My Oxygen Mask

More Than Words: Using Words to Dig Deeper Into the Word

January 5, 2025 By Rebekah 4

**Please note - I received a free copy of this product to review. My review is based solely on my opinion, and I am sharing it with you because I believe it fits with my overall purpose to encourage, inspire and help you draw closer to Jesus.

Are you looking for a new and different way to approach devotions? Maybe you’re busy and you don’t feel you have a lot of time for devotions? Or have you been out of the habit of regularly having devotions and you aren’t sure where, or how, to jump back into regular devotions? Stephanie from The MultiTaskin Mom has put together a wonderful, short devotional called “More Than Words - Using Words to Dig Deeper Into the Word” that may be just the tool you need to refocus your time with the Lord.

Stephanie’s devotional is different from other devotionals I’ve used in the past. I have often been drawn to devotionals focusing on different passages, or different themes. This devotional focuses on words. You read the word for the day, and then you define the word. Yes, you might need to make use of a dictionary! I liked the aspect of looking up the meaning of the word so that I could be sure I was understanding it correctly.

After you read and define the word, you go find the word in Scripture. That’s a different twist isn’t it? There is no set Scripture for each day. Rather, you find the word in the Bible (you can use a Bible concordance or an online concordance) and you meditate on that passage for the day. Studying the Scripture containing the word for the day helps you focus on that word and take its meaning to heart.

The next step in the devotional is to write a brief statement of how you will apply what you learned about that word. Maybe you will simply choose to keep studying the word on another day, or maybe God will give you a special insight as to how that word, and the passage, can take root deep in your heart.

The final step in this devotional is a section to write out a prayer over the word. Your word for the day might be {Grace}. After you have defined it, found it in Scripture and considered how to apply the word/passage in your life, you’d write out a short prayer over the word. Perhaps there is a specific instance where you can extend grace to another; this would be a good place to write out a prayer over that situation. Maybe someone extended grace to you; thank God, in this space of the devotional, for that precious gift.

This devotional will not take you long. This is a great way to jump-start your devotions for the new year, or to take a fresh look at some passages that may seem all-too familiar.

Personally, I am participating in the #My500Words challenge - a challenge to write at least 500 words every day (every. single. day.) for the month of January. I’m looking forward to using some of the words in this devotional to be inspiration for some of my days of writing.

If you’re interested in getting this devotional (and I hear there will be more in this series!) head over to Stephanie’s blog where you can place your order. For a limited time, this devotional is just 99 cents - don’t miss out!

Blessings, dear friends!

Filed Under: having faith in God, inspiration and motivation, my oxygen mask

Taking Care of You

September 26, 2024 By Rebekah 4

Dear Weary Mom, you do so much, as a mother. I know of the school schedules, the kids’ appointments, the laundry, the homework, the cooking, the cleaning. You give and give, until it feels like there’s nothing more to give. And then you dig down deep and give some more anyway. But, sweet friend, who is taking care of you?

As moms, it often falls to us to see that our family’s needs are getting met - whether it’s picking up dry cleaning for our husband, spending time calming a child down during a meltdown, keeping up with the yearly check-ups for our kids, or even just keeping up with the dishes.

Sometimes, though, it gets to be too much. We need a break. We need a retreat from the noise of life. We need someone else to step in and remind us that we’re worth taking care of as well.

Dear Friend, you are worth caring for as well. You’re worth the time it takes for you to feel well-rested. Sometimes we need to put our to-do list on the shelf for a bit, and take a break.

Here in my corner of the world, we’re experiencing some beautiful autumn weather. Maybe some time outdoors would help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Maybe a trip to a local farm to pick a pumpkin or some beautiful mums would be just the thing to help you breathe deep and soak up life!

Maybe you just need some time away from being a caregiver. How about calling a friend and asking her to meet for coffee? Or a meal? Perhaps you could take a night off - before your body gets sick and forces you to do so. Why not grab a favorite book or movie, a favorite snack, and put your feet up! Laugh again, at all the funny parts of the movie - laugh, out loud! Go ahead!

Maybe you need some deeper help, though. So much of what we do as parents is hard work. Your doctor will be able to help you seek direction if you need medical attention. And, moms, there’s nothing wrong with seeking some extra help. Sometimes we need someone who is outside of our daily routine to look into our lives and speak life into different situations. Make sure you’re keeping up with physically taking care of yourself!

