Gillian Marchenko

March Home Staging, Jooniper Design, Author & Speaker

Daily Bread: parenting kids with special needs

Daily Bread: parenting kids with special needs “How do you deal with the possibility that you could be a ‘forever mom,’ that is, that Polly and Evangeline may never leave home?” a young mom asks me after I finish sharing our family’s story with her MOPS group. I get this question often. It makes sense. I have children with special needs. We are unsure of the future. Will they live on their own or at

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For parents who aren’t ready to celebrate Down syndrome

For parents who aren’t ready to celebrate Down syndrome (This is a recycled blog post that I share every year in October for Down syndrome Awareness Month because the ethos of it rings true and in my opinion, is essential to bring to light. If you are a new parent or a seasoned parent to a child with Down syndrome, wherever you are in the journey today, I’m here to tell you it is OK.)

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‘This belongs to’ … realizing who our special needs kids really belong to in a hospital cafeteria

(I’m re-sharing this post in honor of Down syndrome Awareness Month).  ‘This belongs to’ … realizing who our special needs kids really belong to in a hospital cafeteria I sit in the hospital cafeteria, a half eaten chicken sandwich and a bottle of water is positioned in front of me on the plastic tray that reminds me of grade school. My foot taps. A loud metronome sounds in my head. Tick, tick, tick, tick. I

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How I am raising awareness during Down syndrome awareness month

How I am raising awareness during Down syndrome awareness month It’s Down syndrome Awareness Month. In years past I blogged every day in October in honor of DSAM but with my book coming out last month, I’m busy raising awareness in person at book parties, readings, and signings. Such a fun, exciting time in my life (and in Polly’s too. She’s signing books like a pro, and can’t wait for the signing party in Michigan

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