The ‘plinks’ in a life — the small ones and the big ones
On a recent Saturday morning, the dryer wouldn’t turn on. The washer held a big load of washed towels. As our recently adopted dog, Ellie, was still in unexpected heat, laundry duty was…
Author Archives: Helen Baldwin
When fate tested our theory that things happen for a reason
The spring of 1997 arrived with a bang. Initially stunned at the revelation of an unplanned pregnancy, my husband, Randy, and I warmed up quickly to the baby idea and considered ourselves as prepared as possible.
Reflecting on our SMA assignment and lessons from Dr. Seuss
March seems to stretch to infinity, but one bright spot is the promise of spring. It’s also National Reading Month, in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Our daughter-in-law, Jill, is a literacy specialist at our…
Caring for students, a baby with SMA, and pets who need ‘a little extra’
As a college freshman pursuing a degree in special education, I assisted in two nearby elementary classrooms. The students all had moderate cognitive challenges. I remember a few even now: Roger, with his…
The major life changes that led to our family’s SMA assignment
Countless events shape the course of our lives: marriage, career changes, parenthood, the loss of loved ones, and health crises, to name just a few. The list is almost endless. After eight years of marriage, my…
From teacher, to parent, to SMA parent, to grandparent
My goal in college was to become a special education teacher. I had a dream work-study job at a nearby elementary school, assisting in two special ed classrooms. My career plan derailed slightly when I married, moved, and…
Nothing prepared us for the SMA diagnosis of our surprise baby
My husband, Randy, and I had never considered leaving our hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. That all changed when Randy received an unexpected coaching offer in South Carolina. With little time to prepare for such a…
Finding inspiration in the new year to make a positive impact
Last year sprinted to the finish line at breakneck speed. I couldn’t have stuffed much more into December’s calendar. Wrapping presents, finishing intense seasonal activities and mandatory year-end tasks, fulfilling copious obligations, and escaping to Charleston,…
Taking stock of the unexpected blessings SMA brings
Our granddaughter, Clara, turns 10 this month. She loves choosing themes for her birthday parties, and “PopPop,” as she calls my husband, Randy, challenges himself to design and bake elaborate cakes to match. This year’s theme is…
Lessons about the fortitude of family caregivers
According to my mother, I made sure she was being “kessul” (careful) during her pregnancy with my brother. I wasn’t thrilled, however, about sharing the spotlight with baby Paul. Thinking outside the box, even then, I asked sweetly to push…
Recent Posts
- U.K. consensus sets new guidance for hip care in children with SMA
- Guest Voice: Hussein’s journey is symbolic of our hope for peace
- New high-dose Spinraza regimen may offer added benefits in SMA
- Global study shows how a country’s wealth affects SMA diagnosis rates
- What does it mean to be sexy with a disability like SMA?