Step back, when viewing your kids’ actions, and try to remember that sometimes (not always, but sometimes) they are acting out of a place of childish behavior. After all, they are children, and there’s a fine line between childishness and disobedience. When you can, keep in mind that they are probably acting out of their childish ways at times. Laugh with them, enjoy their outlook on life.

Mamas, you know this but I’m going to remind you. You’re the glue that holds the house together. When you are feeling well and handling life well, you can pass that strength on to everyone else in your household.

Here are a few simple tips to getting through the day:

1. Start with Jesus - maybe a devotional, maybe a chapter in your Bible, maybe just one verse that you can write down and meditate on each day. Put on some worship music - get your heart into the right place.

2. Laugh a little - be intentional with this. Maybe look up a funny joke that you can share with your kids. How about checking out a book of jokes from the library? Take time to insert yourself into your child’s life and laugh with them.

3. Pray - pray with your child, for your child, and even for your own heart. Let God know if you are needing encouragement, or friendship, or even that you need a break. (He knows anyway, go ahead and tell Him - be open about how your heart is feeling.)

4. Reach Out - remember that you have a lot to offer, but also, don’t hesitate to extend your hand when you are needing. Reach that hand out, sweet friend, so that someone near and dear can grab hold of you.

5. Carve Out Time - each day, take some time for you. Be intentional about this, too, especially if you’re just beginning to take care of yourself. Even 5 minutes, just to sit and close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Maybe in the evenings, after the house is quiet, you could grab some tea and a book (yes, really!) and just read one chapter. Hey, it’s a start! Do this - everyday. This will start to become your favorite time of the day!

And the thing is, the more you start to take care of yourself, the easier it becomes, and the more you believe, deep in your heart, that you are worth it (and you ARE worth it)!

dearwearymom_button_white Dear Weary Mom, please make sure you are taking care of you. As moms, we’re so quick to lend a hand, help a friend or family member, clean up a child’s battle wound, speak soothing words over our husbands when they have had a tough day. But moms, make sure you’re taking time for your heart as well!

I’m linking up with friends over at Hope for the Weary Mom - won’t you come join us?

Filed Under: authenticity, Dear Weary Mom, my oxygen mask, parenting

New York City

July 29, 2024 By Rebekah 8

My husband and I have been married for 14 years now - hooray! This year we decided to take a day to go to New York City and see some of the sites. We did a little homework and made a list of a few things we wanted to see, some we hoped to see, and we happened by a few more while we were up there. My only problem? How to fit 176 pictures into 1 blog post. Don’t worry; I’ve chosen out a select few.

We did our homework and found that parking in NYC was actually cheaper than many places near us in Philadelphia. That was a big surprise! I think it was because it was a Saturday rather than a weekday. Even still, “cheap parking” is not usually something one associates with New York City.

Our first stop was The Top of the Rock - Rockefeller Center. This view of the city was gorgeous! The Top of the Rock is so much cheaper than touring the Empire State Building, although the Empire State Building still remains a must-see as it is an iconic part of the city landscape. The elevator had a brief history of Rockefeller Center played on the ceiling as you went up to the 67th floor, and then another video clip that they play on the way down. It helps to make the ride a lot more interesting! You take the elevator to the 67th floor, and from there you can take an escalator to the 69th floor, and then a short flight of stairs up to the 70th floor.

This is the view from the 69th floor, facing the north end of Manhattan. The view of Central Park was beautiful - such a vast area of peace and tranquility in the heart of the city that never sleeps.

facing north 2

Looking toward the southern end of the island, you can see the Empire State Building, standing tall above most other buildings nearby. Just to the right of it, and in the background is the new Freedom Tower, which will be featured in another picture. On the river, past the Freedom Tower are 3 small islands, one of them being home to the Statue of Liberty. On a more clear day, I’m told you can see her as a welcoming point, even from this distance.

facing south 2

When we went back down to the main level, it was difficult to find a spot to take a picture of all of Rockefeller Plaza in its full summer beauty. One thing that my husband and I did not know, or realize, is that the skating rink that we so often see in winter, becomes a restaurant in summer. Since it was difficult to find a good vantage point for a picture, I decided to share this amazing capture of the plaza by the experts at the Lego store, which occupies a building right on the plaza. And yes, it’s ALL made out of Lego.

rockefeller center 2

From Rockefeller Plaza we wandered through a street fair and had some delicious wraps for lunch. We enjoyed the people-watching and marveled at what the city must be like at rush hour on any given work day.

