Finding Ninee » Sharing our parenting and special needs stories with heart and humor.

The Year 3015 She sat, upstairs and downstairs, because the house continually changed to reflect the needs of its occupants. Mom sent thoughts through their home computer, wired to her brain and to her son, below, or above. “You’re going to be late for school, Love. Have you synced up and met your body’s nutritional […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Dana - Ooooh – this was GOOD. I know this wasn’t the point, but it’s interesting that in your 3015, empathy and wonder prevail, but students still cheat. And that with all the scientific advances, people still believe in God.

    Yes, I know you made it up in your imagination, but I read it like it was real, because your words make it so.October 29, 2015 – 10:27 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL Dana and yeah, I think kids might always cheat. Thank you!! 🙂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY!October 30, 2015 – 3:19 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - With your humor and advocacy I have not doubt there will be more love and acceptance for people of diversity.

    However,today’s individual with disabilities will be Einstein compared to humans in a thousand years. Sadly, the Greeks knew more about Math, Science, politics, and just about every subject you can think of today. We are losing information through time.

    In a thousand yearsI imagine mankind will be cavemen again if they exist at all.

    Thomas Jefferson had Aspberger’s Syndrome and his creations are all throughout Virginia and DC. Children with Special needs maybe the messengers to the future like Jefferson. What makes them “disabled” may keep them working harder to retain formation and their gene pool out survive all others.

    It is conjecture but since you asked I thought I’d add food for thought.October 29, 2015 – 10:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You always have such interesting points. My husband and I were just talking last night about the dark ages and Plato and Rome and how so much information was lost but also so much was retained which is pretty incredible really.October 30, 2015 – 3:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - You are crazy! You know that? Oh to live inside that beautiful and crazy mind!October 30, 2015 – 6:31 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Oh I love how your mind works…seriously how you sometimes broach a prompt equally amazes me with your imagination and makes me wonder what else goes on in your mind.

    I really hope, to the depths of my soul, that in 3015 our kids are just kidsOctober 30, 2015 – 10:05 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’re so kind, Kerri! And yeah, I hope SO MUCH that people are more accepting. I hope it doesn’t take 1,000 years to get there.October 30, 2015 – 3:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - What a fun post! So creative!October 30, 2015 – 10:44 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Well, geez. You’re on fire with this! Your brain is awesome. We should have a brain meeting. I have no idea what that means, but the Pain Creeper shows that the force is strong in that one too.
    I think human nature even in 3015 isn’t surprising. Cheaters. Lovers. Wonderers. Wanderers.October 30, 2015 – 3:23 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL to a brain meeting and YES PLEASE!!! Pain Creeper is like the Grim Reeper. I think we need to eliminate him. Maybe Cassidy, as GROOT (crap, is that the name???) can do so for us. What’s he going to be this year anyway?October 31, 2015 – 12:00 amReplyCancel

  • Sandra - If anybody can change the world and make advocacy unnecessary because everyone will be thought of as equal and important and divine, it’s you. The love you pour into raising your son and the hours you have spent educating so many on topics that are often swept under the carpet means that no matter what dumbass may try to bring down society with dumbass comments, people like you can be counted on to beat them down with reason and proof of the power of acceptance. I was going to add stuff about beating the living crap out of those people but I thought I’d quit while I was still sunshine and light.October 31, 2015 – 9:33 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw sweets, you’re always sunshine and light to me. I like that you want to beat the crap out of people who are dumbasses!!!November 1, 2015 – 10:26 amReplyCancel

  • Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - How in the world do you come up with this stuff??? I want the 1000 years from now to be RIGHT NOW! No more making fun of others, no more bullying. It should have never been allowed. Of course this piece speaks to my heart, just like all your other pieces. I just posted a piece about my cousin who is the same age as me and was bullied all through school. The sad part is, he is still bullied (on occasion) as an adult. I get livid every time I hear one of his horrible stories. Anyway, I love your 1000 years from now predictions. I hope they come true. Sooner than that. Hugs to you and happy Halloween to you and your crew.October 31, 2015 – 6:18 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Linda, I want the 1,000 years from now to be RIGHT NOW TOO. People making fun of others, and bullying them just sucks. There’s no reason for it and that your cousin continues to be bullied as an adult breaks my heart. Why can’t we all be better? Why can’t people realize that kindness goes so far, and lasts so long, and that so does the opposite?! People remember the feeling of being picked on forever. Sigh. Hugs back to you and thank you. We did have a fun Halloween – Tucker was a GI Joe Ninja guy and had a great time. Of course, this morning, we have way too much effing candy… 😉November 1, 2015 – 10:29 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Love what you did with this – only I hope we don’t have to wait 1000 years for the empathy and wonder and laughter and acceptance. 🙂November 1, 2015 – 3:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Oh how i loved this…and how I wish we lived in 3015 now…we’re getting there and I hope we don’t have to wait 1,000 years for the Land of Empathy and Wonder…November 2, 2015 – 2:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I wish we did too, Emily! I hope we don’t have to wait 1,000 years either. We need it now!November 2, 2015 – 7:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - This reminds me of the whole Back to the Future thing and how people imagined 2015 to be SO much more advanced! Well, always good to hope! 🙂November 2, 2015 – 4:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Roshni,
      I love that movie! And yeah, we do really expect people to be more advanced than reality. Thanks for the reminder!November 2, 2015 – 7:43 pmReplyCancel

There once was a middle-of-the-night when I called my dad, awake and sweaty, shaking from a terrible dream. In it, a man had climbed through my window, the same way that my roommate’s boyfriend had done countless times. Instead of having to listen to moaning while faking sleep, this dream brought blood and horror. The […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! I could go on and on and on and on. We are IDIOTS if we keep doing the same damn thing and expect something different. Other countries have one or two acts of violence and make changes. We seem to value our right to bear arms more than our fellow human beings. I just don’t get it. We have too many gun deaths in our country. I’ve been screaming this ever since Adam Lanza (and before) and yet nothing happens. I hopes, with all my heart, we can make some changes. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.October 22, 2015 – 10:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - 1. I SO ADORE YOU LINDA
      2. YES YES YES YES TIMES INFINITY GOOGLE.
      3. Calming the eff down but we are idiots if we think it’s going to be okay the way things are. I hate it. I hate that Tucker knows what a lock-down drill is. I don’t get it. People all are like “I be protecting my family!!!” Which is SO STUPID because your own family is more likely to shoot one another accidentally than they are to protect one another from violence!!! FREAKING CRAZY!!!!
      SIGH I hope so, too.October 22, 2015 – 10:32 pmReplyCancel

      • Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! Again and again and again. Like you said, infinity google. I like that! It maddens me that people now are suggesting teachers should be armed. I don’t know what people think will happen under these circumstances–but it likely will not turn out the way they envision this. More lives, more loss, more devastation. The scenario you used about the gun you wanted and your conversation with you dad is so spot on. None of this makes sense to me. I adore you too. I am truly sad that we cannot, as a nation, come to some REASONABLE conclusions regarding guns.October 22, 2015 – 10:54 pmReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - Infinity Google is a Tucker expression after I taught him the “real” Google meaning but YES YES YES. Teachers? Armed? SO FUCKING crazy ridiculous because again – good people with guns? NOT the same and doesn’t work and argh!!! We havetohaveto find a way to figure this out. I do NOT get it – the people who think they’re able to protect their families. How many stories in the news are that? NONE. How many a brother accidentally shooting? TOO MANY.October 22, 2015 – 11:17 pmReplyCancel

          • Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - I’ll stop, because I could go on and on. I think these mad individuals are thinking we are still in the wild, wild west and they want their good ol’ shoot outs with the good guys against the bad ones. THAT’S FICTION. IT’S THE MOVIES! IT DOESN’T HAPPEN THAT WAY IN REAL LIFE. Most people will be so caught off guard and even if they weren’t, imagine the police arriving on the scene and shooting both the good and the bad guy because they CAN’T figure out in a matter of life and death seconds who started what. Well, I thought I could stop venting, but I guess my mind won’t allow it. Thank you for letting me go on and on and on. I hope we are not doomed Kristi. I truly do. But I’m a bit discouraged about this issue right now. Especially after traveling internationally and not hearing about one loss of life by guns in the countries I traveled. I realized I’m biased in my opinion, but we need to wake up. PLEASE WAKE UP AMERICA!October 23, 2015 – 12:46 am

          • Kristi Campbell - Linda, feel free to go on and on… America (and the world) NEEDS to wake up. Thank you for your passion and your words. The thought of your image of cops shooting both is chilling, and very realistic.October 23, 2015 – 8:40 pm

  • Janine Huldie - Beautifully written and just couldn’t agree more that it is most definitely time for a change. Thank you so much for being brave enough to share and speak your mind here us this today, Kristi. Hugs to you!!October 22, 2015 – 10:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - When James was two years old, I had to bring extra clothes to his preschool in case they had to shelter in place. Two men with guns were killing randomly – sniper-style out of the back of their car.

    I hate that this is the reality in which our children have grown up. Guns do make it too easy – I completely agree. It’s such a complex issue, and I don’t have the answer. But we have to talk about it, and make some changes. Regardless of where you stand on gun control, I can’t imagine anyone would argue that things are just fine the way they are.October 22, 2015 – 10:51 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I remember that although I was in Colorado at the time. I remember friends’ sisters RUNNING into Home Depot because of that guy. It’s time. It’s time to change.October 22, 2015 – 11:19 pmReplyCancel

    • Considerer - I remember you telling me that, and I remember being so shocked 🙁October 23, 2015 – 2:18 amReplyCancel

  • Angel the Alien - I’ve had similar dreams. Last night I had a really vivid dream that I was in college and I was in some sort of really crowded auditorium, and a guy with a machine gun was holding us all hostage. The dream seemed to go on for hours, and I was so scared and trying to figure out how to hide so that he wouldn’t notice me, because he kept randomly shooting people when he got mad. I’ve also had the dream where people broke into my house and shot my dog and then me. (Seeing my dog get shot was the worst part.) Its like having PTSD even though I haven’t really experienced any of those things, just knowing that they exist is terrifying.October 23, 2015 – 1:10 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Angel, I’m so sorry that you have similar dreams! That’s awful and scary and I know exactly what you mean about feeling as though you’ve got PTSD without any of the “stuff” actually existing. Dreams are powerful and fo real feeling.October 23, 2015 – 9:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Greetings: from someone in Canada, I wanted to participate in this too, because although we have less gun violence, the issue is still important to me. The examples you use help show how it is affecting your own life. Well said.October 23, 2015 – 4:38 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m so glad you participated and yeah, the whole issue is important, so much. Thank you.October 23, 2015 – 9:20 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - I am going to be daring and give you two responses here and even have a descendent in opinion.

    First response is it is time people learn to love each other and celebrate living together.

    I living in an area where everyone especially the criminals are carrying a concealed weapon. I would hate to leave the law abiding citizens defenseless because criminals are not going to be affected by gun control. As a matter of fact, illegal gun sales go up and are more lucrative for merchants each time stricter control laws go into place. We see many more shootings.

    I grew up with someone with was a serial rapist and murderer. Your story was interesting in that he got the dog too and set the body on fire. No need to despise of a body after char. In the later years around him, after he was a convicted rapist set free, and we have plenty in society as well as murders, there were many times I wished I had a gun.

    Second response is better education about guns is probably what is needed. The NRA should write you a big fat check for your post over mine because people will see it and run out and buy guns. But good stewards of firearms do not shot other human beings unless they have absolutely no other choice and rarely do they take the kill shot. One rule of using a fire arm is never shoot anything you do not intend to eat.. A neighbor got a bob gun and shot a blackbird with a friend. The parents made them clean it, cook it, and eat it. Gun safety super important and is taught in the south at a very young age. Guns are not kept in u drew ear drawers here..

    A gun is like a sword or machete. It is a tool which can be used for good or evil. It is up person who holds the tool. That is where learning to love each other and celebrate living together becomes so important. People will always find away to commit mass murder whether it be by massively poisoning people, using machetes to go house to house to chop heads off or shot each other.

    Responsible gun owners value life and should not be penalized by gun control laws which will have no effect on criminals. Now I do agree tougher laws on children using guns unsupervised by adults or even gun registration laws need to tightened up so the NRA can send me a check too! If every hunter taught a child how to hunt including, using a weapon, killing, cleaning and eating only what you kill…the world would be a much better place. Our hunter culture is fading and violence is the after math.

    I still love you and hope you still love me even though we may not agree on this point.

