“The miracle is not that we do the work, but that we are happy to do it.” -Mother Theresa

Hi Friends!

Happy Labor Day! I hope you are soaking up the sun and enjoying some relaxation on this holiday! Where I live, Labor Day is the unofficial end of Summer and the unofficial start of Spooky Season! Spooky season is my favorite, although it is practically nonexistent here. The leaves change colors in the middle of October… maybe November and Halloween usually involve a costume change because of the excess sweat. Here’s to Spooky Season!

As usual, I want to start this blog off by saying thank you. Thank you so much for those who come here every Monday and reads my blog posts. I am not sure if this makes any sort of difference in your life, but to me, it means the world. I dialed my posts back so I could focus on all of the change that was happening in my life. Since my last update, so much has happened that I suppose I should just dive into the updates.

The first part of this update is rather glum or refreshing, depending on how you look at it. In a previous post, I announced that I would start a new endeavor in the form of a part-time position. That is no longer the case for a number of reasons. For as heavy as this weighed on me, it also gave me a moment to reflect on everything it gives me the opportunity to do. It gives me a bit more flexibility to be available to Mark should he and the school need it (sickness, meetings, therapies, etc.). It also allows me to expand my potential for growing this site, work on a (still very super-secret) side project, and focus on my studies in school. Everything happens for a reason. That’s still a saying, right?

As I said in my previous update, one goal I had for myself this year was to focus more on myself. That probably sounds really selfish. It took me quite a while to convince myself that it wasn’t selfish- It was necessary. I started my new journey as a Master of Public Administration student at my dream school. This is allowing me to gain all of the necessary information required to establish Make Your Mark as its very own nonprofit! The knowledge and skill-building opportunities provided by the school and in class have been exactly what I need to help make an impact within our community. If you know me at all, then you know this is all I want to do- make a difference.

Next, I want to share a quote that is very dear to my heart. In his book, Meditationes Sacrae and Human Philosophy, the philosopher Francis Bacon once said, “Knowledge is power.” On social media, I’ve found myself answering questions regarding who to call for what service (locally), and referrals for specialty doctors. In the spirit of Mr. Bacon’s quote, I will soon be adding a “Resources” tab for families and friends who may have questions about certain providers and how to contact them. It is my hope that this page will grow to include more areas with providers. It is my hope this continues to help our community, not just locally, but as parents to children with special needs.

Friendly reminder: September is NICU Awareness Month! Each year, from October to September, Mark’s Mission is collecting preemie onesies and board books to donate to our local NICUs. Our final day for all donations to be in for the 2021 year is September 30th, 2021! With COVID-19 numbers on the rise again, visitations are being limited in all areas of the hospital and sadly, the NICU is no exception. Family bonding is extremely important, especially in the NICU. This is why I’m asking for your help. I’m asking for you to consider making a donation to Mark’s Mission (through our Amazon Wishlist link below). Mark’s Mission is a program dedicated to promoting family bonding experiences in the NICU by providing preemie onesies, board books, and NICU journals. These are moments and actions that seem so common, almost expected. Oftentimes in the NICU, these are milestones and moments you pray for. Please consider making a donation. Let’s beat last year’s donations!

Mark’s Mission Amazon Wishlist Link Here

With the transition from the season of whacky weather, family vacations, and endless memories to the season of togetherness, family, and gratitude, I want to express my gratitude once more. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support in this adventure. Navigating life is difficult in this day and age. I am a firm believer in learning as you go and I am constantly learning. Life didn’t come with an instruction manual. Being the parent of a child with special needs requires learning not just how to care for yourself and your child. It isn’t about making your child fit into this world. It is about making a world fit for your child. If I can make this page, this program, and this nonprofit into something that helps someone else out there, I will feel like I am making a difference… and that’s all I’ve ever wanted.

Thank you for helping me achieve that goal by coming here and supporting me. You have no idea how much this means to me. I cannot wait to see what the next update holds!