We ventured into Central Park. There seemed to be a good mix of native New Yorkers and tourists, and all were enjoying the peace that came from this hideaway in the heart of the city. We happened onto a concert of classical music, by an orchestra that gives free summertime concerts. We saw a few street shows and were entertained by their antics. We enjoyed the real life scenes from some of our family’s favorite movies and decided that if nothing else, it would be fun to bring the kids with us next time, to enjoy a day in the park.

orchestra concert

central park 4

buildings 3

roosevelt island light 2 After spending time in Central Park, we got in the van and drove the whole perimeter of the park, before heading across the Queensboro Bridge, and eventually onto Roosevelt Island. There is a small park at the northern end of the (very small) island, and in that small park there is a small lighthouse. Since my husband loves lighthouses, we spent time trying to figure out where we could (legally!) park on the island, and then we walked up to the park to take a few pictures. Considering that the doorway is standard doorway height (whatever that is, a little over 6 feet, maybe?) you can tell that the lighthouse is not very tall. And it was closed off so we were not able to get much closer, but we were still glad for the walk and the gorgeous view from the island back into Manhattan.

We decided that our last stop would be Liberty State Park, to look back at the southern end of Manhattan and to see the Statue of Liberty, closer than we’d ever been before. Someday we’ll take a trip out to the island, but it will be when we have the kids with us. We arrived shortly before sunset and it almost seemed chilly as the cool breeze came off the river. This is a gorgeous park, full of history and reverence, as you can imagine that some of the first immigrants probably had their first steps on America’s mainland right there at the park.

statue of Liberty 2

Please excuse the poorer quality of this next picture - the wind had picked up and it’s a long distance shot. For ease of travel, I had only taken my phone for picture-taking. The picture is looking back into Manhattan. The prominent building in the right-hand side of the picture is the new Freedom Tower, complete with the spire. The tall building in the left-hand side of the picture is the Empire State Building, and just to the right of that, also with a more pointed roof, is the Chrysler Building.

Manhattan and Midtown 2

It was a beautiful day in every sense. These pictures are only a small part of our day, believe it or not! A few other highlights - we parked right by Carnegie Hall, we traversed the Brooklyn Bridge, we spotted Radio City Music Hall on our way to Rockefeller Plaza, we drove by Trump Tower near Central Park - just a wonderful day! The weather was warm but not too hot, the company was the best, the views were spectacular, and the celebration of our anniversary was wonderful! We’re looking forward to taking another trip back up to New York City with the kids. A special thanks to my parents for keeping the kids to help make this celebration possible!

Filed Under: everyday photography, love, my happy place, my oxygen mask, vacation

The Cross Still Stands

July 10, 2024 By Rebekah 0

When I dropped our son off at camp this week, I saw this church and stopped to take pictures. Something about it really called to me. The building is old, falling apart, but yet, I really felt like there was something drawing me to stop and to just enjoy the simple beauty of the building, the sunshine of the day, and the love of God that was still evident in that place. Despite the building, I really felt that the cross still stands!

old church 2

As I sat and spent time (despite my children asking *what* I was doing just sitting there), I wondered who used to attend this church. I wonder what happened to the church that it was just left to ruin.

Did they preach the love of Jesus? Did generations of families gather on Sunday mornings for a country service? Could you hear the organ across the field on a clear day as it called sinners to come home?

Who is laid in the surrounding resting place? Were these the saints of the original church? Are these more recent losses, laid to rest in the beauty of this place?

If these walls could speak, what stories could they tell? What children came to Jesus? What families were joined together again after losing their way? What wandering soul happened in to hear of the love of Jesus?

I can’t explain the simple beauty of the area. Maybe it was the warmth of the sun; maybe it was my own need to feel close to Jesus as I prepared to leave my child at camp for the week. Whatever it was, I met Jesus for a few minutes on the side of the road. The church may be run down, people may not meet there anymore, but when you love God, you can meet Him anywhere!

