On Wednesday, Sarah Kate announced that she wants to start a blog.
She’s mentioned it before, but in the past I’ve smiled, nodded, and tried to ignore it. Based on her demeanor, though, I suspected this time might be different.
I suggested that a blog was a big commitment – something she would have to be willing to do on a regular basis. Many times I sit down on Monday night with absolutely no idea what I’m going to write for my Tuesday post, or I know what to write about but just don’t have the energy to do it.
She was a step ahead of me.
Because Monday is her “free day” (i.e., no church, no softball games, and no PT), she had decided that she could commit Mondays to writing her posts. I asked her what she would write about, and she told me she thought that my readers probably had some things they would like to know about her.
Two fair points.
She brought it up again to Mr. Andi at dinner, and he followed the same basic track that I had – commitment, etc., but she was steadfast. I still doubt that it’s something she will want to do consistently and for the long term, but as Mr. Andi told her, there probably aren’t too many ten year old softball players with cerebral palsy who have blogs, so her blog would be unique.
We ultimately agreed that she could write a few guest posts here to see what she thinks. So…without further ado, I’m asking for your help.
-
What would you like for Sarah Kate to cover in her upcoming guest post(s)?
What information or perspective can she provide that I, as her mom, can not?
I can tell you a lot about her, but I can’t tell you what it’s like to BE her.
I love this idea! I have so many questions! i would love to know what Sarah Kate’s body feels like, does she feel discomfort/pain? What does her muscle tightness feel like? Does stretching actually work/feel better? Is there anything that she feels like she is missing out on because of her CP? What would she like to share with others about CP?
Oh My God! SO EXCITED! How does she feel about being on the swim team? Does she want to keep swimming? Do her friends think “she’s a really good swimmer” (Sorry I couldn’t help myself for throwing that one in there).
I wanted to know about her and swim team too, and if she will be continuing with it.
Great plan! Although you do a wonderful job of telling us about SK, it is a different thing altogether to get her actual point of view on things. What I think will happen is that she will show outsiders that even though she is “different” in a lot of ways, she is really pretty “typical” when it comes to being a 10 year old girl! As someone who is privileged to know her in person in real life, I can tell your readers that they have a treat in store. There’s nothing better than an unfiltered 10 year old view of the world! I can’t wait to see what she writes about!
Excited too! How I would have LOVED to have an opportunity like this when I was 10 years old! I was such an aspiring writer then. That was when I got my first computer and I spent much time writing stories, even started a “book”. It would have been so awesome to have the technology we have now to be able to share those things. But I also understand, from both points of view, as a parent and a child writing, that I would be quite embarrassed today for my diary from those days to have been published on the internet! I’m so glad she is going through proper avenues with you and I know she will be supervised. I cannot wait to read what she has to say. Everyone, I’m sure, is anticipating this debut! Good luck, Sarah Kate! And mom and dad…:)
I would love to “hear” her perspective on your family. You have so many unique aspects to the family and I think it would be cool to hear from her as the oldest. Who her Mom & Dad each are, all about her brother, and of course all about her!
I also think the questions regarding her CP would be cool to cover sometime. What it really physically feels like.
Maybe why she wants to blog? Is there a desire to be a writer when she’s older? Or does she want to be just like Mom?
i think we all had blogs back in the day….they were called a diary! LOL i’m excited to see what she writes about.
Hi Sarah Kate!
I’m excited to see your blog! As for suggestions, I guess I would like to hear about what is important to you. What things are you passionate about and why do you love them? And, maybe, how you think people can help others to excel in life, whether that be physically, emotionally or spiritually.
Thanks and hope to hear from you soon!
— Jenn
I would certainly be interested in this young lady’s blog. It would be interesting to know what life is like for a ten year old in the 21st century
Wow!! I would have been too timid at 10 to share my thoughts. Good for Sarah Kate!!! I’d like to hear more about her CP and how it physically feels. I’d also like to hear what it’s like to have a sibling with Downs. Has she thought about what she wants to be when she grows up? Any preferences on college or is she just working on getting through middle school? And those socks, gotta hear about the socks!!!!
I. Love. This. I’d like to know what qualities Sarah Kate values in a friend.
This is such a cool idea. I think it would be interesting to hear some of the stories that you’ve already shared, but from SK’s perspective. Or perhaps a post in which you and SK tell the same story from your own perspectives. I’m curious to see the difference between the mom pov and the kid pov.
Now that’s a great idea!
That’s a fantastic idea 🙂 Can’t wait to see how it goes.
From a reassurance point of view, I’d like to know what she thinks and how she feels when people notice that she’s physically different than they are and just check out what’s what. Not in a rude way, just in an observing way. Also, whether she feels that strangers respond to her differently than they do to able-bodied people (and whether it’s good, bad or a mixed bag). Does she prefer people to be up front about CP or skirt the issue? How does she feel/think/manage when/if people seem uncomfortable around her, and what would she prefer that they do?
What a great idea!! I would love to hear Sarah Kate’s perspective on growing up with CP–how it affects her life, friendships, playing sports, and what her life is like being Nathan’s big sister. I would love to hear her her tell the story about her AFOs. She is going to rock this!!
I would love to just read about her thoughts and experiences as a 10 year old girl. Just everyday life.
How awesome this will be! I echo what many people already suggested. I look forward to reading her posts and hearing from her point of view.
Can’t wait to hear from Sarah Kate! We have heard lots of Mr. Andi stories….wonder if they might have a different perspective coming from Sarah Kate.
I’ve been thinking about what I would like to hear from SK. She’s such an awesome kid, and I love talking to her, so I like the idea of her writing. But I’m not sure what I want her to write. I would love to hear SK’s version of Mr. Andi stories, of course. And I would like to hear her perspective on being Nathan’s big sister.