In 1997 my world as I knew it changed forever.  That’s the year I lost my first son to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.  Connor was 3 months. and 24 days old.  When he died my friends and family were stunned – none of them had ever experienced the loss of a baby.  You never think it’s going to happen to you – until it does.  Before that I was in public relations but when he I knew I had to do something else.  I wanted to help spare other people from the grief I felt.  And so I began blogging.  Not just about SIDS but about all potentially dangerous issues facing children.  I wanted to be sure that parents were getting the most accurate information so that they could make the best decisions for their child.  And that was how The Safety Mom came to be.

Fast forward to the birth of my second son.  Very quickly I realized that something wasn’t right.  And thus started a journey down the path of testing, researching and trying to find out what was wrong with my son.  After many false starts we discovered he has Intellectual and Development Disabilities.  I am now a vocal advocate for people with special needs and helping parents navigate the complex system of services.

Add two more kids to the mix (now my teenage girls) and you’d think my plate was full.  But you’d be wrong dear reader.  After going through a rough divorce I met and married a wonderful man. Yes you can find true love on Match! A former pro-athlete I had visions of our retirement travelling, hiking, playing golf and being active seniors.  Unfortunately our plans will have to change. 

Four weeks after we were married in 2011 he was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and went from walking at our wedding to being in a wheelchair full time.  At this point in my story people usually gasp and look at me with horror but I can tell you our story is one of joy.  I often blog about overcoming tragedy and finding happiness as we now have adapted to a new normal.

The last piece of my crazy puzzle fell into place when my mom and aunt came to live with us.  My mom and hubby literally run the house when I’m on the road and working (mama’s gotta bring home the bacon) but we care for my aunt who has dementia.  I am literally a multi-generational caregiver with two teens girls on top of it!  I’m often asked how do I do it?  Prayer, meditation, yoga, dark chocolate and wine are my secrets.  Occasionally I have a pity party but then I’m remember Cher’s line from the movie “Moonstruck” and tell myself to “Snap out of it!”

I write and speak so that maybe one person out there knows they’re not alone in their struggles.  I write to offer tips and advice on how  to keep everyone in the family  – especially YOU – happy, safe and sane. So grab a glass of wine and a piece of chocolate (or a green smoothie) and join me to laugh, cry and share.