We packed up our things, and moved to Clinton, Connecticut. A day or two after moving in, my husband brought one last load of boxes in. I began to open boxes randomly, noting the contents, and closing them back up. Imagine my surprise when out of a box jumps...that's right...one Calico cat. We took her to the vet, got her healthy, and gave her a loving home. It didn't take long for Puddin' to become one of my best friends. She returned the favor a million times over. She was our baby, our only child and she WAS spoiled and coddled.
Years down the road, Puddin' would have lots of patience with our daughter, and we taught our daughter to do the same - Puddin' was now around 10 years old. Puddin' was much less tolerant of the Jack Russell Terrier we adopted at the tender age of two - the same age as our daughter - their birthdays just one day apart.
Maia became fast friends with Zeke, and she often refers to him as her "brother", completely debunking the only-child theory. Me? I favored the cat. Yes. It's true. The dog, while I know needed a home as much as Puddin' had, annoyed the heck out of me. He's was a young, hightly-energetic, full-of-attitude, handful of a dog. My husband and daughter have attached to him nicely. It's been a little tougher for me. I was happy with Puddin'; she was quiet, comforting, soft and cuddly...and she let me read a book. Most of the time. She was everything that Zeke was not.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Our Charter Fishing Adventure
I was excited when my husband won tickets on a charter fishing vessel for a day - although I hadn't fished in years. And when I learned that we were going to be setting the alarm for 4:30am, I was a little...less excited. I figured I'd be spending time fishing and relaxing, and in the end, it turned out to be just that. But when we, along with the other passengers, began the process of setting our first lines, I soon realized I was in some sort of fish-whisperer slash mini-boot camp for the inexperienced.
Captain Greg is an in-your face, master of fish-finding. My first dropped line was a disaster, and I heard "Keep your line long" or "Left hand up - you might as well say goodbye to your fish, if your left hand isn't up!" more than a few times. But when I stopped being offended, and started listening to what he had to share, I found success. Major success - I caught two of our largest fish on one rig! I did fairly well from there, and so did the rest of my family.
My daughter was invited up to the Captains area to steer the boat along with another child. Maia felt special, and had a great time. We all did. And...we have a ton fish for dinner now and well into the future! Would I do it again? Sure...why not? Oh...wait. You say set the alarm for 4:30? AM?
Captain Greg is an in-your face, master of fish-finding. My first dropped line was a disaster, and I heard "Keep your line long" or "Left hand up - you might as well say goodbye to your fish, if your left hand isn't up!" more than a few times. But when I stopped being offended, and started listening to what he had to share, I found success. Major success - I caught two of our largest fish on one rig! I did fairly well from there, and so did the rest of my family.
My daughter was invited up to the Captains area to steer the boat along with another child. Maia felt special, and had a great time. We all did. And...we have a ton fish for dinner now and well into the future! Would I do it again? Sure...why not? Oh...wait. You say set the alarm for 4:30? AM?
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Patient Advocacy, Part III
Nov., 2009
Due to the pain medication Jeff was on, it would be two full days before my husband spoke more than a few words to me that second visit. But I was getting answers this time around; doctors came and went and with every visit, I had another piece to the puzzle because I spoke up. I was relieved to find out that there was a good chance that this was an isolated case. The doctors believed that his pancreas was traumatized too soon after the surgery - Jeff had felt a "pop" when the dog jumped on him.
While Jeff still struggles with some digestion issues and I suspect a bit of exhaustion every night he arrives home from work, he is on the mend. He's also one not to complain. And I've stopped complaining about that first hospital stay. I've finally figured out that there is only one person who was truly in charge of Jeff's well-being: Me. If he needed something, I tried my best to make it happen. I've realized that advocacy is not about taking a back seat, it's all about firmly taking the wheel. My advice to you:
I've modified my hopes and prayers some as I complete this post. While they still include the continued recovery and health of my husband and family, they are also geared towards you. That YOU learn how to advocate for others, especially family when facing a health crisis. That you learn from my mistakes, as well as from my successes. And finally, that you never have to worry about becoming an advocate for a loved one.
But if you do, it'll be a tough job, with big results.
