Navigating Life's Detours
Finding the right path for a teen with special needs
Category: Family
The J.P. Story: Growing family
Dad’s note: In honor of J.P.’s 12th birthday, I’m writing “The J.P. Story,” which looks back at our journey through birth and now approaching teen-hood. I hope you enjoy. The 10th chapter looks at how our extended family dealt with simultaneous pregnancies. To start at the beginning of…
Everything under the sun
J.P., Paige and I have had a busy year, and things don’t seem to be calming down. But several people have asked how things are going and whether I’ve stopped blogging. There are still plenty of stories to tell, and I’m hoping to break…
Birthday wishes to an amazing sister
Christmas was simply the beginning of birthday season in my family. When I was younger, there was a multitude of birthdays just after the new year. My grandfather had a birthday on Jan. 13, followed by my mother on Jan. 15, my sister on…
Rocks and hard places
The past few months have been a roller coaster when it comes to J.P.’s health. Shortly after Thanksgiving, J.P. started to have issues where he sounds congested and eventually vomits. For Paige and I, it seemed very similar to what happened while we were…
To mom on her 73rd birthday
My dearest mom, There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about you several times. It’s been almost five years since you left us, and I still miss your almost daily phone calls and chance to get together for a meal…
Giving thanks
It’s officially the holiday season. I know that because I turned the radio in the car on today, and the Christmas carols were playing. As we sit down to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s time to reflect on what has happened this year and what I’m…
Remembering Belle
Dear Belle, Paige and I were different people when you and Ariel came into our lives. We were newlyweds, both in school, and I knew two kittens would be just what Paige needed in our new apartment in Lake Mary. What a birthday present…
To hospital or not to hospital?
It’s that time of year, and J.P. appears to be battling something just as cold and flu season arrives. Just before I was supposed to wake up and run Wednesday morning, J.P. could be heard over his monitor, and he just didn’t sound right….
Wanted: Dog-loving walkers to support CCI
In just over a month, Canine Companions for Independence will hold its annual DogFest Walk ‘n Roll in Orlando, and more people are needed to support this vital organization. Six months ago, J.P. was matched with his skilled companion dog, Karina, at team training…
Finding the new normal
Finding a new normal is actually something quite common in the Cousins’ household. Those of us with children with special needs know things change quite often, and we simply must adjust to do what we can for our young ones. What’s unusual is the…
Blogs I Follow
Blogs I Follow
