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To Whom It May Concern

Thank you for the incredible response to this writing over 43,000 reads! Dear School Personnel, Community Members, Teachers, Parents and Neighbors, I am the parent of a special needs child. I was overwhelmed, confused, heart broken and struggling to unravel the complexities before me. Please do not pass judgement of me without knowing why I did ...

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The Life Unexpected

Writings of support and inspiration for parents living the life unexpected – the life with a special needs child. To a parent with a special needs child there is no better resource than a parent who has been there. Through these writings and through The Coffee Klatch I hope to make the journey for other parents a little less of a roller co...

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A Promise Kept

Some promises are like pinky swears, little whims of a deed or intention to be kept.  They started when we were children on the playground, in the school yard at pajama parties and created light hearted bonds of friendship. We were conditioned early to know the importance of “keeping promises” and the bonds that would be made or broken if n...

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babyface3

The Life Unexpected – The one you were meant to have

As little girls we played house and created a world with the perfect home, husband and child. Pretending to be a mom was a world with aprons, easy bake ovens, high heel shoes and pretty red lipstick. We knew this to be true, we saw it everywhere. It was in our living rooms  everyday.  Donna Reed, Leave it to Beaver, Make room for Daddy even I ...

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The Coffee Klatch/Special Needs Talk Radio

The Coffee Klatch started on a whim. I often speak and write about the isolation, stigma and confusion of parents raising a special needs child. Many of those 
parents are on twitter to share information, seek support or find a friendly ear. Twitter is where it all began. It is where I met my incredible team of moderators and thousands of spec...

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Being a special needs parent changes you, it can change you for the better, it all depends on you - Marianne Russo

6 Mar 2012
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INSPIRE

Effectively raising a special needs child takes a blend of wisdoms. The world renowned experts who have been guests on The Coffee Klatch, brought us decades of experience, »

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21 Jan 2012
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The DSMV

Well I saw this one coming.  I was actually asked in an interview about a month ago what I predicted to be the biggest news story of 2012 regarding special needs children »

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11 Jan 2012
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The Five Hundred Pound...

I worry our kids are no longer being taught but instead are being “prepped” for regents and sat scores. There is a five hundred pound gorilla sitting in the middle »

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12 Nov 2011
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childshh

Using the Penn State child...

The Penn State Sex Abuse Crisis has horrified us as parents and as human beings. The thought of someone being able to use their power to abuse children is incomprehensible. »

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11 Sep 2011
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The Fine Art of Walking on...

  For this writing I want you to try to think of the eggshells we have come to dread walking on as part of the process of making a fine omelette.  Way before you crack »

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5 Aug 2011
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Chasing Pavements

This writing is a bit different than most that I write. Although I often write about the challenges and triumphs I have experienced I have not written about myself all that »

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25 Jun 2011
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Dear School Personnel,...

To Whom it May Concern, I am the parent of a special needs child.  I was overwhelmed, confused, heart broken and struggling to unravel the complexities before me. Please »

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22 Jun 2011
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Welcome to Holland by...

On this blog I do not post writings by other people but for this one, I am making an exception. It is an oldie but a goodie and one that every parent with a special needs »

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16 Jun 2011
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Two Steps Forward One Step...

You know what I am talking about.  Any parent raising a special needs child knows about the setbacks.  The kick in the stomach, racing heart, internal restlessness,  sleepless »

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