Due to the pain medication Jeff was on, it would be two full days before my husband spoke more than a few words to me that second visit. But I was getting answers this time around; doctors came and went and with every visit, I had another piece to the puzzle because I spoke up. I was relieved to find out that there was a good chance that this was an isolated case. The doctors believed that his pancreas was traumatized too soon after the surgery - Jeff had felt a "pop" when the dog jumped on him.
While Jeff still struggles with some digestion issues and I suspect a bit of exhaustion every night he arrives home from work, he is on the mend. He's also one not to complain. And I've stopped complaining about that first hospital stay. I've finally figured out that there is only one person who was truly in charge of Jeff's well-being: Me. If he needed something, I tried my best to make it happen. I've realized that advocacy is not about taking a back seat, it's all about firmly taking the wheel. My advice to you:
- Know the names of every person in charge of your loved ones care.
- Ask questions, over and over if needed.
- Don't be afraid to step on a few toes if you have to.
- Do whatever "it" takes.
- Be strong, and ask for help from family and friends so that you are able to assist in the hospital or home care.
- Remember: You are the customer in every way, shape and form - you're paying for the hospital stay and their doctors' salaries, in the form of insurance premiums. You are paying for every test they run, and all medications.
- Finally, take care of yourself; in the scheme of things, an hour-long yoga class will empower you to take charge, so that you have the energy and power to care for your loved one, both in the hospital and when they arrive back home. It's the best gift you can give yourself and your family.
I've modified my hopes and prayers some as I complete this post. While they still include the continued recovery and health of my husband and family, they are also geared towards you. That YOU learn how to advocate for others, especially family when facing a health crisis. That you learn from my mistakes, as well as from my successes. And finally, that you never have to worry about becoming an advocate for a loved one.
But if you do, it'll be a tough job, with big results.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Breath Work
I wanted to share something with you that has been graciously shared with me. I was recently reminded that each and every one of us is here on this beautiful Earth for a special and unique purpose, and how we honor ourselves and our time here is quite important. Sometimes that reminder can come from an unexpected source. It has raised the importance of keeping my eyes and ears open and taking time to breath, listen and be grateful for the messages that come along each day. That's all that really Matters. Thank You Joan.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles
Monday, October 11, 2010
Patient Advocacy, Part II
I desperately wanted to be part of what was going on with and around Jeff, but I was stubborn. I'd learn my lessons the hard way and spent more than a few nights awake, alone and frustrated. Procrastination is not in my vocabulary, and my clients and family will attest to that. I want results and I want them fast, and I do whatever it takes to get them. I'm not very good at relying on others to give me the information I need. The question of what was causing the stomach pain was answered quickly: The reason behind it was much slower to come. After CT Scans, Ultra Sounds, an MRI and finally an Endoscopy, the culprit was revealed three full days later: The Gall Bladder. It was uneventfully removed a few days later.
You can imagine my surprise, when, just five short weeks late, we made our second second visit to Westerly Hospital - this time in the morning. While I felt like a pro, the two visits were like night and day, literally and figuratively. The nurse in the ER was on top of things and I knew what was going on every step of the way. I was allowed to stay with Jeff during the tests because this time, I asked. I knew where to find warm blankets when Jeff got cold, I knew where I could (and couldn't) get the best cell phone signal, and I called on family to help out with Maia so I could concentrate on taking care of Jeff.
You can imagine my surprise, when, just five short weeks late, we made our second second visit to Westerly Hospital - this time in the morning. While I felt like a pro, the two visits were like night and day, literally and figuratively. The nurse in the ER was on top of things and I knew what was going on every step of the way. I was allowed to stay with Jeff during the tests because this time, I asked. I knew where to find warm blankets when Jeff got cold, I knew where I could (and couldn't) get the best cell phone signal, and I called on family to help out with Maia so I could concentrate on taking care of Jeff.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Anthropology and Social Media...Like Peanut Butter and Jelly
I was recently in a position to meet with many local business owners from around Rhode Island, as I taught an introductory class on Organic Online Marketing, with an emphasis on Social Media. I had met a few of the owners before at networking events, or had simply spoken to them on the phone in a different context; others were new to me. For that reason, I spent a few minutes introducing myself, and sharing how I had come to be with them. Now, I'd like to share it with you.