    JTOctober 23, 2015 – 4:58 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Not shooting anything that a person doesn’t intend to eat is good advice. I do not suggest that outlawing guns is the answer. I suggest that the US needs better laws to control them.October 23, 2015 – 10:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Susan Zutautas - Makes me so glad that I live in Canada with way stricter gun laws. I’m terrified of guns.October 23, 2015 – 7:03 amReplyCancel

  • Rabia @TheLiebers - We really need a lot of intelligent discussion going on around this subject. I don’t think taking away all the guns is the answer, but there are a lot better answers than not doing anything!October 23, 2015 – 9:38 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We so need that discussion and I thank you so much for giving this topic yours, Rabia. Truly. My mom’s husband is a hunter, and my dad taught me and my brothers to shoot. BUT something’s effing wrong. Totally.October 23, 2015 – 10:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Those were very powerful examples Kristi…you’re right – a waiting period, a cooling off period, something that possibly — no wait — MOST LIKELY could have prevented those deaths. It may not be the complete answer, but it’s a start and a start is what this country needs.October 23, 2015 – 10:15 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Emily. And yeah, I think a cooling off period is a place to start although I have no clue how to help make that happen, except to write it and shout it.October 23, 2015 – 10:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Brilliant. Simply brilliant. One of your best pieces. Powerful, succinct, pointed. Well done my friend!October 23, 2015 – 10:43 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - I love your take on this, thank you so much for adding your voice to mine. You are so right, the importance of that waiting period is really a cooling off and give you time to think. Awesome views here my friendOctober 23, 2015 – 11:53 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank YOU for thinking of it and for allowing me to add it to FTSF because IMPORTANT and huge and so so overdue. xOctober 23, 2015 – 10:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - Great post Kristi. Your voice can tackle any subject with an empathy that transcends controversy! You are a rock star.October 23, 2015 – 12:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Mimi - I love this post. The way you weave your own experiences with guns into your overall message about them is stunning. You’re a rock star!!October 23, 2015 – 1:13 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Mimi. I have no words to express my gratitude for your comment. Thank you. I *know* and for real, thank you.October 23, 2015 – 10:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandra - So shitty that there even needs to be a specific link up for posts on gun violence, but such is the world we live in, and there wasn’t one word I disagreed with. I too have gone to a shooting range (my husband was military, we used to get to go to these high tech sites…anyway, I digress…) and I loved the feeling of that riffle ramming against my shoulder as it fired towards my target.
    And yes, it’s totally sad that your son knows what a “lock down drill” is.
    Obviously making guns more difficult to acquire does slow the perpetrators, but in Canada gun laws are more stringent, and we too have mass murders. My husband always says, “Locks don’t keep the bad guys out. They keep the good guys, who aren’t even trying to, from getting in.” He says it more eloquently, but you get it.
    Thought provoking, riveting post. I agree, let’s keep writing and educating on gun control!October 23, 2015 – 2:13 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sandra!! My husband is retired Army. So much so many we have in common, and I love that those things continue to reveal themselves.
      I like what your husband says, whether you wrote it perfectly or not, because yeah, I get it. Thank you thank you.October 23, 2015 – 10:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - A powerful post on a difficult topic. If I had a magic wand, all guns would magically vanish from this earth. They cause too much pain and sadness. If nobody had guns, nobody would need them for protection. That said, I have family who have served in the military and who are currently police officers. I have friends down here in the South who are avid hunters (gross!). I also have a cousin who died far too young because of a gun and an “accident” with his girlfriend. I don’t know what the answer is. I just know that it makes me very sad that my kids had to endure a lockdown drill at school (again) yesterday because of the “just in case” and because of what guns (and the people who had them) have done.October 23, 2015 – 3:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lisa, I so so get that. Because if NOBODY had one, what would the world be? Sadly, the whole 2nd amendment makes people think that it’s some type of affront on them personally to question gun laws. And yet, my 6yo knows that people randomly kill children??? WTF???
      I’m so so sorry to read about your cousin. Sigh. I guess talking about it comes first?October 23, 2015 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Don - I’m sorry, I’m still picturing you in your towel post shower…what was this about again?? Lol.

    No, you done good here, lady! Lock down drills make me sad. Like we’re prepared to face the fact that a deranged fuck will come into a school with our kids there and we’re teaching them how to accept this? No. There should be no drills, there should be answers to making sure the drills aren’t necessary.October 23, 2015 – 4:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL douche, and I don’t know whether to love you more for either but thank you and yeah, lock down drills kill me. Fucking shit that we’re supposed to teach our kids where to best hide? You’re so so right. Here’s to doing whatever THE FUCK IT TAKES to making the drills aren’t necessary.October 23, 2015 – 11:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Gretchen - Wonderfully put, Kristi. And I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend.

    I am getting increasingly frustrated with people who meet every discussion about rational, reasonable and practical gun control measures with “Don’t take my guns!” I haven’t heard any of us suggest taking guns. Better training for potential gun owners. Eliminate automatic weapons being sold. Register to buy bullets. Prosecute people who don’t properly and responsibly store their guns. Simple as that. Most responsible and level headed gun owners agree with most of these things.

    Sorry to rant here, your article was spot on. I’ve considered buying a gun when we’ve had break ins and crimes in our neighborhood. But what your dad pointed out? That’s exactly true. In actuality, I most likely wouldn’t be able to have it handy in an emergency. And with children in my house there is no way I would keep one loaded and not locked up.October 23, 2015 – 4:04 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Gretchen, thank you thank you. And yeah, I’m so sorry for his loss as well. For his mom. For all of us who never got to see how he may have impacted the world. Sigh.
      I agree with your frustration about “DONT TAKE MY GUNS!” because really, that’s not what most of us are saying, right? I mean not wanting our kids to know what lock-down is is different from shooting an animal for food. YES to eliminating automatic weapons. Yes, to registering to buy bullets. I’d never have one here, either. THANK YOU.October 23, 2015 – 11:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Yup, you and Kerri really nailed it so much. How it’s not black and white. It’s not that we’re all either on the side of NO ONE SHOULD HAVE GUNS, or EVERYONE SHOULD. There has to be a middle gray area. I have to believe it. And other countries manage it.
    I say.. I could never have one. Could never see one.
    But I’ve never had someone break into my window at night and I’ve never had someone hurt one of my children.
    Because.. I just don’t know.
    But I know we need change.October 23, 2015 – 4:13 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Tamara,
      Gah. I don’t know what the middle gray area is either but I know it’s somewhere between the 2nd amendment and the banning.
      I know.
      I know exactly what you mean.
      I know that I want to say thank you.October 23, 2015 – 11:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I love that meme. Perfect point! I have a whole unpublished draft that I wrote on Friday. I went to Starbucks and everything. But I just couldn’t find the words to conclude it. I didn’t intend to link up and then I was fired up about a man who killed a 4 year old when shooting at her father’s vehicle. This was over road rage. I was so upset to hear that. Too damn easy! >:-(

    Anyway, maybe I’ll publish it some other time but I hope the conclusion is inspired by another senseless crime.October 26, 2015 – 11:39 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh Kenya, I hate that another child died from a gun. It’s just so completely awful. 🙁
      I look forward to reading yours if and when you publish it.October 27, 2015 – 3:35 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - —We took all of the guns from Kay’s house 10 years before he shot her, but he found another one.

