Columns

January 4, 2019January 2, 2019

Addressing Those Awkward AAC Moments

Columns, Raising an Angel - a column by Mary Kay

After the service, we were heading for the door when we bumped into an acquaintance of my husband. After introductions, the men talked while the wife tried to rein ... Read more

December 21, 2018December 19, 2018

Looking Forward, Looking Back

Columns, Raising an Angel - a column by Mary Kay

Why is it that when you see a photo of a baby, you can’t imagine what they will look like when they are grown, yet when you meet someone ... Read more

December 14, 2018December 13, 2018

Choosing an AAC Device for Your Angel

Columns, Raising an Angel - a column by Mary Kay

If anyone ever asks me what is the best augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device for their child, my response is, “the one they will use.” I know that ... Read more

December 7, 2018December 6, 2018

Angels Need to Keep Moving

Columns, Raising an Angel - a column by Mary Kay

The plan was for Dad to take her to the gym — something they could do together. I planned on recovering from a busy day while they were out. ... Read more

November 30, 2018November 29, 2018

Winter Colds and Snowstorms

Columns, Raising an Angel - a column by Mary Kay

Just one look and I knew my well-laid plans for the day were for naught. Jessie woke up congested and tapping her nose. Sure signs of an impending cold. ... Read more

November 16, 2018November 15, 2018

An Angel’s Gift of Empathy

Columns, Raising an Angel - a column by Mary Kay

We are keenly aware of the challenges of Angelman syndrome: seizures, sleeplessness, and being nonverbal to name a few. However, the disorder has positive aspects, too. My favorite of ... Read more

November 9, 2018November 7, 2018

Rainy Days and Mondays Don’t Always Get You Down

Columns, Raising an Angel - a column by Mary Kay

Rainy days and Mondays always slow us down, and when it rains on a Monday, we want to stay home. That’s what we did this week. Jess had gotten ... Read more

November 2, 2018November 1, 2018

Communicating with an Angel Is a Two-way Street

Columns, Raising an Angel - a column by Mary Kay

When it was time to greet each other, Jess reached her hand out to everyone within arm’s reach. She didn’t look people in the eye, but coyly smiled while ... Read more

October 26, 2018October 24, 2018

Sleepless in New Jersey

Columns, Raising an Angel - a column by Mary Kay

There has been a nightly pattern. Jessie puts herself to bed first, then I turn in, and then my husband follows an hour or so later. He falls into ... Read more

October 19, 2018October 18, 2018

Beauty Inside, Beauty Outside

Columns, Raising an Angel - a column by Mary Kay

Mom and I did not enjoy shopping for clothes together. Not only did we have different styles but we also couldn’t agree about how they should fit. When I ... Read more