I first learned about social networks during a family vacation in Aruba about three and a half years ago. My sister was extolling the virtues of Facebook. I had just started my own business, so I was interested in cool, innovative ways to market businesses aside from the traditional, and typically expensive means, such as print.
It took me some time to grasp the message she had for me. I signed up right away when I returned home, so that I could stay in touch with her in Massachusetts, but I still didn't get it. I was so focused on me and what I wanted to use Facebook for, that I wasn't looking at the big picture. And then one night, about six months later, I was watching the movie Apocolypto, an awesome adventure flick about the Maya people of Mexico. While I found serious issues with the ending, I couldn't help but enjoy it, and it took me right back to my college days, where I had focused all of my energies and degree on that very subject: Anthropology and Meso-American prehistory.
I was so inspired by that movie, that I decided to flip through some old text books that I couldn't bare to get rid of. And then it hit me, like a ton of bricks. Social networks were my research and studies of cultural and social connections times...millions! Observation, evolution, research, the difference between qualitative and quantitative results from the relationships that are formed online. I just needed to put it into perspective.
So in the end, I was hooked. I found my niche in a huge industry where it's so very difficult to stand out. A lot of people call themselves experts in their chosen field...and there are many people who claim to be experts in Social Media Marketing. But I'll be honest with you...I'm not one of them. There's no way I can be. It changes and evolves so quickly, that I'm able to learn something new everyday. While the hottest sites to place your business information are more or less stable, how to work with them and use them in an advantageous, yet thoughtful, conscious, and sensitive manner can be tricky.
I'm reading and researching every day, so that you don't have to. I'm here to take what I see and read and use, and present the most helpful and valid information that I can. I've been handling marketing in every way, shape and form for over twenty years. You'll find lots of marketing and ad companies out there with similar experiences, but I have what I consider to be a HUGE advantage. What makes me so special? My anthropological background, and my ever-present interest in how people act and react with each other in social, online forums. Those people become clients of yours and mine, and that keeps my work VERY interesting.
It takes a special person to convey what they know to others in a cohesive and exciting fashion. I wanted participants to know that I cared, indeed was passionate about what I was about to tell them. I truly wanted them to be as excited about their online adventure as I was, and that I wanted their business to grow from their time spent with me. I'm positive that I succeeded.
I first learned about social networks during a family vacation in Aruba about three and a half years ago. My sister was extolling the virtues of Facebook. I had just started my own business, so I was interested in cool, innovative ways to market businesses aside from the traditional, and typically expensive means, such as print.
It took me some time to grasp the message she had for me. I signed up right away when I returned home, so that I could stay in touch with her in Massachusetts, but I still didn't get it. I was so focused on me and what I wanted to use Facebook for, that I wasn't looking at the big picture. And then one night, about six months later, I was watching the movie Apocolypto, an awesome adventure flick about the Maya people of Mexico. While I found serious issues with the ending, I couldn't help but enjoy it, and it took me right back to my college days, where I had focused all of my energies and degree on that very subject: Anthropology and Meso-American prehistory.
I was so inspired by that movie, that I decided to flip through some old text books that I couldn't bare to get rid of. And then it hit me, like a ton of bricks. Social networks were my research and studies of cultural and social connections times...millions! Observation, evolution, research, the difference between qualitative and quantitative results from the relationships that are formed online. I just needed to put it into perspective.
So in the end, I was hooked. I found my niche in a huge industry where it's so very difficult to stand out. A lot of people call themselves experts in their chosen field...and there are many people who claim to be experts in Social Media Marketing. But I'll be honest with you...I'm not one of them. There's no way I can be. It changes and evolves so quickly, that I'm able to learn something new everyday. While the hottest sites to place your business information are more or less stable, how to work with them and use them in an advantageous, yet thoughtful, conscious, and sensitive manner can be tricky.
