The Imposition of Change
I’ve never been one to resist change. I’ve always looked at it as an opportunity to grow and try new things. But when Zane died, I no longer embraced it. Prior to my pregnancy, I had left teaching to go on the road for a year with my husband and two-year-old son. I fully expected to return to the profession once the road trip ended. Zane’s birth, diagnosis, and care altered that plan completely. I couldn’t teach full-time and take care of two young boys, especially one with developmental and medical needs. But I was all right with that. I accepted that change. I built my life around being a mom and picking up jobs as opportunities arose. When we moved from Colorado back to Arizona, I started working in the schools as an instructional assistant, so that I could be near the boys and follow their schedules. I became a part-time (and eventually full-time) IA, mom, chauffer, CNA, organizer of schedules, along with all the other roles a woman takes on. I did that for ...