Why the Website/Blog?

I needed to redefine my identify & find my purpose.

It’s been 10 years but … our world changed on May 2, 2016 in the PICU of Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. This is the day my young son’s heart stopped beating while I held him in my arms. Up until this moment, I was a mom to triplets, a mom to a special needs boy, a mom trying to keep up with the daily grind of young kids and managing a home, a mom struggling with her purpose in this world and her identity.

I came to realize that his life was only meant to have four short chapters. But our story as a family would continue. I feel as if we served him well. Maybe you’ve heard about Ben Smiles (the foundation established to give adapted toys to children like him) or Ben’s Adventures (the children’s books with the main character in a wheelchair meant to normalize disability).

Over the years, I started writing here and there. I took on a couple of hobbies. I poured myself into my two living children (Ben’s triplet brother/sister) … who just entered HIGH SCHOOL btw! We moved. We changed. We evolved. However… I still struggle with my purpose now that my children are needing me less and less. But isn’t that a measure of ‘successful parenting’? Raising self-sufficient, curious, independent, smart humans.

I used to write about grief and simply surviving. Now I plan to do more (hopefully).

Thank you for being here. I hope you find what you are looking for.