https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/ Blog posts by Kimberly G. Jackson -- attorney, autism advocate, and inspirational speaker. en-us Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:31:52 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/we-are-in-this-together.html My husband and I are in this weird space right now. When we walk in the door, there is silence. When we look around, there is not much to pick up other than the mess we created. We look at each other. We... Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/we-are-in-this-together.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/never-count-my-bear-out.html My birthday was some time ago but I celebrate when celebrated. My older daughter kept sharing that she got me a gift -but if did not arrive timely and I was quietly sad. I LOVE suprises and I love ... Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/never-count-my-bear-out.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/love-these-women.html Mothers do so much. We say this often, but we do not really delve into the depth of their sacrifice. Over the past six months I’ve had the opportunity to meet many women who have taken their respon... Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/love-these-women.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/all-is-well-2.html This picture keeps popping up on my phone. Each year it does I am reminded that all is well. My aunt, Dr. Patricia Ann Harvey told me years ago- that ALL would be well with our daughter. For every ... Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/all-is-well-2.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happiness-is-a-choice.html My older daughter fought for her independence. Each day of her life she has and continues to teach me that we have choices. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happiness-is-a-choice.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/love-35.html My husband and I loved each other as man and wife officially for 30 years this year. As I look back at our collective journey I am beyond proud that... Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/love-35.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/celebration.html This sounds silly and somewhat sad but sometimes I forget to smile. Not a typical placid smile but a real full mouth all teeth in smile. Today was one of those days. My girlfriends came out to cele... Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/celebration.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-acting-experience-for-persons-on-the-spectrum.html Many persons on the spectrum are drawn to acting. I once asked our daughter’s neurologist about this and it makes sense. Acting is expressive but confinedActing tells a story that you can perfect a... Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-acting-experience-for-persons-on-the-spectrum.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/no-comparison.html I am a proud graduate of Spelman College. My older daughter is a proud graduate of Spelman College. AND now my youngest daughter is attending college. The Spelman Experience is like NO OTHER! It is... Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/no-comparison.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/wait-on-him.html I try to keep my blogs as neutral as possible. However as a believer I have to testify. On this day I am grateful for watching the sun rise and set. Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/wait-on-him.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/jack-and-jill-incorporated.html Jack and Jill, Incorporated is a national organization dedicated to supporting youth from ages 2-18. I was an active member of this organization for 23 years. AND now I am an Associate member. The ... Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/jack-and-jill-incorporated.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/trusted-sister-circle.html These women have been in my life for three decades. Through good times and more challenging times. I am the youngest of the group- which I love to say to them- and in all seriousness am thankful fo... Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/trusted-sister-circle.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/best-mommy-moment.html I have waited SUCH a long time to witness this moment. My first born who came into this work roaring like a LION made her debut as a stage manager for a play in Chicago. I was mesmerized as I watch... Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/best-mommy-moment.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/still-smiling.html 2025 was WAY too much. Our family was challenged in a multitude of ways, which I do not care to share. Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/still-smiling.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/community-helps-you-heal.html This picture was taken on a particularly difficult day for me. While I am smiling through pain it is clear to me at least that I needed a smile and warm embrace. My church member saw that and fille... Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/community-helps-you-heal.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/santa-lives.html For the past 15 years we have gone to the same Christmas Village to select our tree. The magic of this place is undeniable. Julie and her team of elves are kind, loving and embody the spirit of Chr... Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/santa-lives.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/your-health-is-your-wealth.html Your health-whether spiritual, mental or physical -MATTERS. What I have come to realize as a parent of a neurodivergent person is that your body is in constant fight or flight. When you are caring ... Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/your-health-is-your-wealth.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/patience-is-a-virtue.html My dad is very cool. This is a fact. But he is also extremely patient. I do not see him often but when I do I am grateful.Our children now young adults come in like a hurricane with a ton of energy... Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/patience-is-a-virtue.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/it-is-ok-to-not-be-ok.html Sometimes life does not go your way. You have dreams and plans and action items and goals and sometimes you are placed on a different life journey.No one prepares you for the alternate path you jus... Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/it-is-ok-to-not-be-ok.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/back-to-life-back-to-reality-2.html Well our superstar student on the spectrum finished her semester at SCAD and made her way back home.Having an older child- now young adult we are keenly aware as parents that the energy shifts in t... Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/back-to-life-back-to-reality-2.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/she-finished-strong.html It was a ROUGH quarter! We started with significant uncertainty. The college we spent so much time researching and investing in was much more difficult to navigate then we thought. More... Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/she-finished-strong.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/halloween-never-gets-old.html My children love Halloween. Arguably they love all holidays but who does not love candy. This Halloween was the first one where we were not together. It was weird because we usually find some way t... Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/halloween-never-gets-old.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/ran-into-an-old-friend.html Sometimes it’s difficult to make friends as adults. You’re more cautious and you really do not know why someone comes into your life. Thankfully, I have met friends in my adult years who have added... Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/ran-into-an-old-friend.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/twinkies.html These two have been at it since they could walk. In fact I do not have too many consistent photo memories of our daughter without her god-brother by her side. He has been a protector, a partner in ... Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/twinkies.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/you-are-my-sunshine.html It is hard to let go. My daughter is now a full fledged adult- GROWN woman. Everytime I see her I am grateful for the space and time she gives me. I am ever mindful that her life and independence m... Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/you-are-my-sunshine.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/fairy-godparents.html Our daughter is determined to forge her own destiny. It is beautiful and somewhat difficult in many ways. Just like her peers she wants independence Just like her peers she does not want to live or... Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/fairy-godparents.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/nothing-like-that-family-bond.html Our older daughter is grown and gone. She is living her best life. While we are extremely happy for her-her absence does leave a hole in our younger daughter’s life. Siblings who support persons on... Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/nothing-like-that-family-bond.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/nice-people-still-exist.html Shopping for our daughter is difficult. She is still trying to find her look and often gravitates to several different styles. Unfortunately while she was at college her clothes were stolen. So we ... Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/nice-people-still-exist.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/if-at-first-you-dont-succeed-try-again.html We are the new phase of life with our daughter, and I’m trying to support her entry into the workforce. It is certainly not as easy as we thought it would be. First, you have to have patience, seco... Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/if-at-first-you-dont-succeed-try-again.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/respite.html I started this month with respite. You know that concept when your body says you have simply had enough. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/respite.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/never-alone.html This is what is never said about Autism- it comes with loneliness. Often times I do not have the words to share the many tasks I have to do in a day... Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/never-alone.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/known-traveler-id.html One of the most significant challenges of helping someone on the spectrum is supporting them in the “system”. You know Drivers license or State ID, voter’s registration, passport and the like. Rece... Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/known-traveler-id.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/remaining-strong-2-2.html People ask me often how do you keep a relationship healthy. I always respond that I wish I had a better answer but the truth is I do not. It takes work! Remaining strong in any relationship is diff... Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/remaining-strong-2-2.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/sisters-separated-but-still-the-same.html My older daughter, Chloe is 7 years older than my younger daughter, Emersen. When they were young it worked well. Emersen always had Chloe and All of her other friends to look up to. There were man... Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/sisters-separated-but-still-the-same.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/twinsies.html These two have been going at it for sometime. I mean weekly. They just LOVE each other. And -I certainly understand because my grandmother was everything to me. I LOVE their LOVE. It is honest and ... Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/twinsies.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-will-take-the-support.html This summer has been transformative. I simply cannot believe how quickly society moves on. Just a year ago we had so much support -although I am mindful that it was quite difficult I am now cogniza... Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-will-take-the-support.