Mommage

The Grass is Never Greener

Every day when I turn on my computer, I wonder for a moment with a bit of hesitation, what's going on in the world.  I always dread reading about some shocking event, and Friday's announcement was  unimaginable.

John Travolta's 16-year old son, Jett, was dead. 

I sat very still reading the headline over and over in disbelief.  My mind was desperately trying to reject the information in some kind of crazy hope that by doing so it wouldn't be true.  But, of course, some things are true whether you believe them or not.

Jett had a seizure, fell and hit his head, and died. 

An Anniversary of Sorts

"Dear Mr. Parks:

Since the first anniversary is paper, I figure the enclosed gift certificate is appropriate.  It's been a year full of learning, brand-new experiences, and confusion (at times).  But I wouldn't trade it, or you, for any other attorney.  Thank you for a great first year and I look forward to many more.

Debbie

P.S.  That bourbon walnut pie was amazing!  Thank you so much for thinking of me,"

A year ago today I started my "new" job.  Sort of a combination secretary, legal assistant, associate attorney position at THE law firm in town.  Mr. Parks called me, created the job for me and pays me far and away more than any other staff member is paid.  I very soon found out that he has had a bit of a problem keeping staff members; he went through 5 in the last 4 years.

Elizabeth's Story... Awareness and Prevention of CMV

When a woman finds out she's pregnant, it can have many meanings.  For most, I think it's a feeling of anticipation mixed with a little fear.  Fear of the unknown.  In the process of creating a new life, there are some things that are beyond control, and mothers-to-be take one day at a time until the moment of truth arrives. 

I'm not big on statistics, but I think it's safe to say that most pregnancies result in the birth of a normal, healthy child.  That is, after all, what parents spend nine months hoping for.  However, sometimes it's the unknown that challenges parents in ways they never expected, almost daring them to live up to the physical and emotional demands of accepting and caring for a child with a disability. 

That's what happened to Lisa Saunders and her husband when their daughter, Elizabeth, was born on December 18, 1989, a bit earlier than her Christmas Eve due date.  Their story is not only inspirational but also alerts parents to the risks of birth defects caused by congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV).