About Me

This blog was a Christmas gift from my daughter, Mz. Smlph, who has long maintained her own successful blog. She was motivated, at least in part, by the special holiday offer, and the need for a gift, but I’d like to think that she also feels my life is interesting, and that I have something worth saying. I must admit that I had considered starting one myself, so I accepted the offer hoping that it would motivate me to follow through.

I am a middle aged Occupational Therapist, wife, and mother of three nearly grown children. Life hasn’t always been easy, but I can’t complain (much). At this time, much of my life continues to be devoted to navigating the unpredictable and illogical sea of the juvenile justice system, thanks to my 17-year-old son. Raising him is an ongoing challenge, but I know it has helped to make me who I am, a person that, I think, has compassion and understanding and is willing to give almost anyone the benefit of the doubt.

The often heart-breaking aspects of raising my son are countered by his many strengths; his quirky sense of humor that is probably more like mine than either of my daughters is, his ability to see the irony in situations, his lack of pretense (and propriety).

I am employed by the state, working at a once-large institution for developmentally disabled adults. I love my work. I’ve grown to love the people I serve, respect the people I work with (most of them, anyway), and treasure the heritage and strengths of an old institution. (Mine dates to 1888). Believe me, I am aware of the horrors and injustices of the past, and of the inadequacies and problems that continue to affect both institutions and community care for D.D. individuals. One cannot, however, deny the love and concern with which our individuals are treated.

I’m a pretty down-to-earth person, but I have been amazed at how chance occurrences (serendipity?) have affected my life. My career choice, my present job, the particular population with which I work, all have resulted from chance occurrences, serendipitous events. So, while I believe in controlling my own destiny, I am also convinced of the value of letting life happen. Keep your antennae up, and stay vital, or you may miss THE BIG ONE.

I hope that you enjoy this blog, that it offers insight into worlds that you may be unfamiliar with, and that you leave your feedback. Thanks for reading.