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/when-did-she-become-an-adult.html You know when a child has become an adult when you are no longer consulted for birthdays. Every year, although I complained often, I thoroughly enjoyed planning FABULOUS parties for my daughters. Ch... Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/when-did-she-become-an-adult.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/rare-sighting.html I love our town and have a ton of hiding spots in plain sight! This past week I went to Book and Bottle, a local bookstore with a twist. (If you have not been there you should truly check it out.) ... Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/rare-sighting.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/milestone-moment.html Our daughters are entering a new phase. One is turning 26 and is maturing rapidly before our eyes and the other is turning 19 and starting that journey. It all happens so very fast. When you are in... Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/milestone-moment.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/self-awareness.html As our daughter ages she is becoming more aware of how she presents as a person with Autism and more importantly how others engage with her. As a parent the most difficult part of caring for a love... Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/self-awareness.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/it-is-getting-serious.html Now that our daughter attended a year away from college she is cognizant that she hit a new level of space and time. It is both interesting, enlightening and quite frankly hard for all of us. Our f... Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/it-is-getting-serious.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/mic-drop.html Our daughter set a goal very early in life. Her sole goal is to become a voice over actress. Now we have discussed for quite sometime but I am a firm believer that God gives us the tools to act on ... Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/mic-drop.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/there-is-no-place-like-home.html It’s a wrap! Our daughter spent 30 weeks way! 210 days away! 5040 hours away! Our family and loved ones simply cannot believe it. She did what no one thought she could do. She left for school like ... Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/there-is-no-place-like-home.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/test-anxiety-is-real.html It is that dreaded finals time. A time when students cram as much into their brains and regurgitate it back out for professors. Every school had a methodology and every professor have their own pat... Fri, 23 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/test-anxiety-is-real.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/goodbye-boyfriend.html My daughter has her first heart break and it was HARD! I decided I should not share too much of her story because it is her story- but I will say the experience forced her to examine herself and le... Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/goodbye-boyfriend.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happy-mothers-day.html So I truly had a lovely Mother’s Day. Graduation season is here and I had plans to head to Miami to celebrate a family friend’s son who graduated from law school. However, motherhood always comes w... Fri, 09 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happy-mothers-day.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/bear-hunting.html Now that my older daughter is OLDER I find myself in this strange position. I am still her mother and she is still my daughter BUT I recognize she is an adult. (And I know she is reading this and p... Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/bear-hunting.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/oh-no-we-forgot-about-the-holidays.html When we were preparing to send our daughter to school, we thought about everything at least that was our belief. Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/oh-no-we-forgot-about-the-holidays.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/self-care.html I believe in self-care. It is the only way to take care of others. Recently, our pastor shared a message about this. I had never heard it in this manner because I had not focused on the importance ... Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/self-care.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/love-on-the-spectrum.html My daughter had her first date with her new boyfriend a little over two months ago and now they are glued at the hip. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/love-on-the-spectrum.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-guess-i-have-a-new-friend.html So even though I did not ask for it, I guess I have a new friend! I cannot believe it but our daughter’s Special Needs dog, Milo is turning five. Milo has been an incredible dog He is sensitive He ... Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-guess-i-have-a-new-friend.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/why-dont-you-treat-me-like-i-am-an-adult.html Our daughter is adamant that she is an adult now. In fairness she is right. She is over 18 and she has achieved appropriate milestones for her age group -however she is not yet an adult. When pushe... Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/why-dont-you-treat-me-like-i-am-an-adult.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/much-need-break.html Strange to say this but my husband reminded me how much parents with child on the spectrum need breaks. My husband met a couple on a work trip and they shared that this was the first trip away from... Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/much-need-break.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-met-a-boy.html So I have been waiting for this call in my dreams but never did I ever expect it to go like this… “Mom- I Met A Boy!” Complete silence after. So I encourage to spill the beans and she goes on and o... Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-met-a-boy.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-village-never-fails.html Motherhood is a powerful feeling. Whether you have challenging experiences or beautiful experiences or exhausting experiences- it is just beyond words to describe what it feels like to care for ano... Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-village-never-fails.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/why-is-sissy-still-in-school.html My older daughter is my younger daughter’s North Star! She has literally followed her in every way! Until last year I never knew how intensely she was following her. BUT she is! So when my daughter... Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/why-is-sissy-still-in-school.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happy-valentines-day.html Strange but this year was my first Valentine’s Day without both of my daughters. My girls love holidays any holidays. They love the opportunity to get gifts. I have played into this for a long time... Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happy-valentines-day.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/2025-just-in-the-nick-of-time.html I have spoken about this so many times it truly does not be repeating. Friendship is an essential part of feeling connected and loved. Of course we all know this. There’s so many examples of how fr... Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/2025-just-in-the-nick-of-time.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thats-what-friends-are-for-2.html Our family is beyond blessed. We have a host of friends always willing to step in. Taking our daughter back to college this semester was rough. We were truly unsure about whether we were making the... Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thats-what-friends-are-for-2.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/every-child-needs-you.html My older daughter, Chloe is exceptional. And the older we grow in the journey of supporting her sister in the spectrum the more grateful I am that she is whole and intact. Chloe was selected to pre... Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/every-child-needs-you.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/we-are-going-on-an-adventure.html So I have not been myself for several weeks. The holiday stress and overall challenges with supporting our daughter took a large part of my mental space. I was so grateful when my husband surprised... Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/we-are-going-on-an-adventure.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/her-superpower-resilience.html After a six week break from routine it is hard to get back in the swing of things. That is generally true for all people but especially for persons on the Autism Spectrum. Routine MATTERS! We did n... Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/her-superpower-resilience.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/her-superpower-resilience-2.html The journey never really ends but you fool yourself into thinking it does. Last year our daughter went to college. We prepped and prepped and prepped but we could not adequately prep for “mean” and... Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/her-superpower-resilience-2.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/what-do-i-do-when-i-have-a-free-moment.html It is hard for many people to be alone. If we are honest, on some level we all want meaningful companionship or basic human touch. As a parent of a person on the Spectrum, you do not always get tha... Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/what-do-i-do-when-i-have-a-free-moment.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thank-you-for-being-a-friend.html YaSheaka Williams has been my friend for 20 years. It goes without saying that when you have known someone that long your life is forever altered by their spirit. I believe that we can literally fe... Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thank-you-for-being-a-friend.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/a-brief-moment-in-time.html People often ask what is the hardest part about raising a person on the spectrum and I have never waivered with my response- TIME! You always feel time is against you when you live with someone wit... Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/a-brief-moment-in-time.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-did-it-ms-vanessa.html Our daughter has attended Rock the Spectrum – a space where kiddos with Autism learn, receive therapy, play and thrive for about a decade. She loves this place because it is filled with so ma... Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-did-it-ms-vanessa.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/bright-lights-big-city.html Sensory issues are often challenging for persons on the spectrum. From a pragmatic standpoint it is often difficult to plan ahead of time. AND you truly cannot ascertain which noises or lights or s... Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/bright-lights-big-city.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-am-going.html Every year we have the same battles with our daughter. Like most people on the Autism Spectrum- Routine matters! For years our family spent a full week with our Aunt in DC. We loved the time away a... Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-am-going.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/back-to-life-back-to-reality.html So I have done this before. Take a daughter to college Handle the change in energy that occurs Bring the daughter back Watch her come Back to LiFE and Back to Reality! I was unsure how Emersen woul... Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/back-to-life-back-to-reality.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/be-patient-it-all-works-out-in-time.html It went so very fast! We just dropped our daughter off and now here I am helping her clear out for winter break. There are no clear words to express my feelings about our daughter’s first quarter c... Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/be-patient-it-all-works-out-in-time.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/friends.html This is my last week home as an empty nestor for the Winter Quarter. I must admit I have been Missing In Action (MIA). So often parents on the Spectrum are scheduled from the start of the day to th... Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/friends.