One of my principles as a parent, as an employee or even just as an individual, is to always (or as much as I can) do what I say I am going to do. It could be delivering on a promise that I've made to my daughters, setting clear boundaries for the kind of behaviour that I expect from them (like being respectful and compassionate) or setting myself up to meet deadlines in the workplace. Regardless of the situation, doing what I say I am going to do has been a big part of fostering strong relationships and giving myself the sense of accomplishment that I need to continue persevering at whatever it is that I want to or have to do.

In this case, a few years ago I decided that I wanted to write exactly the kind of book that I couldn't find when I needed it the most. The kind of book that could have been a reference point for me in coming to terms with my baby having suffered a stroke and provided some insight into how someone else had dealt with the long process of rehabilitation that follows. 

Writing about that period of my life was not easy. In a way, it was like reliving the most difficult part of my life all over again, but worse. When I was living it, I tried to stay numb to my feelings and in writing it, I was being completely honest with myself. However, as I continued writing and looked at the experience with the perspective that comes with time, I also saw what beauty there was in all of the tiny triumphs that were ours to celebrate and what strength I ultimately found through it all.

I said that I would make my book available by July 2013. It hasn't been easy, but with one day left in July, I am happy to say that the very book that I wish someone had written for me to read, is now available through Amazon.ca for whoever might like to read it.

I am thrilled to be making my very first blog posting!  This blog, this site and the materials that will be available through Micha Books represent the realization of a vision that I’ve been quietly working towards for years. 

When I found out that my baby had suffered a stroke, I had the privilege of being referred to many doctors and therapists who, collectively, have played a critical role in my daughter’s rehabilitation. What I did not have access to, however, were the kinds of resources that would have resonated with me as a mother trying to help her child and at the same time, come to terms with a very difficult situation. 

I know that Micha Books could never provide everything that parents facing similar situations might need. But, what I have learned through this experience, is the value of the little things—how a sense of kindness and compassion can make the difference between desperation and hope, how a new idea can make the difference between success and failure and how the slightest change can serve to dramatically improve a situation. I have learned the value of patience and perseverance and the beauty of celebrating the very tiniest of triumphs—the kinds of things that others take for granted but parents like me, know come with an enormous amount of effort.  

Finding out that my baby had suffered a stroke was devastating and the period in my life that followed, was very difficult. But, as the years went by, it also turned out to be the experience from which I learned the most. What I am offering here is by no means intended to serve as professional advice to anyone nor is it intended as an example of what may be possible, or appropriate, for others. It is simply an effort to make my own experience available to others in the hopes that it is useful in some way. It is, in essence, exactly what I wish I could have read when I needed it the most.

My first book The Little Dark Spot: How I Came to Terms with My Baby’s Stroke will be available this summer. In the meantime, check back here for more reflections on issues related to encouraging and motivating children facing the challenges of physical rehabilitation.