Did you notice in the picture, where the wall has crumbled - the cross still stands!

old church 4

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Filed Under: authenticity, everyday photography, having faith in God, my oxygen mask

Dear Weary Mom {Come Away}

June 5, 2024 By Rebekah 2

Dear Weary Mom,

Sometimes the best thing that we can do is walk away, take a break. I know that at the end of the school year, this doesn’t seem a wise option. And until recently, I would have agreed with you. But on a nice day, when everyone is tired of the routine, the best thing might just be to ditch your plan, and be spontaneous. So dear friend, please – come away with me.

Come to a place with wide open fields, green as far as the eye can see. If you pause and listen, really listen, you may hear a bit of history in the background. You might hear the voices of wise men, planning battle tactics to protect the union. You may look around and realize that your young man, still growing, would be a part of this regimen if you lived in a different time.

The winds blow freely and the grasses wave gently in the breeze. Each direction that you look tells a different story – vast empty fields in one direction where all the trees were cut down for provisions for the soldiers. In the other direction, thick woods full of large, old trees, providing protection.

In the center of it all, the flag - the sign of liberty and freedom. As citizens we value our freedom, but as battle-weary moms, that flag is a reminder that we, too, can stand. And that we can keep standing when the winds of life blow against us. What amazes me about the flag is that the harder the wind blows, the straighter the flag flies. When the winds are calm, the flag can rest, but when the winds pick up, the flag stands tall.

It’s the same for us, moms. When the winds of life blow, we go to work to stand stronger. We stand strong to protect our family.

Sometimes all we need, all we really need, is to let go of our plan, and to jump into the beauty just outside our door. Watch the children run, listen to the laughter and the conversations that they have. Watch them engage in their new surroundings, in bold new ways.

Dear Weary Mom, I would encourage you to do that - to stop, to find a beautiful spot, and to rest. Take your children - enjoy spending time with them in a new and different place. Stop and take note of all that creation can remind us about - beauty, fortitude, protection, strength.

Where is your favorite get-away spot when you need to set aside the schedule and the routine and just live life?
This post and these images are from our family’s recent outing to Valley Forge National Park.

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Filed Under: Dear Weary Mom, finding peace, my oxygen mask

Dear Weary Mom {When Things Go Wrong}

May 30, 2024 By Rebekah 8

Dear Weary Mom,

Sometimes things go wrong – very, very wrong. I know you’re hurting and that you want to protect yourself, your home, your heart, your children. I know you would grab hold of the answer, the solution, if there was one to tangibly cling to. I know that things feel so uncertain and out of control right now.

In our own physical strength, we’re all just powerless when things go very, very wrong. It seems so cruel when one hurts and another cannot fix it. We’re made to nurture, to foster growth, to extend compassion, and then - to find out it’s just not enough? My heart hurts with you.

I busy myself trying to do things that might help – an offer of support, a meal, a prayer. I work hard to ease the physical exhaustion that you feel. In easing your physical burdens, I hope that maybe, just maybe, your emotional burdens will be eased. If I could give you anything, maybe it would be time on a big porch swing, looking over the vast countryside, on one of God’s spectacular sunsets. Time. I would give you the time to rest, the time to process all that has happened. Time to begin to heal.

Healing. I can give you things but I cannot give you healing. But I can share with you of the one – the One – who can provide the healing you need.

Dear Weary Mom, there’s an old song – Jesus Loves Me This I Know – do you know that song? You don’t have to know all the theology, all of the Bible verses on a specific topic. You just need to know Jesus, and that He loves you. There is always time for other learning. For now, though, soak in this heart knowledge:

Jesus loves me, This I know.

We may never understand why some things happen, and we certainly cannot control all that happens to us or around us.

But with faith, we can believe that God is for us. God is for us. No matter what happens, or even what has happened, we can know that we have the power of heaven on our side.

Dear Weary Mom, it hurts, I know. If I had the magic cure-all to put into your hands, I would. But I don’t.

Nothing I have is magic.

What I have is life-giving, heart-healing, thirst-quenching and soul-refreshing.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:6,7

Peace that passes understanding.

Dear Weary Mom, get your Bible and open to that passage in Philippians. Sit down in your favorite spot, read those verses, and claim them for your own. That is what I’m able to offer you: The One who can provide peace that passes all understanding.

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Filed Under: Dear Weary Mom, finding peace, having faith in God, my oxygen mask

My Oxygen Mask, part 2

March 27, 2025 By Rebekah 7

Yesterday I shared about my “oxygen mask” approach to life these days – the need for us, the caregivers, to care for ourselves so we are better equipped to care for those who truly need us. I shared a few changes that I have made in my life in order to focus on my own health and strength (and sanity!).

