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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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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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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Making Tear Soup

LisaPullenKent — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 15:34:08 +0000

“Are you going to Colorado tomorrow, Mom?” Sydney stands in front of the refrigerator and asks the question for the third time this morning. “No, honey. Two weeks, remember? In two weeks.” I gently nudge her out of the way … Continue reading →

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Object of Her Affection

LisaPullenKent — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 23:45:54 +0000

“I just have to tell you something, Mom. I’m really liking boys without their shirts on.” Sydney first confided this secret to her long-time sitter as they walked downtown near campus where the streets buzz with college students and where … Continue reading →

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Elastigirl

LisaPullenKent — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:34:59 +0000

The interesting thing about being a mother is that everyone wants pets, but no one but me cleans the kitty litter. – Meryl Streep Haley is playing Jingle Bells on the piano. It’s been less than a week since the … Continue reading →

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Oh, the Places She’ll Go

LisaPullenKent — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:08:28 +0000

Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! Dr. Seuss By the time Sydney was born I knew firsthand how quickly babies grow up. The journey away from their mothers and towards their own … Continue reading →

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