Happy New Year All,
Each year at this time I find myself saying pretty much the same thing: "where did the year go?" The answer is usually easily seen in how many of last years resolutions were kept, forgotten, started then stopped, or simply remained in my mind since it always sounds better to me up there anyway.
This past year has seen Parenting Special Needs Magazine not only "get
off the ground", but also, become an important medium for so many
wonderful people. It has provided a way for so many people to connect
and share.....to grow the special needs community. As a result, this
year, I am making my New Years Resolutions in a slightly different way.
I am going to list some of my resolutions here and share them with all
of you. Who knows, perhaps some of my resolutions are, in fact, similar
to yours. So here goes: I resolve to take better care of myself. Our
article on Self Care tells the
importance of taking time for oneself. The article on Life
Long Resolutions speaks about taking better care of
oneself through diet and exercise. I also resolve to be more organized.
This is why I have included a wonderful article on Organizing
Your Medical Records. Perhaps it will inspire you
to finally get organized. I know it has helped me in unimaginable ways.
I also resolve to continue to make PSN Magazine the best it can be by
bringing you more of the quality and versatility that has made the
magazine special since its inception. Articles that can help simplify
our lives, make us more aware and better advocates for our
children. Articles such as the one about Franky
DiStefano and his journey of success in the workplace. I also
resolve to "stop and smell the flowers" along the way. Simple things
that, in retrospect, mean so much more than material gain.
I was recently in Savannah, Ga.
with my family over the New Years holiday. Our family went on
long walks around a wonderful city that is rich in history, culture,
food, and typical Southern charm. Aside from the very real beauty of
the city, with all of their "squares" (others might call them parks),
what struck me was the laughter and warmth of our daughters as they
walked along side my husband and I. Seeing the sights, smelling the
crisp air, eating the wonderful foods, learning about the
history....the thing that struck me the most was that I was so
fortunate to see it through the eyes of both of my daughters. Eyes that
were both understanding and eyes that were not. Nevertheless, these
eyes saw wonderment and beauty in its purest sense and I got to see it
as well. It didn't have to be in Savannah, it could have been, and has
been often times, in our own home or town. It made me realize that this
year is yet another opportunity to have 365 days to resolve to see
things through new eyes. Eyes that will hopefully continue to see
beauty in all that I/we have been Blessed with in our common community.
May 2009 be a Healthy, Joyous and Prosperous New Year for all of you.
Chantai Snellgrove
By: