Columns

September 11, 2020September 9, 2020

It’s Been One of Those Days

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

As an old episode of the TV series “The Office” plays in the living room, my daughter, Coralynn, is falling asleep on the couch. Her mom, Jendi, is locked ... Read more

September 4, 2020September 4, 2020

Brian Accomplishes a Learning Goal

Columns, Into the Unknown – a Column by Jendi Solka

It’s been a long five months in quarantine. Teaching virtually while supporting my own two children and their virtual schooling was a challenge, to say the least. Doable? Yes. ... Read more

August 28, 2020August 29, 2020

Brian Has His First Day of Kindergarten

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

On my son Brian’s first day of kindergarten, he woke up nicely, babbling to himself in his bed. When I heard him singing to himself, I jumped out of ... Read more

August 21, 2020August 20, 2020

Sleepless in Florida

Columns, Into the Unknown – a Column by Jendi Solka

To say I am not a morning person is an understatement. Just ask my husband. By the time he’s out of bed, gone for a run, and showered, I’m ... Read more

August 14, 2020August 12, 2020

Finding Strength in the Fog

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

After we finished breakfast, Brian was freed from his eating chair (a donated wheelchair with a seatbelt and removable tray). As I was brainstorming fun morning activities with his ... Read more

August 7, 2020August 5, 2020

Riding the Waves of LGS

Columns, Into the Unknown – a Column by Jendi Solka

As a mother to a child with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), I’ve learned that our son’s quality of life changes with the tides. When our son, Brian, was diagnosed with ... Read more

July 24, 2020July 22, 2020

The ‘Kid in the Helmet’ Hasn’t Changed, Others Have

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

My son Brian’s class photos are always great. He doesn’t normally respond to any verbal instructions, so getting him to sit still, look at the camera, and smile willingly ... Read more

July 17, 2020July 15, 2020

An LGS Diagnosis and a Caregiver Mom’s First Ride into the Unknown

Columns, Into the Unknown – a Column by Jendi Solka

It’s July, and for a teacher like me, it’s the peak of summer training. I’m training to prepare for a new grade level I will begin teaching in the ... Read more

July 10, 2020July 9, 2020

What Is Normal?

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

On a “normal” morning, the house would be quiet, aside from the soft humming of the appliances and the clicking of meandering dog paws stepping on the tile floor. ... Read more

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