A few minutes ago I was reading a devotional for today. I have several that I read through on any given day. I love the on-going encouragement I get by reading them at various points through the day. This particular devotional was on encouragement – how we can be encouraging to others, even in small things.

I want to share some of that encouragement with you today. I want to share a very particular aspect of my “oxygen mask” approach to my life. This is a tough one, though, and I was glad for that reminder from the devotional, to be an encouragement to others. So – here it is.

Yesterday we talked about small changes we can make to carve out time for ourselves. Another key component in taking care of myself has been learning to say no. I mean truly learning to say no – and to be okay with it. We can say no often, that’s not really the hard part in my opinion.

I think the reason we struggle with saying no is because of the guilt and feelings attached to having to turn someone down, or having to say no to an event. We have had the notion of “SuperMom” drilled into our lives – take the kids to school (or homeschool the kids), run to sporting activities, appointments galore, clean the home, cook the meals, attend all the necessary school functions, serve on committees in church, volunteer for something, bake the required treats for an activity with friends – oh, and don’t forget to make sure you get a shower, get to eat your own 3 meals each day, exercise, get some laundry done. The list is endless and exhausting. Overwhelming and joy-squelching.

Stop for a moment. Put on YOUR oxygen mask and breathe. And now let’s look around at what really needs to be done – or maybe instead, at what you can let go of. I can almost hear you: “I can’t let go of anything.” I am THERE with you. I have been a perfectionist and think that everything should be just right. Having everything just right (perfect?) is wonderful, but at what cost? Is it worth it, for us to run all day, feeling scatter-brained, exhausted and like we’re missing out on our own lives?

Here’s my encouragement. Find something in your life to which you can say no. What does this look like, practically? For me, it’s the mad rush to work, work, work all evening. There’s a lot to be said for getting things done in the quiet of the evening, and I do – I often will throw in some wash, or sort through the mail, or fold laundry. But I no longer will pack my evening so full that I don’t get to rest or enjoy hanging out with my husband. Additionally, I’ve (only recently) been known to leave some pots and pans in the sink. (And all the perfectionists gasped in one accord! I know – I hear you!!) I enjoy waking up to a clean kitchen, same as the next person. But on the nights that I’m just too tired, I am okay with giving myself a break.

How about you - can you find one small thing that you can say no to, in order to give yourself a little more peace? Some ideas - maybe don’t jump to answer the phone when it rings, or maybe you can buy a snack for that meeting you’re going to rather than staying up late to bake something. Can you find just one simple thing? Start small. Choose your one thing, and give yourself permission to handle the situation in a different way, one that requires less of your time and energy. Remind yourself that it’s okay to be a little easier on yourself.

And that’s the key – being okay with granting yourself the permission to breathe. When a friend falls sick and cannot keep a commitment to us, we are quick to be compassionate and extend grace. We’ll probably also offer to run some errands for them or make them some soup. Why don’t we treat ourselves the same way? Why don’t we say, “I’ve had a long day, I’m going to cut myself a break”?

If a friend was as negative to us as we often are to ourselves, would we keep them in our lives? Do we make room for that kind of a friend in our lives? I doubt it. So get that negativity out of your own mind, and be as kind to yourself as you would be to a friend. You deserve that kindness – just like your friend does.

If you missed part 1 of this series, you can find it here: My Oxygen Mask

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Filed Under: daily blessings, intentional choices, my oxygen mask, special needs family

March 26, 2025 By Rebekah 11

A little over a year ago, I began purposely taking time for myself - wearing my “oxygen mask” so that I could be a better wife and mother to my family. I never would have guessed how tenaciously I would cling to this change.

It started with giving myself permission to finish my coffee…while it was still hot. That one, simple gesture worked so well and gave me the courage to try to make a few other changes in my life. It was the first step in moving past the shock of an actual diagnosis for our son and reclaiming my own spot in my own life.

A key element in catching my breath, putting on my oxygen mask, and appreciating my own value in life was to schedule free time for myself. As I made our family’s schedule each month, I was careful to keep some time open. Maybe it was once a week, maybe it was one weekend a month, maybe it was more sporadic, but that free time was soothing to my heart. In the beginning, I didn’t always know what to do with my time, so I would just sit and watch 30 minutes of TV. That was probably the best thing I could have done. It was mindless, yet the intentional choice of sitting down to rest helped me clear my head and regain some of myself.

