“Mrs. Vogelsang, Addison is making trouble in his row. He won’t leave people alone.” I caught Addison’s eye, easy enough since he was turning around and not paying attention to the chapel service. His Asperger’s Syndrome created daily challenges for me to keep order and yet give him the necessary leeway to have a positive learning experience. Motioning for him to come sit by me, the usual penalty for misbehaving students in church, I watched as he stumbled over everyone’s fee

“You can choose one of these three outfits.” I calmly told my three year old what her options were for church attire. I wasn’t as concerned about her appearance during the week, especially if we weren’t venturing from the house. But heads would turn if I allowed her to select her church outfit. Having a choice was the battle, and I gave her that choice… within limits. Anyone who has raised children knows that the struggle for power begins at a very early age. I wanted my chil

“Rudy! That’s the last picture. Let the poor girl blow out her candles. Please!” My mother was trying to salvage my celebration. However, Dad was determined to capture on every camera he owned my happy smile lit up by my birthday cake. After one final photo, my grin turned to stone, I checked out the puddles of wax, former birthday candles, each with a glowing flame in the center. A quick puff of air and a long pause as the liquid wax cooled. But then I could congratulate mys

“Here… try this plum wine. It’s the best and it’s only made at this winery. I know you’ll love it!” “Excuse me lady, but I’ll have to ask you to step out from behind the counter.” “Oh! I was just getting them started since you weren’t here. I wanted to be sure they tasted the plum wine.“ “I understand. But it’s not your job. It’s mine.” The owner of the small, family winery was kindly persistent in insisting my mother-in-law was taking on a responsibility that wasn’t hers to