    I’m not sure what the answer is, but our country DEF. needs to DO SOMETHING.

    Instead of doing NOTHING.

    I’m mad as hell.

    xx hate guns in Minnesota.

    PS. We need extensive background checks and LONG waiting periods.November 4, 2015 – 5:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh Sweetie. That you took them out and that he got another one. Too easy. Not long enough waiting. Sigh. I don’t know the answer either but I know with all of me that we have to start doing some of the things. Longer waiting. More control over ammo. Starting anywhere is a start.
      HATE GUNS everywhere.November 4, 2015 – 8:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Morgan - I totally agree with you! Talking to your little ones about gun violence and safety is incredibly important. It will definitely put you at ease as a parent, too. Nice tips! Thanks for the advice!August 3, 2016 – 4:49 pmReplyCancel

  • porno - great thanks brooooSeptember 15, 2018 – 12:48 pmReplyCancel

Ah, love, and its many forms. So essential to connection, to life, and to deep breaths. Each night, as my little boy drifts to sleep, I marvel at the surge of love that I feel for him; tell myself to remember this moment. This love, so gigantic and consuming at times that it is almost painful, were […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • JT Walters - You nailed it. Overwhelmed humble and appreciative of that love you radiate it. Tucker is perfect and so are you. I can attest to that. Us ordinary folks can only marvel at you Super woman!

    It is true that it is the most humbling aw inspiring moment as you watch your child sleep or do anything for that matter. To feel that much love for your/my/their children is painful because you carry their burdens, struggles and heartbreaks often longer than they do because they know they have a Mom and/or Dad who would willing carry their burdens again just to spare them pain.

    Perfect blog!October 20, 2015 – 1:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, You’re too kind and thank you so very much for getting the love that is almost, at times, painful. And yes, we so would carry their burdens for them. Over and over forever.October 20, 2015 – 5:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Of course the video is my favorite part of this post. 🙂 Congrats Kody too!October 20, 2015 – 2:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - It fills me with a lot of peace watching my kids sleep..and, I don’t mean that in a snarky way! I just marvel at how perfect they are!

    Love your post for this month’s linky!October 20, 2015 – 4:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Roshni, I so completely get it. Watching our children sleep has to be one of the best reminders of peacefulness and contentment ever. They are perfect. All of them.October 20, 2015 – 5:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - Kristi, how damn cute is he????? Love the way you did this…and love the post. Loving that I’ve learned so much more about you in the last few weeks.October 20, 2015 – 6:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks, Allie! He really is cute, isn’t he? I’m not biased or anything… xoOctober 20, 2015 – 6:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Aw, man I just wanted to give Tucker a big old hug through the video! He is just a doll and cannot stop smiling now, Kristi!!October 20, 2015 – 6:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Love. This.October 21, 2015 – 11:55 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - So nice to hear your voice on that video.. which I heard IN PERSON once.. mind still blown all this time. I want to give you both a hug. He’s ADORABLE drawing the name.
    Lucky Kody.October 21, 2015 – 1:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - And I yours in PERSON. I remember you walking in the door, and I knew it was you and you dropped your suitcase on that woman behind you and gave me an awesome hug. I want you to take his photos.October 25, 2015 – 10:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandra - Oh my gosh, the video was awesome, loved seeing and hearing Tucker. And I especially loved the karate uniform. You know that saying, “I could just eat him up!” Well, I always thought that was odd, but now I totally get it. I just wanted to squeeze his adorable sweet face. I also loved how Kody’s name was upside down and then it was backwards…lol I laughed. I needed this. Please more more of Tucker! Combined with your glorious writing, you two are a hit!October 23, 2015 – 1:52 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Sandra!! You’re amazing and thank you. I could just eat him up too so totally get it 🙂
      We’re thinking of making a TuckerTube channel, where he reviews toys and such and gives special needs kids a voice… thank you!October 25, 2015 – 10:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Louise - Is it bad that I now really want to know if Kody is a boy or a girl? Either way I hope they LOVE the book – and I loved the video – so great that Tucker gets to share a book he loves with someone else.

    A great post showing so many aspects of love. And I’m also with you and Roshni – I sneak in to their rooms to watch my kids sleep. Such a soothing, wonderful thing to do.

    I also love them awake. But them sleeping is beautiful 🙂October 25, 2015 – 11:43 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL Louise me too me too! I think she’s a girl based on Facebook but I IMd her that she’s the winner and haven’t heard back so??? For all I know “she” is a creeper old dude who lives in the neighbor’s basement?? 😉
      And yeah, I love the awake time as well but the awake time comes with so much other stuff, greatness and weary and all of the betweens but the sleep? It’s utterly gorgeous.October 25, 2015 – 10:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Samantha - Hi.

    I love your blog and loved your speech about being a special needs mom. thank you.
    My daughter has Angelman Syndrome and we recently started a blog at journeywithjaz.com. I was wondering whether we could connect via email and whether you would be interested in reading some of our articles.

    look forward to hearing from you.

    Love
    SamOctober 28, 2015 – 7:25 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hi Samantha!
      I would love to connect via email or any other way and would definitely enjoy reading your articles and learning more about your journey with your daughter. I’m trying to start (eek we’re live in a couple of hours and I still need to put my son to bed and have not even started to write something) a post for Finish the Sentence Friday so will bookmark this for tomorrow.
      To email one another, are you on Facebook? I’m Kristi Rieger Campbell there and if we friend one another, I’d be happy to DM you my email as I feel weird about putting it here if that makes sense.
      So very much look forward to getting to know you! And thank you so so much <3
      KristiOctober 29, 2015 – 7:21 pmReplyCancel

“Let’s take a selfie!”  We’re at the zoo; we’re at the playground. On Friday, at the airport heading to Legoland and then, onto Anna Maria Island. Our flight out was delayed, and delayed again. We walked the new wing of the airport, ate when we weren’t hungry, and tried to not think about the fact […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Ivy - Amazing you!!!! Who does a post fom vacation?! Just lovely…. And why do i take SUCH a bad picture???? Love the brunch…love the Tucker photos!!!! Have a joyful…guiltless….deserved….blast!!!!!!October 12, 2015 – 6:52 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Uhm, I guess I do a post from vacation? Of course, it’s different here in that there is more time and also that we’re not five to a bed and that I need help turning on the air conditioning and that I was the weeniebutt who was keeping people up talking outside…
      And thank you. WEEEEEEENIEEEEE.October 14, 2015 – 12:29 amReplyCancel

