted the ethereal tones. I pushed myself to an upright position, swung my legs over the edge of the bed, and slowly opened my eyes. It was early. Earlier than I typically rise. The sun was just beginning […]
Continue readingMore TagPeople are More Than a Diagnosis
My fingers tightly gripped the charcoal-colored pen as I removed the pale piece of paper from the clipboard. I quickly glanced at both sides to assess just how long this task would take. I hate these forms. I understand the need for records, but it simply is not possible to include a rather involved and […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Agony of Anxiety
As my suntanned foot slowly edged its way to the dusty accelerator, I could feel his body tense. My hands firmly gripped the steering wheel as I began the right-hand turn. I glanced toward the passenger seat, my insides in knots, while trying to maintain a calm outer appearance. There, my adult son, my gentle […]
Continue readingMore TagSimple Things: Finding Comfort in the Ordinary
I rolled over once again and straightened the cuddly sheets and velvety comforter. With an exasperated huff, I opened my eyes. On this chilly December morning, sleep was not to be had – at least not by me. I sat up and unenthusiastically slid my legs over the side of the bed. My feet dropped […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Gift of Grace
I sat in the dimly lit room enjoying the warmth of the crackling fire. Multicolored flames playfully danced among the glowing logs. The lights on the decorated tree twinkled mischievously. I cradled the warm mug between my hands, breathed in the full-bodied aroma of the decadent liquid, and allowed my mind to wander. As I […]
Continue readingMore TagThrough the Eyes of a Child: Do You See What I See?
I am the mother of two spectacular sons who followed very different paths of development. One was typically developing and the other had special needs. Now adults, they have forged their own paths – each a bright light in the world. Both have taught me incredible lessons along the way. While their methods may have […]
Continue readingMore TagPerception and the Pandemic: Honest Answers to Difficult Questions
As we walked along, silence blanketed our little duo. We literally were within an arm’s length of one another, but figuratively we were worlds apart. We moved along, matching our gaits, but deeply entrenched in our own thoughts. The pandemic was weighing heavily on my mind. I could only guess that it was occupying some […]
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