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thank-you-kbj.html I had one of the greatest evenings of my life this week. I had the honor of meeting Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first African American Woman to sit on the United States Supreme Court. It was... Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thank-you-kbj.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/arent-you-glad-i-was-not-home.html So if you live in our state of Florida you know how chaotic life has been for us over the past month. Just when we begin to breathe again-another hurricane heads straight toward us. It has been bey... Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/arent-you-glad-i-was-not-home.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/a-whole-new-world-2.html Usually I have a plethora of issues to discuss on Autism Spectrum Disorder- and don’t get me wrong I still do. However, lately I have been thinking a lot about parents and the journey they embark o... Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/a-whole-new-world-2.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/you-gotta-have-friends-2.html My husband and I are blessed with many friends. As you raise your children you sometimes lose touch with people you love but that does not mean they are no longer in your circle. Now that our daugh... Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/you-gotta-have-friends-2.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/what-are-you-doing-mom.html It has only been a couple of weeks, but my family and friends are now asking me- “What am I doing with my time?” Well, the truth is nothing. As a mother I often think of how having a special needs ... Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/what-are-you-doing-mom.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/starting-anew.html So, I left a week ago and it was well strange. Truly the entire experience felt like I landed in OZ. When I came home after dropping off our daughter the house was SO silent! As a parent you become... Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/starting-anew.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/when-they-are-ready-to-soar.html This week I took my daughter to college, and it was not at all what I expected. I must say the experience was beyond my expectations. Our daughter was excited, open, curious, helpful, and in her co... Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/when-they-are-ready-to-soar.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/a-whole-new-world.html Next week we are embarking on a whole NEW world! Funny how things turn out. My husband and I met in Atlanta. Our older daughter went to school in Atlanta and here we go again! Every time I return t... Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/a-whole-new-world.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/time-to-talk.html I took a little time to travel to Chicago to see my older daughter this week. I simply cannot believe she is 25 years old. She is “adulting” quite nicely. Going to school ☑Has a job ☑Has an apartme... Fri, 16 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/time-to-talk.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/packing-and-packing-and-more-packing.html I am not one of those people who love to pack. That being said- even though I am quite an organized person I truly hate it and I do not use that word lightly. Traveling had become so complicated an... Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/packing-and-packing-and-more-packing.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/funny-how-those-angels-work.html Our family is blessed. We have angels all around us. Every time we look back on how we came over we are filled with joy. I usually do not pay attention to phone reminders where you are given a glim... Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/funny-how-those-angels-work.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/what-a-difference-a-year-makes.html Exactly one year ago our daughter on the spectrum stepped onto SCAD, the Savannah College of Arts and Design’s campus. It was incredible to see her reaction to finding a space where she simply knew... Fri, 26 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/what-a-difference-a-year-makes.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/its-a-wrap.html Our family have been patrons of American Stage for two decades! That is not an exaggeration! Our older daughter fell in love with the theatre early on because she always felt as if she was home. Am... Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/its-a-wrap.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/recharged-and-refueled.html I rarely go away. I mean really go away. Well this is not exactly true. I do go away but my mind remains with my family. After an incredible MONTH of celebrating our daughter’s accomplishments I wa... Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/recharged-and-refueled.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/if-youre-going-to-pray-why-worry-if-youre-going-to-worry-why-pray.html You always have life lessons from when you are a child. You know, you remember statements that stuck in your brain. To be early is to be on time. Why, buy the cow, when you can get the milk for fre... Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/if-youre-going-to-pray-why-worry-if-youre-going-to-worry-why-pray.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/she-launched.html This week has been full of anticipation. Our daughter is about or Jack and Jill, Inc., a national organization for mothers dedicated to their children. The journey in this organization ends at 18. ... Fri, 21 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/she-launched.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/first-film-credit-murder-on-the-mic.html Our daughter has attended American Stage for the better part of 10 years. During this time she has had numerous performances, either dancing or singing or acting. This year was the first time she l... Fri, 14 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/first-film-credit-murder-on-the-mic.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-met-a-friend.html A couple of weeks ago I travelled to DC for a family friend’s funeral. It was a rough 24 hours-coming after a whirlwind of a couple of hectic weeks. I met a FRIEND while we were working on the prog... Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-met-a-friend.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/mentorship-matters.html So, I have thanked our daughter’s mentors, the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha many times! They have been a strong presence in her life for nearly 10 years. Their consistency and reliability cha... Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/mentorship-matters.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/bravo-chica.html Just when the week could not get any better, we learned that our daughter received a scholarship. It was a big deal because it was given to a handful of students in front of many VIPs in our commun... Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/bravo-chica.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/we-were-flying-high.html Sometimes a photo captures it all. Happiness! We were flying HIGH on graduation day! It was magical. As we walked into Tropicana we felt the energy. It was beyond overwhelming. I looked at our daug... Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/we-were-flying-high.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/little-act-of-kindness.html It is graduation season and like most young ladies we are looking for the perfect dress. It is hard searching for clothes for people who have sensory issues. On top of it-my daughter is ALL girl an... Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/little-act-of-kindness.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/end-of-an-era.html This photo looks like any other photo but is actually an end of an ERA! For 23 years I have been a member of Jack and Jill, Inc., a premier African American mother’s organization for children. The ... Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/end-of-an-era.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/no-photos.html Many people on the spectrum detest taking photos. Our daughter is no different. In fact it is an ongoing “dance” we do to get her to take photos. We were asked to take photos on this particular day... Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/no-photos.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thank-you-grandmama.html We often talk about how ASD impacts the child and the immediate family but we rarely talk about the extended family. My mother diagnosed my daughter with Autism. I remember how nervous she was to t... Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thank-you-grandmama.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/finished-product.html Our daughter had her last -LAST- LAST project this week and it was surreal. For months she has been learning about food insecurity to present in a final showcase to her teachers, professors, parent... Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/finished-product.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/goooaaaallllll.html So my husband is a soccer fan. Well I’m being really mild about this he is a soccer fanatic!Although I appreciate the game I literally watch it with him solely to hear the commentator scream in a l... Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/goooaaaallllll.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/to-sisterhood.html My older daughter came home today. We were all excited to see her for Easter but no one more than her sister! The hardest issue to deal with is connection. As parents of children on the spectrum yo... Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/to-sisterhood.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/rejection-and-standing-firm.html Part of life is rejection and standing firm. Our daughter is the definition of resilience. Every time I think about the challenges she experiences on a day to day basis I am reminded of what I used... Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/rejection-and-standing-firm.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/then-and-now.html My godson is a special person and I do not say that lightly. From the moment he came on this earth he had a peaceful air about him. My best friend and I have been quite inseparable over the years a... Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/then-and-now.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/all-is-well.html We never know what life has in store for us but faith is the key to accepting life’s storms. This week was our family experienced unfettered joy. Our daughter confirmed that SCAD is the college for... Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/all-is-well.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/sisters.html So one of my favorite Christmas Songs from the movie White Christmas is the Sisters Song by Rosemary Clooney. No Judgement! The song is a tribute to sisters and the intricate relationship between t... Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/sisters.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-green-dot.html This GREEN Dot may not seem like much but for our family it is GOLD! We have been waiting for this moment for what seems a lifetime. The GREEN Dot represents our daughter’s completion from St. Pete... Fri, 23 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-green-dot.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/senioritis.html So, I have a new appreciation for all the work my older daughter did. Truthfully, she is brilliant and needed little encouragement. In fact, we told our older daughter to dial it back and enjoy her... Fri, 16 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/senioritis.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-cannot-believe-we-are-actually-here.html It’s getting real. Very real! Every day there are new avenues to explore as we transition our daughter with ASD into adulthood. One moment she seems very young and in need of significant guidance. ... Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-cannot-believe-we-are-actually-here.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/you-only-need-1.html As our daughter gets closer and closer to finalizing her journey in the K-12 environment it is not lost on me all the lessons she learned, we learned individually and how much we have grown as a fa... Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/you-only-need-1.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/reality-is-starting-to-set-in.html So, REALITY is starting to set in that we have a graduating senior. I simply cannot believe how much we have grown as a family and what we witnessed-which is a MIRACLE. I remember bracing for confe... Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/reality-is-starting-to-set-in.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/time-to-reflect.html You cannot tell but the tree in this photo is pink. I know, right? Several years ago I blogged about this tree that I walked past many many times a week and never noticed was PINK. That day I learn... Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/time-to-reflect.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/personal-privilege-gratitude.html For nearly 3 years I have blogged about my life as a parent with a child on the spectrum. Sometimes I provide education, sometimes I vent and most of the time I just share my present experience. It... Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/personal-privilege-gratitude.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/time-for-a-break.html So – I try to blog weekly but I am not always successful. Sometimes life is “LIFING” and it is best to listen to my body. When you are caring for someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder it is i... Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/time-for-a-break.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/rare-joy.html Our girls – now grown young adults are 7 years apart. They have essentially lived as siblings and as only children. They love and “like-not-like” each other at times and then other times “DEF... Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/rare-joy.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/progress.html I remember a time when I could not enjoy the theater. It was very difficult for our family because we love the theater. We love dressing up We love getting there early We love the entire experience... Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/progress.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thats-what-friends-are-for.html We lost one of our sister moms, Joyce Roberts this week. It was unexpected and beyond difficult. Joyce lived with Alzheimer’s- a truly challenging diagnosis that cuts those around persons afflicted... Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thats-what-friends-are-for.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happiness-2.html Happiness is spending time with those you love. I took my diva mom with me to an art event last week. If you ever have the opportunity to meet my mother you know she is the “Bell” of the “Ball”. Sh... Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happiness-2.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thank-you-ms-p.html This is our daughter’s official last year in the nutcracker. It has been a beautiful space and a wonderful holiday tradition for many years. I remember when we first came to the steps of the Academ... Sat, 02 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thank-you-ms-p.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happy-thanksgiving-again.html So for many many years I spent Thanksgiving in Virginia. I was taking care of my dear aunt who handled M.S. better than anyone I know. In any event when she passed I did not know what to do. Our en... Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happy-thanksgiving-again.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/you-gotta-have-friends.html I have known these two women for a really long time! In fact we all met in 2000, August to be specific- when we launched our legal careers. Stetson University College of Law was a dynamic place for... Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/you-gotta-have-friends.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/friendship-is-fool-for-the-soul.html Friendship is FUEL for the soul. I have said this so many times but the saying remains true- Friendship is FUEL for the soul! This week and we celebrated new beginnings with a dear friend of 30+ ye... Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/friendship-is-fool-for-the-soul.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/family.html This blog is late for a good reason- I had way TOO much fun! Do you remember anytime when your joy leaped off of you? Well that is how I feel every time I go back to SPELMAN for homecoming. Our spa... Fri, 03 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/family.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/ok-i-am-late-for-a-reason.html This blog is late for a good reason- I had way TOO much fun! Do you remember anytime when your joy leaped off of you? Well that is how I feel every time I go back to SPELMAN for homecoming. Our spa... Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/ok-i-am-late-for-a-reason.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/oh-to-be-103.html Thinking a lot about time these days. I always think about how fast the year went by when it is my husband’s birthday. Strange I know-but when his number increases I think about mine following his ... Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/oh-to-be-103.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/where-did-the-time-go-2.html I remember everything about this day. The BATTLE over what to wear. The issue of trying to get the girls hair combed. Trying to coordinate outfits with my mother and in-law’s. Most importantly tryi... Sat, 14 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/where-did-the-time-go-2.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/unexpected-blessing.html So today we experienced an unexpected blessing in the middle of what was a chaotic day. I will spare you the details but let me just say – you have had this day. The Day When NOTHING goes rig... Fri, 06 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/unexpected-blessing.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/so-i-lost-a-friend.html So I Lost a Friend Someone I loved from the time he took his first breath. Someone Who is truly beautiful inside and out. Someone who I look forward to seeing just because of his smile and gentle s... Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/so-i-lost-a-friend.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/be-cognizant-of-what-you-pray-for.html Be Cognizant of What You Pray For Our daughter is a senior and like most seniors she has the “ITIS”. She does want to work but NOT really! She knows she has to get to next level but is taking her S... Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/be-cognizant-of-what-you-pray-for.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/never-say-no.html Never say No! So our daughter decided she wanted to be a cheerleader. She has been begging for 2 years to try out and was super excited to learn that... Fri, 08 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/never-say-no.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-world-is-smaller-than-we-think-2-days-in-dublin.html The World is smaller than we think- 2 Days in Dublin My husband and I had a 10 day excursion to Europe. It was quite a whirlwind and truly enjoyable. We needed time with our older daughter and are ... Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-world-is-smaller-than-we-think-2-days-in-dublin.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-have-to-say-it-was-a-good-day.html I have to say it was a GOOD Day! I Have To Say It Was A Good Day! Our family had a fabulous Day. It was one of those days that did not start off well. We had been traveling all day from Dublin to L... Fri, 25 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-have-to-say-it-was-a-good-day.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/just-another-day.html Just Another Day My hubby and I are on an adventure. This time it is a new one because we are adding our oldest daughter to the fold. We are meeting her on the other side of the pond and it is inte... Fri, 18 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/just-another-day.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/a-weekend-of-rest.html A Weekend of Rest My husband and I have a lot of responsibilities like those families. Often times we feel like we are walking past each other like roommates. We both have demanding careers, We bot... Fri, 04 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/a-weekend-of-rest.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/friendship-is-fuel-for-the-soul.html Friendship is Fuel for the Soul This is my St. Pete Crew! I can’t believe that we are raising our children together for the past 20+ years. When I came down to Saint Petersburg I did not know where... Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/friendship-is-fuel-for-the-soul.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-year-of-jordan.html The Year of Jordan! Wow-24 years ago I gave birth to an energetic bundle of joy who is determined to take over the world even at her first breath. People still don’t believe my story of how she cam... Fri, 21 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-year-of-jordan.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/this-is-what-happiness-looks-like-2.html This is what happiness looks like! So, I made it home, by home I mean back to Chi-town. It was, as I keep saying, GREAT to be with my extended family. Soooo now I am back home-in the community I ha... Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/this-is-what-happiness-looks-like-2.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/back-home.html She’s a BIG girl now! This week I spent a FULL week with my older kiddo-now officially an ADULT! She just finished her first year of her Ph.D program at Northwestern University and I was overdue to... Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/back-home.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/young-and-17.html Young and 17 A year goes by quickly. When you’re amid the daily grind you do not think about it and then – you look up and time has moved on. This year our daughter successfully completed 11t... Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/young-and-17.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/these-3-words.html These 3 words This week my husband and I celebrated 27 years of marriage. It was not our typical celebration. We are usually out of the state or sometimes country exploring and taking time to be pr... Fri, 23 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/these-3-words.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/yes.html YES! I cannot lie, I live for these moments. You know when your kid – no ALMOST adult-tells you, ALL is well! There were and are so many times when I think about my daughter’s journey. As I r... Fri, 16 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/yes.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/it-will-always-be-alright.html It will ALWAYS be ALRIGHT This week was a WEEK. Nothing really different- just the day to day grind and balance. I am always mindful that life has a way of humbling you. Just when you believe you a... Fri, 09 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/it-will-always-be-alright.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happy-feelings-in-the-air.html Happy Feelings in the Air! So, my husband and I do not get away often together but when we do we put our WHOLE heart in it. This weekend was a whirlwind! We spent quality time with some of our dear... Sat, 03 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happy-feelings-in-the-air.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/to-the-class-of-1993.html To the Class of 1993 This weekend marked my 30th class reunion. I had an incredible time with old friends, classmates, and peers. You have the usual conversations about where you are, what you are ... Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/to-the-class-of-1993.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/pure-joy.html Pure Joy! We have these moments in our lives that we just cherish. There is no way to explain them other than to say that they are PURE JOY! It has been 30 years since I graduated from college this... Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/pure-joy.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/slow-down.html SLOW DOWN Everyday in every way we RUSH! We RUSH through breakfast. We RUSH to get to through morning traffic. We RUSH to get to the meeting or to make it through the meeting to get to the next mee... Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/slow-down.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/trust-your-instinct.html Trust your instinct! So Of course it is autism awareness month. Every year in this particular month my email is flooded with other advocates and parents searching for answers. I always wish I had m... Fri, 14 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/trust-your-instinct.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/mommy-moment-do-it-chloe.html Mommy Moment! Do IT Chloe! My daughter, a Dramaturgical Consultant for “The October Storm” at Raven Theatre So I LIVE for the moments. My daughter Chloe is constantly telling me to get a life &#821... Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/mommy-moment-do-it-chloe.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/dream-deferred.html This year marks the 20th year of my membership in the Florida Bar Association. I actively practiced as a trial attorney until my daughter was diagnosed with ASD then transitioned to ... Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/dream-deferred.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/answer-is-always-yes.html Answer is ALWAYS YES Sounds strange but when you are supporting a loved one on the Spectrum, somehow the answer is ALWAYS YES. You watch them go through life with so many people saying no- you feel... Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/answer-is-always-yes.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/in-good-time.html In GOOD time I remember asking my grandmother a ton of questions and no matter what I asked, ultimately her response was the same. Good things come to those who wait Kimberly you must be patient An... Sat, 18 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/in-good-time.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-sun-always-rises.html The Sun Always Rises So I am on the other side of the Gulf of Mexico watching the sunrise again! Even though I participate in this ritual often it never ceases to amaze me how peaceful it is to wat... Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-sun-always-rises.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/unconditional-love.html Unconditional Love My aunt, Dr. Patricia Ann Harvey left this world 3 years ago today. It is all so surreal. I do not know how many days passed over this time period where I simply was not present.... Fri, 24 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/unconditional-love.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/life-well-lived.html Life WELL lived So I can not believe it-but we are at a year since my mother-in-law Dr. Tamara Ewell Jackson went home. I continue to be incredibly grateful for all the love and support that surrou... Fri, 17 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/life-well-lived.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/murals-in-mind-mental-health-matters.html Murals in Mind- Mental Health Matters! Yesterday I had an amazing evening at the Bayboro Brewing with colleagues who love and support the arts. We were celebrating the special debut of a wonderful ... Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/murals-in-mind-mental-health-matters.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happiness.html Happiness I LOVE surprises and especially unique gifts and this week I received both! My classmate from graduate school, Erwin Timmers is an exquisite artist. His specialty is glass. I was so excit... Fri, 03 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/happiness.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/road-less-traveled.html RUSH RUSH RUSH The end of 2022 was hectic. Like so many I was ready for the holiday break. Then the holiday came and more RUSH, RUSH, RUSH! My family and I traveled to Lisbon, Portugal after all th... Fri, 20 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/road-less-traveled.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/martin-luther-king-jr.html Martin Luther King Jr. Every year we remember Martin Luther King Jr. and reminisce about his legacy. We dutifully have celebrations and participate in parades in MLK’s honor. BUT I think we can all... Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/martin-luther-king-jr.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/acceptance.html Acceptance I had so many plans this past month. You know those end of year commitments to re-evaluate, read, organize, process LIFE for the new year, etc. But LIFE did not agree with my plans. My h... Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/acceptance.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/anxiety-and-puss-and-boots.html Anxiety and Puss and Boots! So hear me out. I know this seems crazy but Puss and Boots summed up what many “middle-aged” persons are experiencing- ANXIETY and sometimes- shall I say it out loud FEA... Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/anxiety-and-puss-and-boots.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/cheers-to-a-good-life.html Cheers to a good life! My husband’s aunt Orpah is 102 years old. You would never know that either by looking at her or speaking with her. In fact every year I am amazed at how much better she appea... Fri, 23 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/cheers-to-a-good-life.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/wow-20-years-strong.html WOW- 20 years strong! This week was a Seminole moment for me. It is the 20th anniversary of my graduation from Stetson University College of Law. I remember the time like it was yesterday. I was a ... Fri, 16 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/wow-20-years-strong.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/time-to-gather.html Time to Gather Like many families we are grateful to return to some level of normalcy. This year we returned to my home town- Chicago. I think we take for granted what home feels like. As we landed... Sat, 26 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/time-to-gather.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/unfettered-joy.html Unfettered Joy This week I received an award for being a good bee! In all seriousness it was truly an honor to receive a prestigious award based on service and in the name of a lovely human being, ... Fri, 18 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/unfettered-joy.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/facetube-ig-tiktok-oh-my.html FaceTube, IG, TikTok, Oh My! Digital devices have the same impact as drugs. It’s not a popular sentiment but it’s very true. If you have a teenager you know what I’m talking about. The endless deba... Fri, 11 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/facetube-ig-tiktok-oh-my.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/here-we-go-again-32-years.html Here We Go Again-32 Years! Well I can’t believe it but I have officially been with my best friend for 32 years. It is insane truly. I cannot believe how fast the time went. In my mind and I think i... Fri, 04 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/here-we-go-again-32-years.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/your-love-is-king.html Your Love is King My man king, the love of my life is celebrating a milestone this month. His dental practice turns 20 years old. We cannot believe how quickly the years went by. I remember the day... Fri, 28 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/your-love-is-king.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/break-a-leg.html Break a Leg Our daughter with ASD is constantly amazing our family. While my husband and I were out of town she auditioned for the Christmas Carol at the St. Pete City Theatre and nailed a lead rol... Fri, 21 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/break-a-leg.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/lady-sings-the-blues.html Lady Sings the Blues Everyone experiences the blues at some point in their life. I was at this point recently when I decided their is just too much to do in 24 hours. Now that we are “post-COVID” a... Fri, 14 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/lady-sings-the-blues.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/evacuation-zone-a.html Evacuation Zone A Hurricane Ian’s wrath wrecked homes and hearts. For those who were most impacted there are no words that will truly bring comfort. For those who were fortunate enough to miss this... Fri, 07 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/evacuation-zone-a.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/living-on-purpose.html Living On Purpose So it has been over two years since I started this blog and exactly two of sharing wisdom in a monthly newsletter. Thank you for HEARING me and sharing our family’s journey. Sarin... Fri, 30 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/living-on-purpose.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/positive-behavior-support.html Positive Behavior Support School is somewhat underway and if you are like me – you’re edgy! A young woman I mentor who has a child on the spectrum asked what she should say to the teach... Fri, 23 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/positive-behavior-support.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/defining-my-role.html Defining my role I was talking to a friend who shared that she likely earned an additional PhD advocating for her son. She single-handedly created opportunities where there were none- and most impo... Fri, 16 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/defining-my-role.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/good-time-all-around.html Good time ALL around! I took my husband on a rare date night doing something that he would want to do instead of what I want to do- AND that is go to a Buccaneers football game. I had planned it fo... Fri, 09 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/good-time-all-around.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/why.html Why? I was fumbling through my phone yesterday and put in the search term “Autism”- and Whoa-so much came up! It was like walking back in time. I explored where our family was almost every year and... Fri, 09 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/why.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/adventures-are-a-must.html Adventures are a MUST! So I had a bit of a health scare. Nothing super serious I just did not feel like me. Turns out I need an adventure. It has taken me a long time to acknowledge how stressful i... Fri, 02 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/adventures-are-a-must.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/this-week-we-lost-a-giant-calling-him-a-giant-is-an-understatement.html This week we lost a giant. Calling him a giant is an understatement We lost a charismatic, kind, loving, serious soul committed to equity. We ALL lost someone we considered loved us most -Watson Ha... Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/this-week-we-lost-a-giant-calling-him-a-giant-is-an-understatement.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/legend.html Legend Last week our family had the opportunity to meet our aunt’s education peers. It was surreal! Our aunt, was the first female African American Superintendent in St. Paul, Minnesota. While it w... Fri, 19 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/legend.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/summer-is-over.html Summer is Over! Every parent and I mean EVERY parent enjoys the end of summer and the joys of children going back to school. This year was particularly difficult yet beautiful at the same time. Get... Fri, 12 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/summer-is-over.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/count-your-blessings-1-by-1.html Count your blessings 1 by 1 Someone I love called me to share that someone she loved passed away. He was a young boy with several disabilities who gallantly fought to live. Apparently physicians to... Fri, 05 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/count-your-blessings-1-by-1.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/who-are-you.html Who Are You? A friend sent me an article on Brad Pitt. It was on his inability to remember faces. She recalled me sharing our daughter’s challenges with facial recognition for many years. Brad Pitt... Fri, 29 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/who-are-you.