My Holland

There probably isn't a special needs mommy out there who hasn't read at one time or another Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley. I had taken a couple of days off of work immediately following Oia's diagnosis and a co-worker of mine had given me a printed copy of this upon my return. Of all the cards, flowers, small gifts of thoughtfulness, and even some handwritten letters that I received in the days following, this was the one thing that seemed to fit and make sense. I remember reading these words shortly after they were handed to me and I recall thinking to myself, "This is exactly how I feel." The words brought a bit of hope and comfort during a painful time of uncertainty.



So being the lover of flowers and symbolism that I am, I planted my own slice of Holland...right in my own back yard. Rob and I built a flower bed together last fall and in it I planted nearly 100 tulips bulbs. Oia and I have spent our spring days walking to the flower bed together to watch the bulbs sprout and grow and bloom into tulips; slender and beautiful just like her. I've learned to make the most out of unexpected turns because Holland, at least my slice of Holland, is not such a bad place to be after all.