Saturday, May 11, 2013

Seven Years

Yesterday was my Blogiversary. I've been blogging for seven years.

I've seen a lot of excellent blogs come and go. I've tried some branching out, wishing for time I don't have to tell about things that may or may not interest you. I've tried strategies that didn't work, changed my ideas about a lot of things, and managing to not blog about a lot of important stuff.

I've watched a number of bloggers, many who have come in after me, grow into huge, popular blogs, while I remain here in the quiet backwater. To be honest, that's kind of the story of my life.

Joey was basically nonverbal when I began writing online here at Life With Joey. He was four years old, watching Pinky Dinky Doo and clutching his Bus. We were just entering the world of echolalia. I got to blog about Joey's first conversation. I shared a newbie special needs parent's view of time. I've written about potty training at 5, the therapy circuit, the never-ending evals, the meltdowns and the good days- and things that make life good (and more things that make life good).

I hope I've done some good sharing these things for all and sundry to see. I hope posts like Powerpoint Thinking and Quick Guide To the Day After Diagnosis have helped do what I wanted to blog for: help people move away from fear and into acceptance, understanding, and advocacy for their loved ones. I hope you all know You're Not Alone. Parenting any child has ups and downs, so I hope sharing ours has helped, even with my small readership.

Thank you for sharing the comfy couch corner of the internet with me and with my family. I hope you still know there's cocoa and coffee and ice cream in my virtual kitchen, and squishy pillows, and plenty of hugs for you. Make yourself at home.