16 Comments
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Rosemarie's avatar

I relate too much to your experience. My son is disabled and has countless hospitalizations behind him. Back when he was a small boy I was encouraged to join a support group for parents of children with his disability - Spina Bifida. The stories of children who were doing better than my son upset me, the stories of those doing worse even more so. I couldn’t connect with these mothers, didn’t want to connect with them, and much later wished that I had because no one understands like someone who is going through the same experience. That was many years ago, he turned 53 last fall. The challenges continue, the hospitalizations occur with less regularity and it’s been a difficult but such a rewarding journey. Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring essay.

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Alexa Wilding's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story. I think so many of us moms with medically complex kids struggle to find our place...and sometimes the place and people we need changes, sometimes on the hour! I am learning to allow myself the grace of sometimes feeling lost, and reminding myself that there is always a place I belong, too. So glad to have connected here, and sending my best to you and your now adult son! :)

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Janna's avatar

So freaking visceral and beautiful, your words💕💕💕

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Alexa Wilding's avatar

Thank you Janna :)

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Katie V.'s avatar

Wow, I loved hearing you read this. I can relate to returning to the hospital and feeling an odd sense of homecoming.

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Alexa Wilding's avatar

I'm so glad it resonated, thank you for listening/reading. Crazy all the different places we can call home. :)

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meg olsen's avatar

Beautifully conveyed ❤️

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Alexa Wilding's avatar

Thank you :)

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Julia Perry's avatar

Beautiful Alexa. I always love hearing you read. Thank you so much. 🙏♥️

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Alexa Wilding's avatar

Thank you so much :)

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Heather D’Angelo's avatar

i'm so moved by this one, ed. just beautiful, haunting, profound...

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Alexa Wilding's avatar

Thank you :) It haunts me, too. xx

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Caroline's avatar

Such beautiful writing ❤️

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Alexa Wilding's avatar

Thank you for reading :)

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Larry K. Asplund's avatar

Beautiful, as always!

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Alexa Wilding's avatar

Thank you :)

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