      • ivy - And that you paid for the privilege… Whos the weeeeeenie now????October 14, 2015 – 5:34 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Thankful is always appropriate, particularly when combined with compassion–which you always show, by the way. Light casts out darkness, and the world needs more light, so post away! Enjoy your vacation!October 12, 2015 – 9:23 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Kristi. I agree that thankful is always appropriate. Here’s to more light. Less darkness. And friendships like yours.October 14, 2015 – 10:12 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah - I’m so glad to be included in your joy.October 12, 2015 – 9:35 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - And me, in yours. <3 Thank you for being completely awesome. Brian, too.October 14, 2015 – 10:12 amReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Yep. We get it. Love the photos!October 12, 2015 – 9:43 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - When Little Dude was in treatment, I wrote a post that was mostly a rant about how I disliked anyone who was having fun on vacation, while I was sitting in a hospital with my son. I think I attempted to make the post somewhat humorous, but I found out later that it didn’t quite have the intended consequences. I had met up with a friend after LD’s treatment ended and she mentioned that post (which I had no idea she even read). She said she was one of those people on vacation then and felt so guilty about it. And then she started to cry…of course it made me start to cry and I told her I didn’t mean to make people feel sorry for us…so I guess my point in telling you this is that YES, you are right to be thankful while others are weeping, because you can find joy during times of darkness and you can also feel empathy while experiencing joy. Well said!!October 12, 2015 – 12:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I remember that post and I think it’s one of the reasons that I’m more sensitive to posting the vacation photos. (NOT said to give any guilt at all I promise)
      It’s hard though right? I know in my own times of darkness, I don’t want to see how happy people are vacationing and yet, part of me does, ya know? Oh it’s all so complicated and hard. But also important to talk about maybe – the guilt and the happiness all of it. Thanks for this Emily. Really. <3October 14, 2015 – 10:42 amReplyCancel

  • Vanessa D. - This is a beautiful and beautifully done Thankful post. Enjoy your vacation.October 12, 2015 – 2:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - This is a big deal for me – what you wrote about, so I must share with a LONG comment:). When my brother died – I hated FB, for multiple reasons. I hated to read about people who were happy and doing fun things. I hated to see people who should have been grieving, post stuff that was inappropriate for someone who’d lost someone they love. I hated to read posts from people “grieving,” who barely knew my brother. I hated when people who lost loved ones took their grief to FB (as I kept mine private). Hate, Hate, Hate – yes I was a hater. I bailed on FB for months, I couldn’t take it. And don’t get me start5ed on FakeBooking:)!But it did teach me to self-censor. For right or wrong, I was mindful of hurting someone. But then the whole blogging thing and I became a blog share-er I’m sure driving my family and friends crazy.

    Last spring I had drinks with a friend and she was going through a very tough time and she unleashed on mutual friends and their FaceBook activity. It was of off the chains. I’ll spare you the details (I know this is long), but all I could think was, “I can never share good news again.” Seriously. Insane write? I’m still very apprehensive about posting personal news on FB -and I never share Road Trip pictures anymore. I save that for my blog – if they want to see/read, they’ve got to come to me. You know?

    That being said, it makes me sad – cause I missed your news. But I’m so glad that you’re happy and having fun. Celebrate that my friend, and disregard the haters. I am so glad you shared your thoughts and your pictures here – cause I’m always reading, cause I want to know about what’s going on with you:).

    Have fun xoxo!October 12, 2015 – 2:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Allie,
      That so completely makes sense. And the other side is that there are some people on Facebook who are unable to share happy news without coming across as braggy – which I never ever feel comfortable doing and would rather not post anything than feel like I’m rubbing the good fortune of taking a beautiful Florida vacation in anybody’s face.
      And yet. It’s what we are doing. THIS WEEK. Last week kinda sucked, getting ready, having my husband work all night and all day so that he could take time off…
      And yeah, the other side is when somebody dies. And people. I KNOW what you mean with all of that. Those who should be grieving, those who are grieving without really having known the person… such a complex crazy thing huh? Thanks for your long comment. I’ll always want to know what you’re up to as well. xoxoxOctober 14, 2015 – 10:46 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - You are so right. It does feel wrong to celebrate good when others are carrying so much bad. But can we really stifle the beauty just because there is ugly in the world? Should we? I think we have to continue to hold the sadness with respect and not forget that it’s there, but also bring joy to the forefront. It’s too easy to let evil take over and push good to the side. Sure it’s hard to see others rejoice when we suffer. It truly is. But sometimes that joy can help bring us out of the dark, too. Life’s about balance, isn’t it? This is completely gorgeous – all of it.October 12, 2015 – 3:29 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Lisa. Yeah, it really is hard to see the joy when we’re struggling through the darkness. And yet. And yet, what do we do? Hide the light? No. We have to find a way to hold the sadness with respect as you say. Hugs to you. May your worries right now soon be full of light and relief. xoOctober 14, 2015 – 10:50 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Love your post title and how this post piggybacks on your 1am comment to my post. The responses to that post made me feel better and though I haven’t whined out loud I did share on facebook again. Just because we post something happy doesn’t mean we are trying to throw shade on what someone else is going through. And just because we post someting that we’re going through doesn’t mean it throws shade on anyone’s happiness. Love all the pictures. But it’s a tug of war with empathy either way.October 12, 2015 – 4:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kenya,
      Yeah, your post really made me think. Because so often, I don’t post the joy (or my sorrows) on Facebook. It’s hard to be a downer when others are up and it’s hard to be up knowing others are down, struggling, barely breathing. Thank you for this. For your friendship. For getting the bit Its. We still have to write that post together. I think it will be hard, but very worth it.October 14, 2015 – 10:52 amReplyCancel

