Blog

Current Size: 100%

Stephen's Blog

Making Friends, Creating Friendships

Posted by mack1014 on Sep 11 2011

Every time I think about this topic, I choke up a little. No, make that a lot…I choke up a lot. Of all the fulfilling moments in life, forging great friendships that last a lifetime has to be one of the most rewarding. We all know the feeling of that first “real” friend: excitement that we share a new bond, safety in knowing that another person “gets” us, and the satisfaction of having someone who wants to be with us, and we want to be with that person equally. Things are a bit different for Isabella…. As a non-verbal child, Isabella does not have access to one of the most critical pieces of friendship building: ...

I Love You

Posted by mack1014 on May 18 2011

Three powerful words -- "I love you". We use these words with family, with friends, and with others who are close to us and for whom the expression of love is an important emotion. "I love you" signifies a special relationship. It means that you care deeply about someone, and want them to know that with three little words that carry so much power in any language. It is a profoundly human, and infinitely divine message that we share we each other. I received proof of that recently. While having dinner the other night with family at a local restaurant, a little girl from another table, perhaps the same age as Isabe...

You Don't Know How Lucky You Are

Posted by mack1014 on Apr 28 2011

About two weeks ago, on a rare sunny and warm day here in Chicago (it's been a very rainy, cold, and cloudy Spring so far!), we took Isabella and Christian to the Chicago Botanic Gardens to enjoy some of the first blooms of the season. Naturally, it was fairly crowded, but not overcrowded. It was a beautiful day. As we passed through the English Walled Gardens en route back towards the Herbal Gardens, we passed by a family walking in the opposite direction. My wife, Denise, was a bit further in front of me pushing Isabella in her wheelchair, and I had Christian in his stroller. As the family passed by Denise and Isabel...

The.....Report Card!

Posted by mack1014 on Mar 17 2011

Since Isabella is now in kindergarten, the infamous, exciting, and often dreaded "report card" has begun to make its appearance (in addition to all the updates that her IEP requires). Rated on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the highest possible grade), Isabella is now evaluated on different skills and compared to her peers in the same grade level. Panic sets in! How is this going to go? How will she be evaluated? How will we know if she is being graded fairly? Can her teachers effectively assess her anyway? Why am I even asking these questions?? We all may have differing opinions about how beneficial report cards c...

An Enchanted Evening

Posted by mack1014 on Feb 17 2011

Last Friday was Isabella's first "Daddy-Daughter/Princess Ball", and it was a magical evening for the both of us. The school-sponsored activity provided an opportunity for girls and their dads (from kindergarten through 4th grade) to enjoy an evening of dancing, chocolate cupcakes, photo portraits, impromptu "hoops" games, and arts and crafts. For Isabella and I, this was a particularly special evening. On my way home from work that day, I stopped to buy a rose for her - a glitter rose - can't be a princess without the glitter! We spent the rest of the day relaxing, and getting ready. I made sur...

Return to navigation
Top of content

Exceptional Family TV, LLC and it's "Key Partners" do not endorse, recommend, or make representations with respect to the research, services, medication, treatments or products on the Web site or on any episode, behind the scenes or kiddo cam.

The information on the Exceptional Family TV Web site is provided with the understanding that those involved are not engaged in rendering medical or legal advice or recommendations, including EFTV, LLC, Key Partner's or host. You should not rely on any information on the Web site to replace consultations with qualified health care or legal professionals to meet your individual needs. References to any treatment or therapy option, or to any program, service or treatment do not constitute an official endorsement by Exceptional Family TV, LLC or it's "Key Partners". Parents and professionals are encouraged to fully investigate treatment options and providers that may be most appropriate for a specific individual.