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/still-anxiety.html Still Anxiety Travel was always easy for our family. We started early and made it a point to teach our daughter how to appropriate navigate airports, planes and the endless travel modalities that c... Fri, 22 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/still-anxiety.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-feel-so-alive.html I feel SO Alive Our daughter experienced a true first this week. She put her hands on a steering wheel, adjusted her mirror, checked her surroundings and slowly drove off. We were speechless. Our f... Fri, 15 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-feel-so-alive.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/cant-believe-the-progress.html Can’t Believe the Progress Sooo 10 years ago we could never sit through fireworks. It was simply impossible. Our daughter could not stand the noise or crowd or stimulation. We hid in closets with n... Fri, 08 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/cant-believe-the-progress.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/next-level.html Next Level Time to celebrate! This week our daughter reaches a milestone- Sweet 16! When your kids grow rapidly before your eyes you cannot believe how fast the time flew by. Years of cries, diaper... Fri, 24 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/next-level.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/farewell-to-a-good-space.html Farewell to a Good Space Our daughter has been privileged to attend a magical campground every summer for nearly a decade. This camp is a place of joy, peace and where one can find their place. Eve... Fri, 17 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/farewell-to-a-good-space.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/making-their-own-way.html Making THEIR own way With every child there becomes a time when you realize they are not mini-versions of yourselves. It can be quite jarring to learn-even through we know this- that we are raising... Fri, 10 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/making-their-own-way.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/fiercely-independent.html Fiercely Independent This was quite a week. Our daughter finished 10th grade successfully, passed entrance exams to attend college, participated in a fashion show and decided she would be ok with m... Fri, 03 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/fiercely-independent.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/and-were-off.html And – We’re OFF So this is scared. Nearly 14 years ago-I sat in a room with my family where I was told my daughter was broken and could or likely would never do “X”. Just replace anything wit... Fri, 27 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/and-were-off.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/time-to-pivot.html Time to pívot It has been a year hasn’t it! Post- COVID, mid-COVID, No-COVID, yes-whatever COVID! I am not diminishing this world-wide pandemic on any level. Rather I am revisiting the toll it tool... Fri, 20 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/time-to-pivot.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/best-day-ever.html Best Day Ever Last week I had the honor of receiving an award from Academy Prep, (“AP”) a middle school dedicated to shaping the lives of those without equity who are primarily brown and black chil... Fri, 13 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/best-day-ever.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/pass-the-torch.html Pass the torch I spent yesterday afternoon chatting with my oldest aunt about her journey. She is a pioneer. The first to graduate from college in our family and move on to receive several- SEVERAL... Sat, 07 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/pass-the-torch.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/sleep.html Sleep My family has issues with sleep. I do not – well I do because I blame their sleeplessness for mine. We have tried every best practice. Hot baths Lavendar scrubs Aromatherapy Massages Wh... Sun, 24 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/sleep.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/trials-test-your-faith-and-refine-your-character.html Trials Test Your Faith and Refine Your Character This month is particularly difficult. After 10 years of being a significant caregiver to our family matrons – we are now in a world where we m... Fri, 15 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/trials-test-your-faith-and-refine-your-character.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/next-steps.html Next Steps Our family is constantly bombarded with questions by family, friends and strangers centered around what we plan to do when our daughter transitions into adulthood. The truth is I do not ... Fri, 08 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/next-steps.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/our-pearl.html Our pearl Today begins Autism Awareness Month and it is always a time of reflection for our family. When I think about the many obstacles our family navigated and the beauty we now experience, I am... Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/our-pearl.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/women-rule.html Women Rule! I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge powerful AUTISTIC women who RULE- during this most important month. Their stories speak for themselves. Please take a look at how they changed... Mon, 28 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/women-rule.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/good-vibes-all-around.html Good vibes all around My web content specialist shared a very special story with me. It was about a police officer who took time with a young autistic girl to make her feel comfortable during a try... Fri, 18 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/good-vibes-all-around.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/loss-and-grief.html Loss and Grief Like many families the past two years have tried our resilience. It seems at EVERY corner there was a hurdle to overcome. I am frankly sick of isolation and all that comes with it. S... Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/loss-and-grief.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/transparency-and-accountability.html Transparency and accountability I am a board member of the National Non-Profit, Council for Parents, Attorneys and Advocates, (“COPAA”). The organization advocates for all those living with disabil... Fri, 04 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/transparency-and-accountability.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/give-yourself-time.html Give yourself time Yesterday was an extremely difficult day for our family. We held a viewing for my mother-in-law and it was the anniversary of the day dear aunt and best friend passed away. Altho... Fri, 25 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/give-yourself-time.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/self-advocacy.html Self- Advocacy Everyone needs access and support. Just think about it. You go abroad and don’t speak the language. You need to get around. What do you do? You use your support and self advocacy to ... Fri, 18 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/self-advocacy.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/love-lives-on.html Love Lives On I am mindful of how quickly life moves. My mother-in-law reached her 80th birthday in 2021 and our family is incredibly grateful for the 10 bonus years we have had with her. Our daugh... Fri, 11 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/love-lives-on.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/this-is-not-a-dress-rehearsal.html This is Not a Dress Rehearsal I had some time to reflect over the past month and really-PAUSE. It was wonderful to be in my own space and really think about life and the footprint we want to leave.... Fri, 04 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/this-is-not-a-dress-rehearsal.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/this-is-what-happiness-looks-like.html Memories “Stay still. C’mon guys please smile! I have spent the entire day at Build A Bear and in return I would like a GOOD picture!” MEMORIES! I remember this day so well. Every year we spent spr... Fri, 28 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/this-is-what-happiness-looks-like.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/memories.html Memories “Stay still. C’mon guys please smile! I have spent the entire day at Build A Bear and in return I would like a GOOD picture!” MEMORIES! I remember this day so well. Every year we spent spr... Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/memories.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/every-year-matters.html Every year matters! So my birthday is this coming Monday. This year I am privileged to share it with Martin Luther King-at least a celebration. Like many people I have been contemplating what life ... Fri, 14 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/every-year-matters.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/reflection-and-reinvention.html Reflection and Reinvention Every year we have an opportunity to reflect and reinvent ourselves. It is so easy to look back when we should always look ahead. Fighting these human urges challenges ou... Fri, 07 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/reflection-and-reinvention.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/a-fresh-start-again.html A fresh start – AGAIN! I remember this beautiful day on the beach so well. My husband and I were so grateful to say goodbye to 2020 and so encouraged to say hello to 2021. We prayed together ... Fri, 31 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/a-fresh-start-again.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/ghosts-of-christmas-long-ago.html Ghosts of Christmas Long Ago This picture was taken in 2016. I cannot believe it. I literally do not know where the time went. So many traditions. So many preparations to enforce the traditions. So... Fri, 24 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/ghosts-of-christmas-long-ago.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/setbacks-are-set-ups-for-success.html Setbacks Are Set-ups For Success Do you ever wonder WHY? It is natural right? You have this moment where you truly question the footprint of your life. You wonder why am I experiencing so many setb... Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/setbacks-are-set-ups-for-success.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/uninterrupted-joy-is-a-choice.html Uninterrupted Joy is a Choice I have a confession. Most people who know me know that it’s not really a confession. In fact it’s pretty self-evident. I am an eternal perfectionist. I am sure I am no... Fri, 10 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/uninterrupted-joy-is-a-choice.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-magic-begins-again.html The Magic Begins Again! I cannot believe it is December and that we survived another year of transformative change. Despite many obstacles we survived. We should applaud our strength and ability to... Fri, 03 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-magic-begins-again.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/its-a-family-affair.html It’s a Family Affair We all have good times during this time of year. AND then the reality that we have to go back to our routine sinks in. Back to packing lunches and washing clothes, setting up a... Fri, 26 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/its-a-family-affair.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/a-time-for-thanksgiving.html A time for Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is always a time of reflection right. It is a time to gather with family and friends and celebrate life. Like most families our family focuses on the positive a... Fri, 19 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/a-time-for-thanksgiving.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/love-is-all-there-is.html Love is all there is I think I mentioned this before but my husband and I have been friends and partners for 31 years. It is amazing how fast time goes. We look up and decades have gone by. Neither... Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/love-is-all-there-is.