I'm reading and researching every day, so that you don't have to. I'm here to take what I see and read and use, and present the most helpful and valid information that I can. I've been handling marketing in every way, shape and form for over twenty years. You'll find lots of marketing and ad companies out there with similar experiences, but I have what I consider to be a HUGE advantage. What makes me so special? My anthropological background, and my ever-present interest in how people act and react with each other in social, online forums. Those people become clients of yours and mine, and that keeps my work VERY interesting.
It takes a special person to convey what they know to others in a cohesive and exciting fashion. I wanted participants to know that I cared, indeed was passionate about what I was about to tell them. I truly wanted them to be as excited about their online adventure as I was, and that I wanted their business to grow from their time spent with me. I'm positive that I succeeded.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Patient Advocacy
I'm hoping (and praying) that I'm finished with a very tough job. No, it's not setting up a Google Campaign, or brainstorming a logo design with a new client. What's the job, you ask? It's not what you'd expect. It's the full-time job of advocating for my husband, who was hospitalized twice in six weeks. After not feeling well on and off for about a month, I came home to find Jeff writhing with stomach pain, a pain that would take days of morphine drips to get under control. It's taken me a few weeks to sit down and write this; admittedly, I took better care of my family than I did myself during the ordeal. But it's important that I share this with you, in the hopes of preventing future frustrations for my friends, family and clients.
Our first visit to Westerly Hospital was in the early evening hours, and getting information from the staff was like pulling teeth. I found myself asking over and over "Where are you taking him?", "What's next?" and "Any results yet?". Not a single bit of information came freely, and answers would come in days, not hours. The doctors seemed like ghosts to me; my visits in the ensuing days came too early or, more often then not, I had "just missed" them. I made some critical errors though: I was trying to take care of Maia as much as I could, trying to keep things normal for her. But there was nothing normal about this situation; I should have relied a lot more on my family.
To be continued...
Our first visit to Westerly Hospital was in the early evening hours, and getting information from the staff was like pulling teeth. I found myself asking over and over "Where are you taking him?", "What's next?" and "Any results yet?". Not a single bit of information came freely, and answers would come in days, not hours. The doctors seemed like ghosts to me; my visits in the ensuing days came too early or, more often then not, I had "just missed" them. I made some critical errors though: I was trying to take care of Maia as much as I could, trying to keep things normal for her. But there was nothing normal about this situation; I should have relied a lot more on my family.
To be continued...
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Culture of Cats & Dogs
Only-pet Syndrome. Now that seems like a true story. Her official name was Puru, and if you have an inkling of who I am, you get the name. We rarely called her that though, and like most humans, we had a few nicknames for her. She was best known as "Puddin", and was a dumpster kitty when she first came to us. In the beginning, I didn't really want her to stay with us. We'd invite her into our home, feed her and give her some love. She would eat, drink, and throw up on everything. Um...yea. I wasn't feeling it.
The cat stuck around for a while, and in the meantime, my husband and I decided to move to Connecticut to be closer to our jobs. My husband asked me if we could take the cat with us, and I remember my response quite well. It was an adamant "NO!" I explained that we didn't have time to take care of an animal, we were never home due to our jobs as retail managers, the cat was clearly sick, I didn't want the expense, and I'm embarrassed to share this, but I didn't think she was that cute. I made many excuses, but the truth was...I just wasn't ready for the responsibility.
To be continued...
The cat stuck around for a while, and in the meantime, my husband and I decided to move to Connecticut to be closer to our jobs. My husband asked me if we could take the cat with us, and I remember my response quite well. It was an adamant "NO!" I explained that we didn't have time to take care of an animal, we were never home due to our jobs as retail managers, the cat was clearly sick, I didn't want the expense, and I'm embarrassed to share this, but I didn't think she was that cute. I made many excuses, but the truth was...I just wasn't ready for the responsibility.
To be continued...
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Web Girl Chronicles: Memos to Momma
When her full-time Dad leaves the room, this tech-savvy kid tells-all in secret emails to her working Mom.
Oct. 20, 2003
Mornin' Momma!
Dad's taking the trash out, so here I am! For the first time since we met, you didn't come to greet me when I awoke. I called for you with my sweet babbles, but Daddy came instead. He picked me up, swung me around, and showered me with kisses and hugs. It was fun, but I still wondered where you were.
