Catherine - Erica's Big Sister
Our daughter, Catherine—known to us as Cat—was a huge part of Erica’s daily life and care. From an early age, she helped in countless ways: changing diapers, assisting with feedings, babysitting, and simply being present. More than anything, Catherine brought joy. She had a natural way of keeping Erica engaged, whether through playtime, gentle interaction, […]
Happy Anniversary
Happy 40th wedding anniversary! Destined to share a life together!
Buckeye Invitational
In 1995, my chorus placed 3rd in the Mid-Atlantic District contest in Ocean City, MD. We earned an invitation to the Buckeye! What an honor. In 1996, the Heart of Maryland Chorus was invited to participate in the Buckeye Invitational by placing third in the annual Mid-Atlantic District Contest. This mini-convention invites only the 3rd […]
Jared - Good Times With Erica's Big Brother
Jared, our son, was and still is an amazing, handsome young man. Here are some pictures of our favorite times together! So many beautiful memories.
On a Wing And a Prayer
I relived the birth of our three children, in a public speech titled On A Wing and a Prayer."
Runaway Wheelchair
Speaking to Erica like a "normal" person was a good thing to do but sometimes lead to unexpected results, like a runaway wheelchair! On one sunny afternoon at Sesame Place, in Philadelphia, PA, Erica was told to "sit still for a moment, Mommy needs to tie Jared's shoe." Simple enough but Erica did not hesitate […]
Archie, the Helpful Dog
This story is easier to laugh about now. At the time, it very much was not. About a year after moving to our new home in the country, we found ourselves missing the companionship of dogs. Then, one day, a very large dog began wandering through our yard. He kept coming back. No collar. No […]
An Exchange Student, and an Open Home
People often called us crazy—usually with a laugh—in disbelief at how full our lives already were. Between caring for Erica, managing daily routines, and juggling family life, we somehow still said yes when the opportunity to host an exchange student for the summer arose. Anaise joined our family through a summer exchange program from Argentina. […]
Fun Halloween Campouts
Incredibly, with all of her issues, Erica was happy nearly all of the time, especially when on a Halloween Campout. 1999 Halloween Campout Here we are at Yogi Bear Campground near Hagerstown, MD. This year Erica went as The Great Pumpkin being peddled round by me as some kind of hippy dude. Camping in Style Another […]