Another change that falls into my “oxygen mask” category is that I learned to knit. I’m still just knitting scarves, but it’s amazing how therapeutic it is. My hands keep busy, my mind focuses on the knitting, and not on the many issues at hand. I now get together once a week to knit with some friends. Knitting, laughter, friends - the perfect combination!

When I stopped running - running to the next thing I was convinced I had to do, or running from my fear of failure - and was able to just be still, a wonderful thing happened. God showed up. No, that’s not true. He was always there. Rather, I started hearing Him more. My body was still, my head was still, and my heart was still. And in the stillness, I could hear God.

I could hear His wonderful reminders that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I could hear that He knew and understood my fears, my frustrations, my shortcomings, my longing for something more. The wonderful thing about hearing God is that we hear someone who truly loves us - someone who wants to help us take care of ourselves so that we can care for those who need us. After all, He took time to go away to be by Himself while He was here on Earth. When we make time to stop and to be still, we can know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

There are other changes that have happened and still others that I’m beginning to work on. This business of creating time for yourself in a world that so desperately wants to take our time is quite refreshing. Many times at church, we’ve used a phrase that has really gotten into my heart. We don’t want to be a church that does everything, yet does it half-heartedly because we feel so stretched. Rather, we want to be a church that does a few things and does them well. It’s the same in my life - I don’t want to do everything in life. For awhile, I thought I did, but I don’t. I want to do a few things and do them well. With excellence.

Resting - intentionally choosing to take time for myself - has helped me find more of what I want to do, and less of what I feel I need to do. The oxygen mask analogy - because as a parent, we have to take care of ourselves in order to help those who depend on us.

What intentional changes can you make in your own life, no matter how small, that will help you be refreshed and renewed as you care for others? How can you put on your oxygen mask to care for yourself before you care for others? Because you are worth it. You know that, don’t you? You - YOU - are worth it!

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Filed Under: intentional choices, my morning coffee, my oxygen mask, special needs family, writing Tagged With: oxygen mask, time for myself

In Search Of…

February 9, 2025 By Rebekah 5

Last year was a year that rocked our world - almost literally. I’m sure you’ve heard someone say something like, “She rocks my world,” or “You rock my world,” - meaning that they make your life so much more amazing.

That’s not the world-rocking to which I refer.

What I’m talking about is more like an earthquake - the world rattles and things get shaken up. Yeah, that’s what I’m talkin’ about - last year our little world got shaken up. I’ve never been to more appointments in my life. And if I remember correctly, not a one of them was for me. 3 kids went to 12 appointments with the pediatrician, 11 or 12 dental & orthodontist appointments, several appointments to the eye doctor, therapy - and then *more* therapy, developmental pediatrician, audiologist, to get blood drawn. And those are just the ones I can remember on the spur of the moment. We met new therapists, experienced different doctors, had more things to worry about than any other year before.

I’m tired. That’s actually a step up from exhausted, which was a step up from “can’t-put-one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-one-more-time.” Tired is not too bad!

And then came the new year. I knew I wanted to tackle this year differently - be more focused rather than feeling so reactionary. I have plans for this year. I plan to do more than “exist to drive to the next appointment”. I’ve planned things I want to do. No real big plans, but last year, I gave up on plans.

I’ve lived through the ups & downs and ins and outs of the last year.

As I consider the year ahead, as I’ve made a few plans (because I’m still too scared to make “many” plans), I’m starting to realize a common thread among the plans.

Peace.

Every plan, every goal I have in mind (the few I’m starting with) deal with peace. I didn’t plan it that way. I planned to handle this year differently. But I didn’t realize that, I guess subconsciously, I was looking for peace. Not peace as in “the absence of strife” but more along the lines of tranquility.

I am so eager for the year ahead. I feel like I can invest more in all of my family, not just in the one who needs everything. I think because we tackled most everything last year, there won’t be *as* much to do this year. There’s still therapy, there’s an IEP meeting soon, a doctor appointment in the spring, plus stuff for my other two amazing children. But this year, I know that it won’t be as hectic as last year.