Daddy must have known I was looking for you, because he explained that it was time for you to return to work, and that he would be watching over me. I was a little confused, but as soon as he gave me my morning milkies, it became a little clearer. I miss you terribly, and all the snuggles you and I shared during those hot, summer days. But I feel safe and secure with Daddy, so don't worry about me!
After breakfast, Daddy joined me on the floor, where we were surrounded by warm blankets and fuzzy animals. We played with my soft blocks, and Daddy read me a short book that looked really yummy. But somehow, chewing a book didn't feel right, so I chewed on my bottom lip instead. That always makes me feel better. Soon after that, I got very sleepy. Daddy sat in the rocky rock chair with me, while I drifted towards sweet dreams.
Do you know what I dreamed about? You. You were holding me in your arms and feeding me milkies, staring at me like I was the only little baby girl in the world. It was the best dream ever. Come home soon, Momma. Daddy and I miss you.
Love,
Maia
Dear Maia,
What a wonderful surprise to hear from you! Yes, it is time for me to return to work, after three short months that seemed to fly by. I loved spending the summer with you - they were sheer Heaven for me. I really didn't want to leave you, and between you and me, I'm totally NOT ready to go back to work. But your Daddy and I agreed that my career could take better care of us as a family and Dad was sick of working retail with all those long hours. So. Here we are.
OH how I missed seeing your smiling, giggly face this morning. I've been preparing for my return to work, so I know you have lots of milkies around there to keep you happy and content. Just lay back in Daddy's arms, and enjoy your time with him. In the meantime, I'll be counting the hours and minutes until we can be together again.
Love Always and Forever,
Momma
Oct. 20, 2003
Mornin' Momma!
Dad's taking the trash out, so here I am! For the first time since we met, you didn't come to greet me when I awoke. I called for you with my sweet babbles, but Daddy came instead. He picked me up, swung me around, and showered me with kisses and hugs. It was fun, but I still wondered where you were.
Daddy must have known I was looking for you, because he explained that it was time for you to return to work, and that he would be watching over me. I was a little confused, but as soon as he gave me my morning milkies, it became a little clearer. I miss you terribly, and all the snuggles you and I shared during those hot, summer days. But I feel safe and secure with Daddy, so don't worry about me!
After breakfast, Daddy joined me on the floor, where we were surrounded by warm blankets and fuzzy animals. We played with my soft blocks, and Daddy read me a short book that looked really yummy. But somehow, chewing a book didn't feel right, so I chewed on my bottom lip instead. That always makes me feel better. Soon after that, I got very sleepy. Daddy sat in the rocky rock chair with me, while I drifted towards sweet dreams.
Do you know what I dreamed about? You. You were holding me in your arms and feeding me milkies, staring at me like I was the only little baby girl in the world. It was the best dream ever. Come home soon, Momma. Daddy and I miss you.
Love,
Maia
Dear Maia,
What a wonderful surprise to hear from you! Yes, it is time for me to return to work, after three short months that seemed to fly by. I loved spending the summer with you - they were sheer Heaven for me. I really didn't want to leave you, and between you and me, I'm totally NOT ready to go back to work. But your Daddy and I agreed that my career could take better care of us as a family and Dad was sick of working retail with all those long hours. So. Here we are.
OH how I missed seeing your smiling, giggly face this morning. I've been preparing for my return to work, so I know you have lots of milkies around there to keep you happy and content. Just lay back in Daddy's arms, and enjoy your time with him. In the meantime, I'll be counting the hours and minutes until we can be together again.
Love Always and Forever,
Momma
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Culture of Only-ness
Only. I'm not fond of the word. It has such a negative connotation. It boxes us in, suggesting that what we have is not enough. Take for instance the phrase "Beauty is only skin deep"? I know a lot of beautiful people, who may be considered by some to be quite average looking, but their soul - what's on the inside - makes them beautiful to me.
And what if you add the words "child" and "syndrome" to it? Only-Child Syndrome. Sounds nasty, doesn't it? My child is an only child...does she have it? How about your child? The phrase is meant to express the behavior of a child with no siblings; the stereotypical only-child may be spoiled, isn't a good sharer, and doesn't take "no" for an answer. Is the phrase out-dated? You betcha.
