Special Needs Archives - Soft In Hard Places

Rockin’ The Socks for World Down Syndrome Day

LisaPullenKent — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 17:00:36 +0000

This simple, profound truth alights on me continuously in her presence: "What's really important is right in front of you. Stop rushing past and see it. Stop running on adrenaline and feel it. Stop drowning it out and listen." Continue reading →

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Just Breathe

LisaPullenKent — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:47:33 +0000

Re-posted from March 6, 2014 “I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart.I am, I am, I am.” Sylvia Plath There’s a stillness that descends on the hospital late at night, softening the harshness … Continue reading →

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Coming Home

LisaPullenKent — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 20:29:10 +0000

The night is a pleasant 68 degrees, but heat emanates from the bright stadium lights, and I’m damp beneath my Rock Bridge High School T-shirt. My boots clink on the aluminum steps as I climb past the student section and … Continue reading →

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Confessions Of A Reluctant Stage Mom

LisaPullenKent — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 20:18:57 +0000

“I’d like to go to brunch,” I say, loading my athletic shoes into my gym bag. A suitcase sits open on the floor. My husband carefully lays out his dry cleaning on the bed for yet another business trip. I … Continue reading →

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Becoming

LisaPullenKent — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 22:52:21 +0000

I love teenagers. I do. Everything about them: the awkward, the self-conscious, even the angry bits. I’m especially intrigued by the way they shed their childhood like a skin and emerge a newer, older version of themselves. I even kind … Continue reading →

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And Miles To Go Before I Sleep

LisaPullenKent — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 03:40:36 +0000

It comes in five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and, finally, defeat. I mean, acceptance. The stages aren’t always in that order and some resurface frequently. Like bargaining. Especially bargaining. We all know one should never negotiate with terrorists, even if they are tiny. Continue reading →

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Big Rocks

LisaPullenKent — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:18:55 +0000

For a year now, I’ve intended to write about turning 50––a contemplative, insightful piece extolling the wisdom gained from living for half a century, but I ran out of time. In a few days I’ll be 51. Gone the way … Continue reading →

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Snow Day

LisaPullenKent — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 04:09:25 +0000

I fall for it every time; I get sucked in as soon as the text buzzes on my cell phone, the email lands in my inbox, and the answering machine picks up the recording (no more need to check the … Continue reading →

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Just Like That

LisaPullenKent — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 02:40:50 +0000

Aaaaaaand just like that, Christmas is over. The preparation, the anticipation, the actualization; come and gone for another year. My beautiful live tree adorned in sparkling red and gold is dead, morphed into an endearing Dr. Suess caricature; its pliant … Continue reading →

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Square Peg

LisaPullenKent — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 15:34:31 +0000

Sydney tried out for the cheerleading squad. “Let’s get a little bit rowdy, R-O-W-D-Y!” In the cafetorium, I watched her audition as she executed the moves and called out the words just liked we’d practiced. She was a bit timid, … Continue reading →

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