My mom Diane Todd Yates was born on the 4th of July and died on Christmas. When she died, I was nowhere close to ready to have a memorial for her. I wouldn’t even bring her ashes into my house. The ashes lived in my Jeep for six months and drove around town with me...
I am the proud mom to four children. My oldest two children are on the autism spectrum, and my youngest two are considered “neurotypical.” When I first became pregnant, I never dreamed I would raise a child on the autism spectrum. The thought never crossed...
Since becoming a mother, I now experience joy, fear, isolation and pride more than I ever imagined I would. Since my daughter came along I have cried harder than I thought possible, but I’ve also laughed more than I have in years. Motherhood has taught me...
I want my kids to be healthy and to have a good education, and to always watch their manners. I teach them: love who you are. Love who you are. And accept others as you want to be accepted.
“How quickly it all happens, you know? Some days it seems like it just drags on and on and on, and then you blink and they grow up. I’ve really learned how to slow down and appreciate the small things since my daughter came into my life. And I’ve...