I’m not planning any big projects. I’m planning to light a candle, drink a cup of tea, knit a little more, listen to some music, laugh a little more, and hopefully spend more time with friends. I’m planning to sleep more than 4-6 hours each night.

I’m searching for peace because last year it was hard to come by. I seem to be seeking it out without even realizing it. I’m looking forward to a dramatic change of pace. I realize this year won’t be easy and things will come up that I’m not yet prepared for, but I’m planning for peace.

Grab your favorite mug, pour some coffee or tea, sit down, put your feet up and join me. I could use some support in this journey. You’re with me, right?

Let’s start here: Islesford Dock, on Little Cranberry Island, in Bar Harbor, Maine. This is one of my favorite places - Tim & I have been here twice. You get there by boat, have a delightful dinner and head back as the sun is setting. It’s perfect.

Photo: Mine.

Filed Under: finding peace, my oxygen mask

Taking Back What Crisis Mode Took Away

February 1, 2025 By Rebekah 2

So we’re officially (well, in a few hours) one month into 2012. I had a few goals in mind as I started the year, so I wanted to revisit some of those, and see where I stand.

First - to make my life simpler, I wanted to buy 1 gift toward Christmas each month. I’m not there yet, BUT I do have ideas and plan to make the first couple (small) purchases by this weekend. In my mind, it’s going to like this: buy the gift, list the gift (on my super-duper secret gift list), wrap the gift, tuck it away (*note to self: determine container/place for hiding these).

Next - my new hobby, knitting. This has slowed down a little only because January has been a busy month with therapies, and adjusting back to school and a few extra meetings. But I’m still enjoying this. I’m finding, though, that I need to purchase a few more “tools” for my trade. (book for instructions, a couple more sets of knitting needles, etc.) I’m still thoroughly enjoying this and working on the basic yarn. Hoping to get a scarf done for each kid…probably by the end of winter. Figures, right? I’ll probably be done by the *end* of winter. Oh well!

Additionally - working to keep up with the house better. I have had more time at home this month (yes, even though I just said that it was busy!) compared to so many months last year. Do you know that we’re HOME all day Tuesday? Every Tuesday? Also, lots of Fridays, and a good chunk of Thursdays. It’s amazing what I can get done when I’m actually IN my home. If you believe that homeschooling families are always home, that’s so not true in our case. Between therapies, appointments, piano lessons, and other things that come up, we tend to not be home much. So I’m thrilled at all this time I DO get to be home.
This is going to be a year of taking care of myself, in best efforts to take care of others. If you missed the #YearOfTheOxygenMask post, you can read that here.

From that list, I can tell you that I’m implementing some of those changes/plans already. Can I tell you…coffee is AWESOME when it’s hot (ie before you have to reheat it once…or twice…or more! I think I’m sitting down for 2 meals/day as well…most days. That’s already a HUGE improvement from even December!

I’m working on scheduling a doctor appointment. I haven’t been in almost 2 years; figure they should see me again when I’m *not* coming in for an injury (my last 2 or 3 trips were a few years apart, and ONLY because I was injured…figures). My doctor only schedules a few days out, not months in advance, so I have to wait until 2 or so days before I want to go, to call to schedule it.

I’m working on being a better friend to people. I survived “Year One” with therapy & diagnosis. Actually, Year One doesn’t officially end until August 22, 2024 (one year since Picasso’s dx). But March will mark One Year since his therapies (as outlined by IEP) started. So I know what the newbies are going through. I kinda feel like I know what the more “senior special needs parents” are going through as well since we’ve been dealing with things for so long. And so I’m working to support others. It’s never much, (from my perspective) because of so many constraints. But I KNOW how grateful I am when someone has said, “Good work, Mama,” or “Keep fighting the good fight” or “Begin again tomorrow” or simply, “You are not alone”. And let me tell you…it’s something we all need to hear! (The dads need to hear it too!)

What am I struggling with the most? Don’t laugh…or do. I’m struggling to get in bed by 11pm. Turns out, I LIKE this new “taking care of me stuff” where I put my feet up some each night; where I knit or read or fold laundry while watching TV.
Hope you have had a good month. I’m continuing to work on defining my goals a little more clearly for this year. Like being done with the scarves by the *end* of winter, I’ll probably be done defining my goals by the end of this year. I’m ok with that. We’re out of crisis mode and working through our “new normal” so I can start to breathe again and take back some of the things that “crisis mode” took away.