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    Home » Musings

    The Summer Dilemma

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

    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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    Comments

    1. Anne

      August 16, 2013 at 4:51 pm

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

    2. 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

    3. 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!

    4. 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

    5. 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.

    6. Jill

      August 12, 2013 at 6:20 am

      I'm impressed - what a good Mom!

    7. 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

    8. Sherry@Back2Vintage

      August 11, 2013 at 1:30 pm

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

    9. 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

    10. 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!

    11. andrea@townandprairie

      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.

    12. 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!

    13. Debby

      August 09, 2013 at 7:22 pm

      Good for you. You have a tough job. It's not easy being a special needs mom. I was one as well but mine was mobile and always in some kind of trouble. Pat yourself on the back.

    14. Joanne Noragon

      August 09, 2013 at 5:42 pm

      You're a rockin' mama.

    15. NanaDiana

      August 09, 2013 at 5:23 pm

      I am so happy that you are doing exactly what you are called to do. Summer is so brief and life so short that it is best to enjoy every moment of it you can. Your son benefits more than he will ever know. You are a GREAT Mom and I applaud you for selflessly giving of yourself...xo Diana

    16. Sally Kelly

      August 09, 2013 at 3:38 pm

      You're such a great mom. Way to stick to a plan!!! xo

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