The fact of the matter is that only-child families are the trend. They're called "single-child families" and, their on the rise. Over the years, we're subtly made to feel guilty for not procreating. I've been told that there is always enough love in your heart for another child. And I know you've all heard the "So, when are you going to have another?" question. If you're like me, the phrase hangs heavily in the air, while your wheels turn quickly to come up with an acceptable answer. Others offer the only-child scenario as cruel and selfish .
Then you may have, as I do, that little voice that occasionally speaks up when you least expect it. The voice says that I'm a good Mom - am I denying myself the privilege of raising another "good kid"? And more importantly, am I denying my child the right to share her life with a sibling, to have that constant playmate, and another connection when it's time for her parents to leave this world?
I came to this Earth with God-given free will. There were no rules about how many children to have - the decision is solely mine. I recently watched former President Clinton give an interview with David Letterman, and he mentioned that he and Hillary had always felt that raising Chelsea was their most important job. I've always liked the man, but I admired him even more for saying that - it echoed my feelings in that I've been given the privilege of bringing a child into this world.
And here's the part where I'm brutally honest: I am selfish. There. I've said it. It's easier for me to provide for my single-child in the toughest of economies. It's easier for me to go out to dinner as a family - and it's certainly cheaper. It's easier for me to have a "date night". My husband is easier to love. The future of paying for college tuition and a wedding isn't that scary to me either.
My daughter is neither spoiled or coddled. She accepts the word "no", and hears it often, especially on Saturday mornings when she's watching commercials for the hottest toys. And so, I've made peace with that inner-voice. It no longer fills my head and heart with guilt over my decision to quit while I'm ahead. So my child is not an only-child, she is a child living singly in a home filled with love and ease.
And let's just leave that only "only-child syndrome" as a phrase best used when describing my cat. But that's a story for another day.
And what if you add the words "child" and "syndrome" to it? Only-Child Syndrome. Sounds nasty, doesn't it? My child is an only child...does she have it? How about your child? The phrase is meant to express the behavior of a child with no siblings; the stereotypical only-child may be spoiled, isn't a good sharer, and doesn't take "no" for an answer. Is the phrase out-dated? You betcha.
The fact of the matter is that only-child families are the trend. They're called "single-child families" and, their on the rise. Over the years, we're subtly made to feel guilty for not procreating. I've been told that there is always enough love in your heart for another child. And I know you've all heard the "So, when are you going to have another?" question. If you're like me, the phrase hangs heavily in the air, while your wheels turn quickly to come up with an acceptable answer. Others offer the only-child scenario as cruel and selfish .
Then you may have, as I do, that little voice that occasionally speaks up when you least expect it. The voice says that I'm a good Mom - am I denying myself the privilege of raising another "good kid"? And more importantly, am I denying my child the right to share her life with a sibling, to have that constant playmate, and another connection when it's time for her parents to leave this world?
I came to this Earth with God-given free will. There were no rules about how many children to have - the decision is solely mine. I recently watched former President Clinton give an interview with David Letterman, and he mentioned that he and Hillary had always felt that raising Chelsea was their most important job. I've always liked the man, but I admired him even more for saying that - it echoed my feelings in that I've been given the privilege of bringing a child into this world.
And here's the part where I'm brutally honest: I am selfish. There. I've said it. It's easier for me to provide for my single-child in the toughest of economies. It's easier for me to go out to dinner as a family - and it's certainly cheaper. It's easier for me to have a "date night". My husband is easier to love. The future of paying for college tuition and a wedding isn't that scary to me either.
My daughter is neither spoiled or coddled. She accepts the word "no", and hears it often, especially on Saturday mornings when she's watching commercials for the hottest toys. And so, I've made peace with that inner-voice. It no longer fills my head and heart with guilt over my decision to quit while I'm ahead. So my child is not an only-child, she is a child living singly in a home filled with love and ease.
And let's just leave that only "only-child syndrome" as a phrase best used when describing my cat. But that's a story for another day.
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