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-fun-never-ends.html The fun never ends Halloween may be over but the fun never ends! Watching our daughter prepare for several different costumes for Halloween was frustrating but also joyous. She literally bounced ar... Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-fun-never-ends.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/homecoming.html Homecoming!! So we made it to homecoming. I can’t believe it. So many years of wanting a moment just like this and here it is. Our daughter is having a typical moment where she is smiling and is be... Fri, 29 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/homecoming.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thank-goodness-for-music.html Thank goodness for music Music creates the soundtrack for our lives. We can literally connect precious moments to those most precious songs that instrumentally changed who we are. For our daughter ... Fri, 22 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thank-goodness-for-music.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/test-anxiety-stinks.html Test Anxiety Stinks! My daughter came home this week and immediately began to lose it over a test she was scheduled to take. A test, A TEST! I cannot take a test. This is absolutely awful. I will f... Fri, 15 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/test-anxiety-stinks.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/life-moves-fast.html Life moves fast!. So I’m sitting here with my husband and I’m staring at him wondering where all the years have gone. I have officially celebrated 30 years of birthdays with him. I was with him for... Fri, 08 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/life-moves-fast.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/no-such-thing-as-a-painless-life.html No Such thing as a painless life. I had a rough week this week. It was just challenging. One thing after another. On top of personal challenges my daughter had a setback. I was discussing this with... Fri, 24 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/no-such-thing-as-a-painless-life.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/smile.html Smile It should not be difficult to smile but if we are honest- sometimes it just is. Responsibilities, rote activities of daily living, stress and time demands slowly erode our joy. Instead of enj... Fri, 17 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/smile.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thank-you-walmart.html Thank you Walmart! So Halloween is a big deal in our family. It happens to be the first day my husband and I had our official date 31 years ago. We love everything about Halloween. We dress up we m... Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/thank-you-walmart.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/better.html Better I asked a colleague how she was doing after quite a rough week and she responded Better. I immediately thought that is what we are all striving for right-To be better. As a caregiver of a ch... Fri, 03 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/better.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/bright-spot.html Bright Spot! As a parent you wait for the “moments” that shape your child’s development. This week was one of those moments where I literally saw our daughter shine -it was a complete bright spot! ... Fri, 27 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/bright-spot.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/milestones-she-has-a-permit.html Milestones- She has a permit! Yesterday was surreal. As my daughter and I drove to the DMV I couldn’t help but think of all the milestones she has accomplished. When so many people tell you-NO-The ... Fri, 20 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/milestones-she-has-a-permit.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/lift-off.html Lift Off So – I honestly did not know what to expect this week. After over a year of solitude we have lift off. Back to life back to reality. I truly forgot how much executive organization an... Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/lift-off.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/movin-on-up.html Movin on up! It’s happening! We are on our way back to school and back to normalcy. Last week we had the opportunity to tour our daughter’s new school. The joy on her face was absolutely contagious... Sat, 07 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/movin-on-up.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/summer-is-sadly-coming-to-an-end.html Summer is sadly coming to an end! After a year + of virtual school, summer was a welcomed distraction. While it was quite a challenge to dust off clothes and get back to a new routine our family wa... Fri, 30 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/summer-is-sadly-coming-to-an-end.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-am-not-ready.html I am NOT ready! So my daughter does not look like a little girl anymore-she is firmly in TEEN category! During COVID we did not worry about what she wore. Let’s face it, most of us wore nice ... Fri, 23 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-am-not-ready.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/reset.html Reset! Well-summer is halfway over and we hit the reset button! It has certainly not been easy transitioning from home to face-to-face again but so far so good. Three weeks of ballet was intense an... Fri, 09 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/reset.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/traditions-are-tricky.html Traditions are tricky! Every year while families are planning their Fourth of July gatherings OUR family has a difficult time. This particular holiday is a sensory nightmare for many with ASD and w... Sat, 03 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/traditions-are-tricky.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/milestone.html Milestone This is a big year for me. I am comfortable calling if a milestone year! Our daughter graduated from college, My husband and I celebrated 25 years of marriage and our daughter with ASD is... Sat, 26 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/milestone.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/serenity-is-good-for-the-spirit.html Serenity is good for the spirit Some people have a difficult time letting go. I fall in that category. My mother always said, “Kimmy you think too much.” AND this is quite true. Every once in awhil... Fri, 18 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/serenity-is-good-for-the-spirit.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/eat-sleep-rest-love.html Eat, Sleep, Rest & Love We all have so much on our plate. Emails, social media, work, family, work, personal time and FOMO (Fear of missing out!). I would like to remind those of you who are on... Fri, 11 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/eat-sleep-rest-love.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/hi-ho-hi-ho-its-off-to-camp-we-go.html Hi ho hi ho it’s off to camp we go! After over a year of virtual life we are finally done! I cannot say how astoundingly proud I am of my daughter and her efforts to navigate the VIRTUAL world and ... Fri, 04 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/hi-ho-hi-ho-its-off-to-camp-we-go.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/my-girls.html My girls! No longer girls but always mine. I am so grateful for having the privilege of raising them. As a parent you always pray you have done enough and that your words will resonate when your ch... Fri, 28 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/my-girls.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/keep-the-hope-alive.html Keep Hope Alive This week I had the opportunity to see students in person. It was overwhelming to see so many bright young minds together and excited about graduation. Academy Prep gave me the awes... Fri, 21 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/keep-the-hope-alive.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/you-reap-what-you-sow.html You reap what you sow As parents we stress out a lot about whether we have done enough. I know I have. Over the years when facing challenges with my children I wonder if I even know what I am doing... Fri, 14 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/you-reap-what-you-sow.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/never-give-up-yes-i-am-saying-it-again.html Never give up! Yes- I am saying it again! This past weekend my crew had the opportunity to fellowship with other families outside. It was a beautiful safe space -but still one that was difficult fo... Fri, 07 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/never-give-up-yes-i-am-saying-it-again.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/friendship-fuels-the-soul.html Friendship fuels the soul As we end Autism Awareness month- I am mindful of the importance of friendship and what a therapist once shared with me.In sum she said while we all need friendship and hu... Fri, 30 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/friendship-fuels-the-soul.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/letting-go-a-work-in-progress.html Letting Go – A work in progress. My daughter and I have been inseparable for a year. Strange how we adapt when we need to. Amid Covid – we eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner together, bal... Fri, 23 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/letting-go-a-work-in-progress.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/being-her-mom-is-a-joy.html Being her Mom is a Joy I am always cognizant of my daughters journey during autism awareness month. In part because so many people ask me what does it feel like to be her mom. Being her mom i... Sat, 10 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/being-her-mom-is-a-joy.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/world-autism-awareness-day.html World Autism Awareness Day I reflect on our journey, my daughter’s journey with gratitude. I will never forget the day in 2012 when I made the difficult decision to leave my practice of law and wal... Fri, 02 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/world-autism-awareness-day.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/oops-she-did-it-again.html Oops She Did It Again My daughter never ceases to amaze me. When ever she sets a goal-she meets it. Even when there is a goal set as she has no idea how to tackle she figures out a way to make it w... Fri, 26 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/oops-she-did-it-again.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-cant-believe-it-i-cant-believe-it.html I can’t believe it!, I can’t believe it! My daughter is graduating from college. She’s not graduating from any college -she’s graduating from my alma mater, Spelman College.... Fri, 19 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-cant-believe-it-i-cant-believe-it.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-joys-of-spring-break.html The Joys of Spring Break I worked yesterday – even though I told myself to take a break. I worked today – after I repeatedly told myself to take a break and then something stopped me. I... Fri, 12 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-joys-of-spring-break.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/is-it-spring-break-yet.html Is it Spring Break Yet? Today is the last day of school for a week. Even though I am not in school I was completely over the moon. What is the “old school” saying? No more Teacher’s, No... Fri, 05 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/is-it-spring-break-yet.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-did-good.html I did good! I was never good at math. In fact it was my worst subject and I hated it. These days kids have to do way too much homework from my perspective. (Full disclosure- I didn’t like homework ... Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-did-good.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/sister-love.html Sisterly Love I am an only child so I truly have no idea what it means to experience sisterly love. Well – that is not exactly true because I have a circle of beautiful friends who are in fac... Fri, 19 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/sister-love.