Far from a traditional When Autumn Comes episode, but today, Susan shares the eulogy she wrote and read at Lorelei’s Celebration of Life on 7.20.21. Lorelei taught the world so many things, but here are just 15 Lessons she taught her mama. You can listen to this episode wherever you find your podcasts (like Apple…
Thank you for your understanding as we have taken a break from WAC. As most of you know, Susan’s daughter Lorelei earned her angel wings last week. Today, in a raw and unedited conversation, Susan is opening up her heart and talking about Lorelei’s passing. We will return when our hearts are ready, with more…
Michelle’s daughter attended EEU as a neurotypical student, so it was a no-brainer that her son Kellen would also be a student there. To the surprise of the family, Kellen was at the right place because, while already in an inclusive environment, they found out that he has Autism. Today, Michelle, a single, co-parenting mama, is sharing her story of navigating this diagnosis, not feeling worthy some days and exploring inclusion.
In honor of Father’s Day, today we have our first medical, special needs dad on the show! Lane Hagan is the husband to Catherine and father of Libby (and her two siblings). When she was less than two weeks old, there was medical error in the NICU that harmed Libby, causing her to have severe spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy with an unknown future. Lane has learned so much from his daughter’s life and founded Libby’s Friends, a nonprofit that helps families in Alabama’s special needs community receive equipment and help.
Often, as an entry into special needs parenthood, moms and dads are given a poem by Emily Perl Kingsley titled “Welcome to Holland.” This poem explains to the reader how it feels to arrive in Holland when you were planning a dream vacation to Italy. Suz and Diane chat about this poem and how it makes each of them feel throughout an often isolating, surprising form of parenthood.
Dr Ami Mehta, a pediatric pain and palliative care doctor at CHKD. Today we have a candid conversation about how she helps care for children with complex medical needs, in addition to end of life care. She helps us understand what kind of role palliative care can have for medical or special needs children.
We are so happy to have Angela on the show, talking about her life as an Autism mom to two beautiful children. Not only were we delighted to talk to her, but we are so incredibly proud of Angela for opening up with us. Two years ago, she was still hiding the fact that…
This is Part 2 to Elizabeth’s story. Go back to episode 21 and start there if you didn’t listen. After losing her first son Kyan at just 36 days old, Elizabeth has another son (after a pregnancy of more grief). She talks about the beautiful relationship that her son Bodhi has with his old brother…
After complications during labor, Elizabeth and her husband spent 36 precious, traumatic, beautiful, scary days on Earth with their son Kyan James. Today she talks to us about their NICU experience, processing the unknown and then facing the worst case scenario, losing her first child. We talk about grief. Lots and lots of grief –…
We LOVE this unique and collaborative episode of When Autumn Comes! With the help of our listeners we are celebrating all the mamas today! We asked you to write a letter for a mama in a similar journey as yours, as a way to comfort and love on her. You guys delivered. Unfortunately we could…