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Past Musings

Previously known as TransitioningMom.com

Insider’s Guide to the Injured Brain

The new workbook for brain injury survivors and their support

Follow by Mary Lanzavecchia on WordPress.com

A glimpse into my life

I'm not complaining, but is it any wonder my days aren't more productive? #GuideDogsfortheBlind #GDB #puppyintraining #Alfredo #yellowlab #careerchangedguidedog #PatientPacific #blacklab

Firsts: A Tale in Three Photo When I look back and think of the logistics alone, I realize I never fully appreciated the Herculean efforts my parents put into weaving together a family of 9 children that came in the span of 11 years. The chaos of scheduling the events of an 11, 10, 9, 8, and 7 year-olds while managing the diapers of a newborn and training pants of toddlers is mind boggling. Nonetheless, creating shared memories was important to both of my parents and many of those memories are rooted in traditions. Christmas was a special time in our house. Mom worked hard at making sure there was always at least one gift under the tree that would make us "smile up to our eyes." She once told me she always made nine separate shopping trips so she could focus on one child at a time. Her hit rate was unbeatable. Oh, to have had Amazon in those days! One of my favorite traditions was ornament day. Every year, we would dress up to go out lunch and then to the Pool, Patio, & Things store that had been converted into a winter wonderland with trees filled with every kind of ornament. There, all nine of us were allowed to peruse each tree until we found our perfect, individual keepsakes.The patience my parents showed until the very last child made their selection was beyond saintly. Never did I feel rushed. Always, I felt filled with the joy and meaning of the season. I was only 6 weeks old at my 1st Christmas. Either my mother or father chose my 1st ornament, a vintage-looking doll. I treasure her. I've carried this tradition into my family, weaving my childhood into the memories created with my children. My husband found Cait's 1st ornament, a sled with Rudolph and some bunnies. It is very much a reflection of him and her. I like to think I found Lexi's, but, in all honesty, her mouth found the small sterling cup first. I can still feel the weight of her in my arms as she mouthed the small cup. Together, all three first ornaments hang on the garland that sweeps the archway in my living room. Regularly, I seek out each of special keepsake and give thanks for the traditions that tie together the generations. #Christmas #parenting #ornaments #memories #traditions

Friendships: A Tale in One Photo "Hold still, I think I saw some ear wax." Don't we all need at least one friend that will keep us real? They're the ones that tell us if we have toilet paper stuck to our shoe, a little something on our nose, or if there's something stuck in our teeth. They don't condemn us for our flaws, but they don't let us stay stuck in a rut either, gently and consistently pushing us forward in our personal growth. Today, and everyday, I am grateful for the friends in my life that whisper truth in embarrassing moments, speak love into my flaws, and never let me lose sight of moving forward. #growth #friends #friendship #gratitude #blacklab #yellowlab

ReclaimingMary

ReclaimingMary

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Previously known as TransitioningMom.com