  • Sandra - First of all I have to tell you once again (because I’m sure I have) how absolutely gorgeous your little guy is, and he positively exudes joy which is a definite indicator that his home life is filled with moments that most definitely should be posted on Facebook. We all know of the horror in the world. And it’s horrible, and it’s not going to be any less horrible if people who have joyful experiences to share do so. As a matter of fact, it’s the joyful experiences that keep me coming back to Facebook, so I can share in my friends’ and family’s moments. I’d rather read a status update that says, “Hanging out on an island with a cooler full of beer next to me!” than one of those really dreadfully sad ones that say, “Our BeccaBoo is sitting in the hospital, maybe in labour and we’re so worried because little bump is too early!” 1. Yes, she refers to her 21 year old daughter Rebecca as BeccaBoo on a public forum. 2. BeccaBoo is 39 weeks pregnant, no complications! 3. And “bump” is what she refers to as BeccaBoo’s baby. I guess it could be cute, but I’ve had to have updates from BeccaBoo’s mother daily, so yeah, I’m really excited for bump’s “early” arrival. That is all.October 12, 2015 – 5:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - UGH BeccaBoo sounds annoying and so does her mother. Sorry. Truth. And thank you! He is pretty gorgeous and amazing, huh? He really really is. Hope you’re having a week that’s much more full of light and laughter than darkness, friend. xoOctober 14, 2015 – 10:53 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I loved Kenya’s post. I almost wanted to call out her friend(s) who had made the snarky comments but didn’t. I know they probably meant well.
    I’m all for sharing the happy. I remember posting something about it once and one of my friends said, “I’m ailing here, after recovering from a quadruple bypass. Please keep sharing the happy because I like to see it.”
    I never questioned it again!
    Love your photos!October 12, 2015 – 8:01 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh did you see the friend’s comments on FB? I never really pay attention to them. Maybe I should start. Or, not. Because yeah, not. Thank you for your friend’s comment too about sharing the happy. I like that.October 14, 2015 – 10:55 amReplyCancel

  • Dyanne @ I Want Backsies - I’m glad you were able to find so much joy and thankfulness! Still bummed that I couldn’t come to the NJ meeting. So many of my favorite people in ONE ROOM. Love how self assured and grown up Tucker has become!October 12, 2015 – 11:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m bummed you couldn’t come to the NJ meetup too. It sounds like she’s determined to come back though so we’ll have to do another with more of us! And yeah, Tucker blows me away every day. I hope you’re having a glorious week!October 14, 2015 – 11:01 amReplyCancel

  • Pat B - I smiled as I read your description of attending the Hallajuah Brunch and how you happened to eat there. You left us with such beautiful thoughts in those lines above the photo of your son, who BTW exudes joy. Enjoy your vacation and thank you for taking the time to share your important message.October 13, 2015 – 1:46 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Pat, the brunch, while awkward at first, ended up being such a blessing and the perfect reminder to live and be and be thankful and open to others on a vacation. And thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to leave this wonderfully sweet comment!October 14, 2015 – 11:02 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - Posting about your joy and light doesn’t erase the bad things in the world, but it does remind us that there is always Good. Sometimes we have to look harder for it, and sometimes we can’t find it at all. But when it’s there, right in front of you, you have to embrace it.

    Yeah, yeah. I do believe that, but I also get what you are saying about the guilt. I think everyone can, but you said it much better than most of us could.October 13, 2015 – 12:44 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Dana. It feels like it’s wrong at times but still – what are we to do? Never post about our happy moments? Our thankful ones? Gah. We have to I think. And thank you, for real.October 14, 2015 – 11:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - I think being thankful while others are weeping is what life should be. We should be thankful for the great in our lives while acknowledging that others are grasping at straws. It validates their despair and also that we are so very grateful for the lightOctober 13, 2015 – 12:59 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I do too. I mean, I think we simply have to. It sucks when we’re the grasping but it doesn’t because it reminds us that this world is big and amazing and so full of light.October 14, 2015 – 11:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Michele @ A Storybook Life - Thank you for posting those happy pictures! And for putting into words something I’ve struggled with myself. I suppose we go with our guts and be respectful of others’ hardships, but also realize that it’s still important to celebrate the happy days, and to count the many things we’re grateful for. For the record, I’m grateful for you!October 13, 2015 – 1:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks so much Michele. I’m grateful for YOU. And for your words and your stories, both dark and light. They make everything more human, you know?October 14, 2015 – 11:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia @ Menopausal Mother - I love upbeat status updates on Facebook, but I get what you’re saying about wondering how it might affect those who are not so lucky and having a difficult time. It’s a tough call but in the end, I prefer to post the happy stuff and seldom say much about the sad stuff. I figure there is already enough of that in the world.October 17, 2015 – 12:26 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I do too in the end I think Marcia. But I am thinking about how other people are suffering when I’m talking about being on the beach or whatever. Thank you!October 18, 2015 – 3:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Dancing in the light, in the light of the sand sounds lovely.October 17, 2015 – 4:55 amReplyCancel

In seventh grade, my best friend was a girl named Gillian. I didn’t like the way her name was spelled, and for a long time, I didn’t like her. We’d been in ballet class together for years. She loved it, and I hated it. And, because life works that way, I was more natural with […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Vidya Sury - You are a fairy tale creature, Kristi. Your words are magical and thought-provoking (and induce tears…for me at least – which is crazy because my Mom always complained about how rarely I cried.)

    Gillian was NOT a nice friend even if you look at the cold-pizza-silver-lining.I had a similar experience with learning music, except I did enjoy the music, but not the teacher or my classmates who always made fun of me. (I was so short!)

    My son went to karate class and hated it…but stuck to it for three years because he didn’t want us to “feel bad”…until they started nunchuck and sparring training sessions when he finally got the courage to say so…via a letter to my Mom who was in hospital at the time.

    Life is strange. And I love how, in spite of everythng, we keep meeting angels! I am with you on wanting to bop people over the head bit. Hugs and love – Tucker is a Champ! I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen your videos of him on Facebook. ♥October 9, 2015 – 2:33 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Vidya, you are so kind. Thank you. I’m sorry about the tears, though! And yeah, I think Gillian wasn’t a good friend, although looking back, maybe that was just the way of 12year old girls and jealousy and the funny strange relationships between seventh graders.
      I don’t like that your teacher and/or classmates made fun of you for being short! Not nice! And wow to your son not liking karate for three years… sigh. Thank goodness he finally told your mom!
      I love how we keep meeting angels as well and here’s to us bopping the world on its head with empathy! And yeah, Tucker’s a total champ 🙂
      I hope you have a great weekend! xoOctober 9, 2015 – 9:39 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - What a terrible thing to say to you, “Gang rape.” Did we even know what that meant in the 7th grade? I’m can imagine how scary the thought was which probably had everything to do with the nightmare that followed.

    Love Tucker’s pose.

