I have included this section as a Postscript because it is the fruit of long years of reflection, rather than my immediate experience. It is also longer than the other…
The ancient Japanese art of kintsugi honours imperfection. When a ceramic pot or bowl is broken, it is painstakingly repaired with gold. The cracks become beautiful, giving the pot a…
There is an old Chinese story about cracked pots. You might have heard it before. A peasant farmer walks down the hill to the river every day to collect water.…
Martha started attending a local mainstream nursery shortly after her first birthday. The managers and staff could not have been more welcoming. Martha had a wonderful key-worker with whom she…
Martha’s six older siblings loved and accepted her from the start. That was never in question. So far as they were concerned, she was their baby sister; anything to do…
As Martha passed her first birthday and continued to grow, our focus was increasingly on her communication and development. Her health was generally good now. She had occasional heart check-ups…
It was just a few days before Christmas. Like a good Catholic, I had come to the church to make my Confession.* Coming in from the damp December gloom, I…
Christmas was approaching fast. Martha would soon be one year old. Outwardly we were doing ok. Martha was robust and thriving now. We were enjoying a busy round of weekly…
The speed of Martha’s recovery was startling. On her last day in the hospital she amazed me by sitting up unsupported for the first time ever. By the time we…
Martha’s hospital stay was a strange time out of time. After the first couple of days Adrian split his time between the hospital and home with our other children. I…
I would love to keep you updated with my recent blogs and latest news about books and publications. Sign up here if you would like to receive my newsletters. You can unsubscribe at any time.