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    Home » Musings

    The Summer Dilemma

    Published by Pam Kessler | 322 words. · About 2 minutes to read this article. - 35 Comments

    Summer is always a dilemma for me.


    I want to blog.

    There's a lot going on that I could blog about. Lots of things I could take photos of. Lots of fantastic blogs I could submerge myself in.

    But I also want my son to have as normal a summer as he can.

    The two don't always jive.

    I take it as one of my most important responsibilities, as a mom of a special needs kid, to ensure that when summer rolls around that he gets to experience a little of that magical feeling of summer vacation.

    That fun, carefree, summer of my memories where the world was my oyster and I was free to do whatever floated my boat that day.

    Every kid deserves to have that kind of summer.

    The difference is that I'm his arms. I'm his legs. I'm his eyes. There's probably some bodily part I should add in there, but you get the picture.

    He is totally dependent on me for everything and it's up to me to make his summer memorable. To float his boat.

    Sure, he might be perfectly happy sitting here all day watching Spongebob. Plenty of perfectly able-bodied kids probably spend their school vacation that way nowadays. But that isn't what summer is about.

    So I drew my line in the sand this summer and tried not to cross it.

    No blogging while he's awake. No checking emails or Facebook until after bedtime. No thinking about fancy camera angles when we're out on a play date.

    Sure, I've dangled my toes over that line a few times, but I always drag my little piggies back home where they belong.

    I'm not trying to apologize for not blogging as often as usual, just letting you know why. And that it is deliberate. And that it is not permanent (I've had people ask).

    I feel very good about this little line of mine. Dilemma resolved.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tazas y Cuentos

      August 09, 2013 at 7:58 pm

      Enjoy your summer with your son!
      I want to tell you that I like how you express, naturally and without drama, with a bit of humor but transmitting well what's happening to you.
      (I hope you could understand me, as my English is very poor, we speak Spanish here).
      Besos!

      Reply
    2. [email protected]

      August 09, 2013 at 8:45 pm

      Pam, what you must do as a mother, I have to admit, I truly see it as a gift. Both to your son, and as a gift back to God for taking care of the child chosen for you. You are blessed.

      Reply
    3. Shabby chic Sandy

      August 10, 2013 at 3:26 am

      As you can imagine--I can so relate to this post! I sometimes feel guilty because Gage often acts like the exploring the world kind of things I plan aren't really fun for him. He would rather stay home. I am lucky Gage has siblings and so it isn't only me and my husband trying to make his life fun. I applaud you as a Mother--you are awesome!

      Reply
    4. Debbiedoos

      August 10, 2013 at 10:23 am

      And you ROCK Pam!~ You and your son will always have those memories and time you just can't get back if it is wasted. Enjoy it and enjoy the smiles you are sharing with your boy. XO

      Reply
    5. [email protected]

      August 11, 2013 at 1:30 pm

      You made the perfect decision and your son is the beneficiary.

      Reply
    6. Tricia

      August 11, 2013 at 10:55 pm

      You're a gem, Pam...such a wonderful mother! Think of all the memories your creating. I understand what you're saying about the dilemma, I have often felt the same way, but as I continue blogging I feel less driven to blog. xo

      Reply
    7. Jill

      August 12, 2013 at 6:20 am

      I'm impressed - what a good Mom!

      Reply
    8. Olive

      August 12, 2013 at 6:43 pm

      You are the BEST. I am absent as well as my kiddo is flying away and I can hardly think about it. I know you will keep that LINE.

      Reply
    9. Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces

      August 14, 2013 at 11:27 am

      You have your priorities right where they should be, Pam! I've just returned after a month of no blogging...hard to get going again! Enjoy your summer with your sweet one...xo

      Reply
    10. Faye

      August 16, 2013 at 7:01 am

      I am impressed...good for you! I think some of us get too wrapped up in this blogging anyway (sorry if I offend anyone out out there) Your son has a great mom and he'll have a wonderful summer!

      Reply
    11. must love junk

      August 16, 2013 at 2:27 pm

      I love this! You definitely know what is (and should be) most important! Special time with your son is precious 🙂
      Susan

      Reply
    12. Anne

      August 16, 2013 at 4:51 pm

      Totally get that.Life happens and we have to live it too 🙂
      xx
      Anne

      Reply
    13. Leslie Harris

      August 19, 2013 at 3:02 pm

      Pam. I don't know why but this post made me weepy. Maybe because I'm in the midst of sending my boys off, but I feel touched by this post. I want to reach through the computer screen and give you a hug. Or maybe it's your son I'd like to hug. If we were closer I'd stop by with Michael and we could sit outside with you guys. And just hang out. Look for lady bugs.
      I don't know what I want to say other than I love your heart. And as a Mama I think you rock. I really do.
      xo
      Leslie

      Reply
    14. Jane

      August 19, 2013 at 10:14 pm

      Hi Pam,
      Glad you are enjoying time with your son this summer! We will always be here to support you!!
      Jane

      Reply
    15. [email protected]

      July 27, 2014 at 2:44 pm

      Gracious girl! Made me tear up! Enjoy the summer with your boy! Blogging world just keeps revolving and you jump back on when you can. Crazy about that bridge!! Best, Vicki

      Reply
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