    And as for your picture, it’s adorable. I’m going to imagine that you’re NOT wearing Penny Loafers with actual pennies in them. LOL!October 9, 2015 – 8:02 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know Kenya, right? I have to wonder if she knew what it was. I’m not sure that I did but I remember being scared so I must have had an idea. I have to believe she didn’t know how mean that was to say… but who knows.
      LOL to the Penny Loafers! With a real penny in them! It would have been either those or my Top Siders (remember those? LOL).October 9, 2015 – 9:41 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - Um, Gillian sounds like a whack-a-doo! I say good riddance. I also had a similar relationship with the violin (that you did with ballet). And I love the clever quips that come out of your mini-super hero’s mouth. “I have abilities” – I want that on a bumper sticker!October 9, 2015 – 8:18 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, she really does, huh? Although I do have to wonder whether she really knew what she was saying. I’m sure she would be horrified now… And yes to “I have abilities!” on a bumper sticker!October 9, 2015 – 9:46 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - I love your varied trains of thought for this prompt…I quit ballet too – disliked it intensely. I eventually moved on to tennis lessons, which I still play today (although my skill level has pretty much stayed the same.:)) And my Little Dude? He loves cold pizza too.October 9, 2015 – 10:06 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Little Dude loves cold pizza? One more thing that makes that kid simply awesome! And I’ll bet you’d kick my butt at tennis (and glad I’m not the only one to have hated ballet).October 9, 2015 – 10:50 amReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - “Well, I have abilities,” he replied. “They’re super-human. Like a hero. You know – a fairy tale.”

    LOVE.October 9, 2015 – 12:03 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know right? He’s getting so much more articulate with what he means. I love it. I hope you’re having a great weekend!October 11, 2015 – 9:36 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - That’s.. horrifying! Curtis and Gillian. Ugh! I wonder what ever became of them.

    I quit dance after five years. I had the body and the double-jointed-ness, but nothing else. Literally nothing.October 9, 2015 – 12:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - UGH I know! Who knows what became of them. I just know they’re not around here. LOL to literally nothing. Ditto.October 11, 2015 – 10:00 amReplyCancel

  • Sandra - I want to hate you a little bit for being a gifted ballerina, but your personality won me over a long time ago, so I’ll let the whole “gifted” thing go. And I don’t like the name Gillian spelled that way too. And Curtis? Really? WTF? Say that shit to my kid nowadays and that kid would have my foot up his ass.October 9, 2015 – 8:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well gifted ballerina is a total non-starter. Gifted at being able to do the butterfly pose on the floor and turn out my feet? Ok. That’s about it though! Yay to not liking Gillian spelled that way too. It’s like Gilligan right? Curtis sucks and yeah, anybody says that shit to your kid, I’ll help you kick his butt.October 11, 2015 – 10:04 amReplyCancel

  • Marcia @ Menopausal Mother - I love your stories. Gillian sounds like a bitch (not fond of the name, either). I think you’re a super hero mom! <3October 9, 2015 – 10:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Marcia! And yeah, I guess she was a bitch although I didn’t see it at the time. And I give her a little of the “12 year old girls are awful people” break.October 11, 2015 – 10:05 amReplyCancel

  • Mimi - I loved all the different vignettes in here. Glad you got rid of Gillian & Curtis. And so glad you have your little man who provides you both with a world of fairy tales and super powers. Although you’ve got those on your own too. 😉 glad I finally linked up before it all became a pumpkin at midnight. XOOctober 11, 2015 – 2:17 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Mimi! I’m so glad to have him too… and aw! You’re so sweet! Also just fyi, I usually leave the linkie code live until Sunday around noon but nobody ever knows that…but I’m glad you made it in before pumpkin-time! I hope you have a great Sunday!October 11, 2015 – 10:06 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - I wonder what Gillian would say if she read this now? It’s amazing how sometimes the things that are so meaningful to us are completely forgotten by others.

    Gwen took dance once. When it was time to sign her up for summer camps, she said she would do anything but dance. And that was the end of her dancing career.October 11, 2015 – 10:49 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I wondered that too Dana. Like, a lot. But honestly, maybe she was just being 12, and insecure like we are at 12 and forever, and who knows. Also LOVE that Gwen said “anything but dance.”October 12, 2015 – 10:59 pmReplyCancel

“Oh, to be her,” I thought, envying her beauty, her wealth, her career, her mind. Her life seemed perfect. Her life was perfect, at least to me, until we became friends. One night, after a movie, we were walking and laughing, trying to figure out whether to go to dinner or to a bar. That […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • allie - Well, you know what they say when you assume – the making an ass out of… But seriously, it blows me away about the wheel chair. SO not cool. Maybe that’s why they make t-shirts now for kids with autism, “I have Autism, what’s your problem?” I had every intention of writing this week, but I didn’t very late night last night and never quite got my act together r- plus kids are home this week on break and it’s rained very day. Every. Day. Still scratching my head about your text – I didn’t not understand. Call me…October 1, 2015 – 10:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Allie! I actually made a meme out of that ASS-U-ME. And yeah, I hate the wheelchair story. It makes me so sad. And It also makes me sad that a kid would need to wear a tshirt saying that he’s got differences in order for somebody to accept. Sigh. SIGH. Also if you decide to play, the linkie code stays open until noon on Sunday. When’s a good time to call?October 2, 2015 – 7:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Ouch Yet another wake up call that we really don’t know what’s going on with someone else. Whether it’s their marriage, their kids or their opinion of themselves.October 1, 2015 – 10:15 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - It took me so long to realize that self love and acceptance is more powerful and healing than any hatred anyone could ever face. If you live your self and your child cruelty just bounces off of you. It doesn’t stick and you can keep moving forward but it took me a bit to realize it!October 1, 2015 – 10:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It really is so much more powerful and healing. It’s also harder for whatever reason which seems WRONG.October 2, 2015 – 7:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine Organ - We’re all in this together, aren’t we?October 1, 2015 – 10:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I have a friend who sounds similar to yours…she’s hot, and exotic looking with great everything and she doesn’t see it, or feel it. She’s constantly doing things (ie, botox, plastic surgery, etc) to her appearance, and it saddens me. I talk to my dudes a lot about making assumptions about others or about situations…the grass is NOT always greener, but it takes a long, long time for all of us to realize that. And, I think with social media and everyone broadcasting their “highlight reel” instead of their real true MESSY life, we can easily assume that everyone else’s life is so much better.October 1, 2015 – 10:38 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ach, Emily. My friend is that too. And does the same. What’s UP with that (sys she who also tried Botox and was allergic).
      Yes. Let’s start doing the messy life.October 2, 2015 – 10:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay from Trashy Blog - Your story about Tucker and the umbrella brought tears to my eyes. Our kiddos are so innocent and all we want to do is protect them, but it can be so hard. I take pride in getting to know people–and the more difficult they are, sometimes it’s the harder I try. They usually end up being huge softies. Or huge dicks, but hey, at least I tried. 🙂October 1, 2015 – 10:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that you try, especially because I know both of our pasts mean that we might not. They ARE so innocent and FUCK. Really.October 2, 2015 – 10:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Angel the Alien - Powerful story about the wheelchair! I will always find it strange how society is somehow trained from an early age to be compassionate towards someone who LOOKS like they have a disability. (Not saying that all people are compassionate, just that it is encouraged by most self-respecting people.) Yet if someone is ACTING differently from what we’d expect, our first reaction is fear, and maybe dislike. When I worked in the camp for kids with sensory processing disorders over the summer, there was this awesome 7-year-old boy whose mother was always dressing him in shirts that said, “Autism is my superpower,” or “Oops, is my autism showing?” etc. Some people would think it is odd to advertise autism on a shirt… but I think it was his mom’s way of telling the world, “My son has autism! Got a problem with that?”October 2, 2015 – 1:08 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Angel, I kinda hate the story about the wheelchair. I mean so not fair that we don’t assume people have issues when we can’t see them. I also get it about the t-shirts but that makes me sad, too. We shouldn’t have to explain what’s going on on our insides for people to be compassionate.October 2, 2015 – 11:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - I want to punch bullies in the nose.

