Sometimes our transitions are intertwined closely with the transitions of another.
Our guest this episode is Cindy Hill, whose first child Ben was born with Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects a person's heart and cognitive abilities. Cindy's eagerly anticipated prospect of joining the "sisterhood of moms" was abruptly altered. Now life became a series of significant--and often challenging-- transitions as Ben moved through his development milestones.
This all took place at a time of new community understanding and inclusion, made possible in part by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Each new milestone required much pre-planning and orientation, particularly in working with the local school system.
As Ben's most knowledgeable and passionate advocate, Cindy had to change right alongside him, always trying to stay one step ahead. Even Cindy's personality changed so she could fight through the complications ahead. After all, Cindy was Ben's mom, and her protective maternal instinct was about to break loose!
Here are some resources that Cindy recommends:
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Bright Beginnings
Provides services that promote the health and development of infants and toddlers so that children start school healthy and ready to learn.
http://www.escneo.org/BrightBeginnings.aspx
Courage to Caregivers
Provides hope, support, and courage to caregivers and loved ones of those living with mental illness, through one-to-one caregiver support, support groups, educational programs and resources.
www.CouragetoCaregivers.org
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Passing Through Life podcast copyright 2018 Luanne Bole-Becker
Episode 6: Becoming Mama Bear
Cindy Hill interview recorded 7.29.18; podcast published 3.27.19
Introducing our guest: Cindy Hill (00:15)
Lu Today's episode is entitled simply, "Becoming Mama Bear." It's episode number six, an interview with Cindy Hill. She's an accomplished writer and a parent activist. That latter role is something she didn't choose, but it kind of became reality when Cindy's firstborn son was born. (That happens!) With a variety of both physical and cognitive challenges. So, welcome Cindy. Thanks for joining us today.
Cindy Nice to be here, Luanne.
Lu We first met, in fact as we were becoming new moms and we discovered we had a common love of Discovery Toys because you became my best customer. Yay! She bought everything I brought! And then we were both writers and we loved a lot of the same things like exploring space and drum circles and who knows what else. So we've been inspiring each other kind of back and forth for more than 30 years now.
Cindy &nbs