Years ago, in a time of fewer wrinkles and wobbly bits, I worked with my husband at a year-round Christian camp in central Pennsylvania. During our time there, we co-led several adventure trips that ... Read More about When We Wonder What to Carry & What To Leave Behind
A Common Question Answered: An Interview with My Tweens
In celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I thought I'd revisit one of the most frequently asked questions of our family. A few years ago, I sat down with my two older children to get their ... Read More about A Common Question Answered: An Interview with My Tweens
Will Down Syndrome Be In Heaven?
A few months ago my ten year-old asked, “Will Sam have Down syndrome in heaven?” I didn’t know then and still don’t know the answer to that but I have a few thoughts. As a person who claims a ... Read More about Will Down Syndrome Be In Heaven?
What I Heard in the Quiet
Five summers ago, my husband and I traded blueberry-lined wooded trails and lakes for sidewalks in town, neighbors on every side, and a short walk to the post office. I’ve grown fond of both spaces ... Read More about What I Heard in the Quiet
On Belonging & A New Diagnosis
We arrived with plenty of time to spare in the waiting room. My five year-old wandered from his small bag of books to the more enticing table toys, until he finally settled in a faux brown leather ... Read More about On Belonging & A New Diagnosis
Love for the Vulnerable in COVID-19
Like many of you, I’ve been struggling with the impact of COVID-19 on our ability to connect with others in real time. As the parent of a child with a compromised immune system and complex medical ... Read More about Love for the Vulnerable in COVID-19
![When I think back to the early months of motherhood, those bleary-eyed, overwhelming days (nights?) of colic and learning the needs of my first born, I can hardly believe we're here.
The toddler who traipsed around in Huggies and heels, singing made-up tunes and chatting with her hilarious imaginary friend, Lackey, outgrew my heels two years ago. And for the past year, I've been looking up to her--literally.
The longer I parent, the more I discover this gift to be one long, winding road of learning to let go. From the moment she said, "My do it, Mommy," I knew we had begun to leave the days of her tiny hand snuggled in mine.
And while I know these seasons of greater independence are part of her journey, I'm still surprised when they arrive with another milestone at my door, another invitation to release. Some days I ache to hold on just a little longer.
Happy 17th, Sissy.
You're a gift to our home, to your friends, to this aching world.
[ID: A white teen girl with brown hair in 2 braids, wearing black leggings and a black hoodie, is walking in the woods. Sun beams are coming through the trees as she walks away from the camera.]
#Parenting #LettingGo](https://i0.wp.com/www.katiecarper.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?ssl=1)