    The story about the wheelchair? Totally true. Bridget is treated completely different if her braces are visible and/or she is in her “chair”.October 2, 2015 – 10:30 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Wow, it is sad that a physical reminder such as a wheelchair makes us more compassionate.

    Poor Tucker and the umbrella duel. I wonder what the other side of the story was 🙁October 2, 2015 – 12:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So sucky that the wheelchair made a difference. And yeah, I don’t know more about the umbrella duel but I have to wonder if maybe I was in the wrong.October 2, 2015 – 11:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Yup, my Grandfather said that, too – never assume because you just don’t know. That, however, is easier said than done, isn’t it?
    As for the wheelchair bringing about more compassion – that makes me sad. I mean, good for the person on the receiving end of that compassion and understanding. But for those of us and our children who live with invisible struggles, it’s sad. Just because my kid looks one way to you on the outside doesn’t mean she isn’t struggling on the inside. Every day. Just because I look OK doesn’t mean I’m not in pain. But what do you do? Tell everyone “hey, I’m miserable but you can’t tell?” No, of course not.
    It’s a dilemma. One for which I have no answer.
    Anyway.
    I have yet to finish my post…hopefully I will before time runs out on the link!October 2, 2015 – 1:24 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, Lisa, the wheelchair story makes me so sad too. Lizzi told me it last night, and ugh. I pretty much hate it. You’re right. Those of us (us or our kids or both) who struggle on the inside but look normal, yeah. And what is “normal” anyway when it comes to these things?October 2, 2015 – 11:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I made assumptions about a woman in my kids’ preschool – she was attractive, fairly quiet, and lived in a HUGE home. I assumed she was snotty, for no reason other than stereotypes. Turns out she is one of the sweetest, kindest, and most generous people I know, and she has been my friend for over a decade. I would never share my first impressions with her, because I am ashamed that I made them without even getting to know her. Fortunately I didn’t share my assumptions with anyone else, and I remember them when I start to make other ones in my head.

    “You never know what goes on behind closed doors,” my mom used to say. Or in other people’s wallets, or relationships, or homes. So true.October 2, 2015 – 3:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that story Dana. Same here, with this woman. I knew her for a few years and finally reached out and she’s one of my very best friends today although she lives far away.October 2, 2015 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - I read a quote once that has always stuck with me. It basically says that EVERYONE is struggling with SOMETHING – even it we can’t see what that something is. I try to remember that before I make assumptions and judgements about others, but I often forget.Thanks for the reminder.October 2, 2015 – 7:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lisa, so so true. We all struggle. So much. I wish we didn’t though you know?October 2, 2015 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

  • marcia @ Menopausal Mother - It’s amazing how easy it is to assume things about others and their lives when really we have no clue what’s going on inside their heads. I think that being misunderstood is usually what creates so much drama in our lives.October 2, 2015 – 11:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It sad how easy it is to judge. Really and you’re so right that that’s what creates more drama in our lives. Thanks, Marcia.October 3, 2015 – 8:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandra - I just want to put it out there that I don’t fart…ahem…when anyone’s around…
    As a nurse, judgement is such a big part of how we give report to one another. It’s awful! If one nurse had a bad experience with a patient, as she’s reporting off to me, for instance, as soon as the bad experience is mentioned, it’s taints my experience with the patient. I go into that room thinking “Oh this is that stupid one” or “these are the people that are going to be on the call bell all night.” And most of the time, I make the best connections with these people.
    And maybe Tucker should have been sticking that umbrella where the sun don’t shine on that other boy…who knows what was said or done on the bus. I get a kick out of hearing about Tucker kicking some ass!October 3, 2015 – 12:18 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL that you don’t fart. Um when anybody’s around. I actually started to a few years ago because I got mad about my husband being able to think that his were funny? Gross I know.
      I know about who knows and I too get a kick about Tucker kicking some ass! Hope you are okay!! At least for now.October 3, 2015 – 11:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - I have always told my son, “don’t judge and don’t assume, it just makes an ass out of you and me and we don’t like assholes, do we?”. I’ve always parented bluntly.October 3, 2015 – 12:42 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You kick ass as a parent. I’ve known this for a long long time, baby. We don’t like assholes.October 3, 2015 – 11:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicki - Yes yes YES! I tell myself this all the time: everyone has sh*t they’re dealing with. Everyone. Thank you so much for writing, and illustrating, it so perfectly! xoOctober 3, 2015 – 6:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG My worst post in so long so figures that YOU would read this one because I admire you. But thanks, and yeah, we all need to shut the fuck up when it comes to judging and assuming.October 3, 2015 – 11:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I did have to laugh about the farting. My sister claims she doesn’t fart! But she does have icky crampy periods and fights with loved ones.
    I have spent most of my life just assuming everyone one earth was better than me. It’s weird.
    It’s nice to open up a new perspective.October 4, 2015 – 7:43 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - She claims she doesn’t fart? Like ever? Does she burp a lot? I think most of us assume that others are better than us. Too easy. Let’s be better okay?October 4, 2015 – 8:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Rabia @TheLiebers - Reading people is tough and making assumptions is not wise. My husband just got his arm out of a sling. When we go places, he has to baby that arm until he gets his strength back. I know people think he’s lazy when I’m carrying everything and holding the doors, but the truth is he can’t do it.October 7, 2015 – 8:54 amReplyCancel

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