Unfolding Dreams

     My son is 5 and picky too. Also on the spectrum. Between 18 -24 months, something changed. By the time he was 30-34 months he was eating circle peanut butter sandwiches 99% of the time. I worried that he wouldn't grow healthy or strong. Grocery shopping became a frustrating task. I felt helpless at what to buy when I looked down at an almost empty space in the cart for my son. On most trips, it was a loaf of bread and the largest jar of peanut butter I could find. Thanks to some food therapy with an occupational therapist, his father and I learned he liked other things besides circle peanut butter sandwiches. Mostly sugary things, like fruit snacks. I said okay, at least he won't die of starvation. We can always give him something sweet. Fruit snacks became a staple, but we also tried to give other sweet items, such as fresh fruits and Gerber yogurt melts. I am grateful that circle peanut butter sandwiches have expanded to all the flavors of uncrustables: honey and ...

Photo by Oliver Roos on Unsplash I have experienced two separations. One where I stayed in the state my soon-to-be-ex and I were raising our children and surrounded by his family. And the other separation where I relocated out of state with my children near my family. I think decisions, such as to stay married or get divorced and to live close or relocate often require deep reflection and guidance. When I made the decision to separate for the second time and the decision to relocate, I had been in weekly therapy for a year. And in frequent contact with my family, a few close friends and church members, and church leaders (my bishop, and the stake president). Even with a few faculty members at my university, who were helping me stay on track for graduating with my degrees.   The guidance I received at the time was telling me it was time to start over. But that starting over needed to be divorced and in a place where I could thrive as a single mom. I questioned, prayed, and ...