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/theres-nothing-like-nature.html There’s Nothing Like Nature We often fail to look around and see the beauty in our lives. We become so busy that it’s just hard to stop, take a look and absorb life. Covid-19, of course, has made t... Fri, 12 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/theres-nothing-like-nature.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/where-did-the-time-go.html Where did the time go I have said it before and will say it again- life moves fast so it is best to enjoy the ride. 30 years ago, two young “eccentric” friends fell in love and decided to go the di... Fri, 05 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/where-did-the-time-go.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/listen-and-embrace-empathy.html Listen and Embrace Empathy So you know when you have one of those days where you just don’t know where to start. Everything annoys you, goes awry and you can’t regroup. Most people can relate to th... Fri, 29 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/listen-and-embrace-empathy.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/new-horizon.html New Horizon I have to talk to my daughter daily about beginning again. In fact I say to her every day today is a “present” that’s why it’s called THE present. This wee... Fri, 22 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/new-horizon.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/follow-the-yellow-brick-road-its-back-to-school-we-go.html Follow the yellow brick road -Its back to school we go Numbers don’t lie. We are in alternate universe where our former existence seems strange and our new reality is off putting. Still- there are ... Fri, 15 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/follow-the-yellow-brick-road-its-back-to-school-we-go.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/time-2020-to-2021-same-story-different-year-it-is-all-about-the-masks.html Time 2020 to 2021 Same story-different yearIt is ALL about the masks I don’t know about your family but we literally have masks everywhere. And I mean absolutely everywhere. In the laundry room and... Fri, 08 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/time-2020-to-2021-same-story-different-year-it-is-all-about-the-masks.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/life-is-good.html Life Is Good! So this year is an exceptional milestone year for me as well as many of my dearest friends. We are reaching our 50th year of life. I have the opportunity to end the year with one of m... Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/life-is-good.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/healing-begins-now-dont-let-anyone-steal-your-joy.html Healing begins now-Don’t let anyone steal your joy This has been a year of tremendous pain and joy. I began the year with so much hope and ready to enter a new decade. At the time I was so re... Fri, 25 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/healing-begins-now-dont-let-anyone-steal-your-joy.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/check-in.html Check in Over the last few weeks, I have been thinking it is time for us to check in and re-focus our priorities to address our mind, body, and spirit. We must minimize the impact of stress and iso... Sat, 19 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/check-in.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/she-looks-like-me.html She looks like me! My daughter eagerly awaited Kamala Harris' rise. She watched her weekly and said each day, 'She looks like me, she looks like you,... Fri, 11 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/she-looks-like-me.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/it-is-ok-to-ask-for-accommodations.html It is ok to ask for accommodations So, I talk the talk but sometimes forget to walk the walk. I am exhausted. My life is non-stop. Sometimes I do not know how I will get through the day. Usually, I... Fri, 04 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/it-is-ok-to-ask-for-accommodations.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/to-whom-much-is-given.html To Whom much is Given As we celebrate the season of giving, I want to celebrate the many special spirits that care for vulnerable souls. I truly believe this quote says it all. Happy Thanksgiving~ ... Sun, 29 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/to-whom-much-is-given.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/ask-your-school-for-education.html Ask your school for EDUCATION It has been a full year since I took my child out of an unsupportive environment and accepted that every educator does not have my child’s best interest. It was a pain... Fri, 20 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/ask-your-school-for-education.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-dog.html The DOG So, we all know a dog is man’s best friend, but they are certainly a ton of work. In an earlier blog I shared that I bought a beautiful fluffy sheep-a-doodle for our daughter. To be fair he... Fri, 13 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-dog.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-election.html The Election We are 3 days post-Election and I encourage you to maintain your mental health. Over the last few months, you run into people with significant anxiety, stress, anger, and frustration. ... Sat, 07 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-election.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/jaih-kim-30.html Jaih + Kim = 30 I could have never imagined that my friend, partner in crime, partner and love, boyfriend and husband and I would make it to 30 years. But here we are. 30 years ago tomorrow- Hallow... Fri, 30 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/jaih-kim-30.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/sometimes-you-need-a-good-attorney.html Sometimes you need a good attorney Know your rights. Sometimes we think of the legal profession and those who make up of the profession as part of the system. Yes, lawyers make up the system and mo... Fri, 23 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/sometimes-you-need-a-good-attorney.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/yes-more-resources.html Yes-more resources I mentioned before that we belong to an organization called Jack and Jill, Incorporated. It is a historic African American Organization dedicated to the excellence of children. I... Fri, 16 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/yes-more-resources.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/vote-vote-vote.html Vote Vote Vote Some of us are well into school now. For our family we are six weeks in and it does not seem to get any easier. The flow of the work is better but it is a lot. I am sure any student ... Fri, 09 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/vote-vote-vote.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/help-i-need-somebody-help-not-just-anybody.html Help! I need somebody Help not just anybody! I am reminded of the village often. Sometimes the village disappoints sometimes the village is reminded of their responsibility. Each day as I attempt t... Fri, 02 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/help-i-need-somebody-help-not-just-anybody.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/quicksand-or-quiet-blessing.html Quicksand or Quiet Blessing Earlier this month I had a podcast with Autism Shifts with Vicky Westra. I was reminded of how far we have come and also how much more we have to achieve. Many moms call... Fri, 25 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/quicksand-or-quiet-blessing.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-hate-homework-tricks-and-tools.html I HATE homework- Tricks and Tools Well we are two weeks into school and the mantra is clear, I hate homework! There are so many links. zoom links, Google classroom links, classroom platforms, power... Fri, 18 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/i-hate-homework-tricks-and-tools.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/sam-i-am.html Have you ever heard the story Sam I Am? Well most parents have, but if you have not it is a story about a young boy who literally says NO to absolutely everything. The boy is repeatedly asked over ... Fri, 11 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/sam-i-am.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/isps-criminal-justice-reform.html Over the past month I spent a significant portion of my time addressing Criminal Justice Reform. Many of my colleagues asked me why I was so passionate about this topic. Outside of my legal obligat... Fri, 04 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/isps-criminal-justice-reform.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/autism-shifts.html As we wrap up the month of August, I would like to leave you with my story. I was recently noted as a shifter with autism shifts. Autism shifts is the love child Vicky Westra. A woman I admire and ... Fri, 28 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/autism-shifts.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/you-have-everything-you-need-in-life-you-just-must-tap-into-it.html So, I am reminded daily that you have everything you need in life you just must tap into it. As we finalize for our family at least the last week of summer and try to navigate the new school year I... Fri, 21 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/you-have-everything-you-need-in-life-you-just-must-tap-into-it.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/how-to-navigate-the-next-four-years.html So a dear friend of mine asked me how I was going to navigate the next four years. She wanted to know specifically how do I consider transitional... Fri, 14 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/how-to-navigate-the-next-four-years.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/school-social-distancing-and-social-isolation.html I do not know about you, but I am still torn about school, social distancing and social isolation. I go back and forth with my family about the appropriate balance families with needs must address ... Fri, 07 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/school-social-distancing-and-social-isolation.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/covid-19-challenges.html It is the last day of July, and it seems as if COVID has added so many challenges over the past six months. I know everyone is fatigued, and parents like us who have the additional blessing of guid... Fri, 31 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/covid-19-challenges.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/my-first-born-is-finally-21.html So I have mentioned my other autistic daughter many times. Although, my daughter will likely kill me for sharing, I have decided to take the leap and THANK HER for fighting for her sister and... Fri, 24 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/my-first-born-is-finally-21.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/dont-forget-the-beauty-around-you.html As we approach the mid-point of the summer, I want to take time to discuss gratitude. I have had time to think lately, despite a full load at home and work, and I have decided that the most i... Fri, 17 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/dont-forget-the-beauty-around-you.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/we-are-just-getting-started.html My daughter is a teenager now. Officially! When I think of the many years of occupational therapy, speech therapy, behavioral therapy, canine, equine and aquatic therapy, camps, a pleth... Fri, 10 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/we-are-just-getting-started.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/social-services-and-connectivity-under-covid.html What do we do about social services and connectivity under COVID? I have a child with ASD and a vulnerable immune system. She is fully aware of her disability and understands her health... Fri, 03 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/social-services-and-connectivity-under-covid.html https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-past-three-months-have-shown-me-so-much-about-our-community.html I feel fatigued, and I know many of you do, as well. As a parent of a special needs child, the issues we generally face are exacerbated under COVID. It is hard to explain to even family... Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://kimberlygjackson.com/blog/the-past-three-months-have-shown-me-so-much-about-our-community.html