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[vickierubin]

In a world that often moves too fast, Jessica’s dinner table, filled with love, friendship, and music, reminds us what truly matters. #RaisingJess #DisabilityandFamily #Inspirational #Parenting #Grouphome #Singing #PetulaClark #Disability #Downtown

Jessica’s House, Downtown Voices

[vickierubin]

Moving with a family member with a disability? Discover essential tips to make the process smoother and less stressful for your family. #Disability #Moving #family #relocation #tips #RaisingJess

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[vickierubin]

Mah Jongg – Long Island Tone – Four Letter Words – and an unexpected connection in the small Pine Key Library 🀄 #MahJongg #FloridaKeys #LongIsland #FunnyStories #Mahj #LifeStories #RaisingJess #Westbury #WTClarke

That Mah Jongg Lady From Long Island

[vickierubin]

Dun-dun… dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dunnnnn… do you need a laugh ? My story is in The Buffalo News! If you don’t have a subscription, the link to the free version is in the first comment. #Shark #Humor #FloridaKeys

Tarpon Dreams Turned into Shark Reality During a Wild Day on the Water

[vickierubin]

In Noa’s classroom, my dog Gus and I both have lessons to learn—mine: “get off your phone”; his: “stop eating from the garbage.” We take our seats (mine cross-legged, his…loosely interpreted), and class begins. Within minutes, my phone is confiscated, Gus is barely paying attention, and somehow, I’m the one who ends up in the principal’s office. And I learn: To slow down and be present. #Nana #GranddaughterLove #FamilyStories #NanaLife #KidsImagination #Grandparenting #FamilyHumor #RaisingJess #LifeLessons

Lessons from My Six-Year-Old Teacher: Presence, Patience, and Phones

[vickierubin]

As seen in Buffalo News - My View - https://bit.ly/4u1r2tf My Long Island "Tara" will always be part of me, but Buffalo is where my heart, people, and community have shown me true belonging. #OriginallyFromLongIsland #MyTara #Westbury #Buffalo #MyView #BuffaloNews #OpinionPiece #RaisingJess #Community

Home My Tara

[vickierubin]

OMG! Jessica and I are in Exceptional Parent Magazine: A Home of Her Own

I wrote an essay about our daughter, Jessica, and planned to submit it to Exceptional Parent Magazine. Clicking the send button with my essay traveling the digital waves is like setting off an avalanche of ruminations.  Fellow writers will understand the agony of waiting to hear what the editors think: 1. Will they take a hard pass, or 2. Accept, or even worse,3. No reply. I need to face the fact…

OMG! Jessica and I are in Exceptional Parent Magazine: A Home of Her Own

[vickierubin]

When Words Don’t Work, Let Color Speak - Children need the freedom to repeat motions, try again, and see how cause leads to effect. Thank you, Betty Vaughan, for this important article @ninetothrive. #Art #Creativity #Disability #SpecialNeeds #Child #Parenting #RaisingJess #NineToThrive

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[vickierubin]

A short story about staying connected with Jess when being together in person isn’t possible. Are you okay, Jess? 💛 #RaisingJess #Facetime #Disability #Connection #MotherDaughterBond #Parenting

FaceTime with Jess: Staying Connected with our Nonverbal Daughter: A Very Short Story

[vickierubin]

This past December, our family gathered to celebrate my dad’s 95th birthday—a milestone marked not just by years, but by love, generosity, humor, and the legacy he continues to pass forward. Through stories shared by children, grandchildren, and in-laws, we honored a man who led by example, embraced change, loved deeply, and showed us that family is life’s greatest success. It was a reminder that growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional, and a life well lived leaves a lasting imprint on generations.

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[vickierubin]

The Gift That Took Root in our Hearts and Yard! #RaisingJess #SycamoreTree #Tree #FamilyTree #Birthday #Dad #Gift

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[vickierubin]

✨ I did it! Who says Bat Mitzvahs are for 13-year-olds? At 68, I proved otherwise—sharing a meaningful moment with family, friends, and community. Read the full story 💙✡️ #AdultBatMitzvah #Tradition #PersonalJourney #RaisingJess #Family #Friends #Community #Milestones

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[vickierubin]

My Thanksgiving ThankFULL list - GEEZ! I hope I didn't forget anybody—Heartfelt, Humorous, & always Personal - HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y'ALL! 🦃 #Thanksgiving #RaisingJess #Family #Tofurkey #TurkeyDay #BuffaloTurkeyTrot #Humor #Gratitude

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[vickierubin]

A mother’s words for her daughter: “Disability doesn’t define me. My identity is about my abilities and beyond any diagnosis.” A mother’s words for her daughter: “Disability doesn’t define me. My identity is about my abilities and beyond any diagnosis.” #Disability #Family #Friends #IAmNotDefinedbyDisability #Define #RaisingJess

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[vickierubin]

Our dog, Daniel: I search his eyes for an answer; he searches my eyes for a decision. - Love is sometimes choosing not to do heroic measures

Our Daniel: When Love Means Letting Go

[vickierubin]

Parenting a child with disabilities is more than love — it’s appointments, therapies, and constant advocacy. But stress doesn’t just live inside us; it seeps into our homes and our children’s worlds. 🌱 This piece explores how stress shows up, how to manage it, and why self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s survival. 💙 👉 Read more about coping strategies, real-life tools, and building support that lifts both you and your child. #RaisingJess #SpecialNeedsParenting #CaregiverSupport #ParentingStress #RaisingResilience

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[vickierubin]

Bravery isn’t always loud—it’s Mitch’s calm, my panic-to-strength, and Jessica facing the unimaginable every time. #RaisingJess #EpilepsyAwareness #Seizure #CaregiverLife #SpecialNeedsParenting #FamilyStrength #FindingBravery #DisabilityAwareness #LoveAndBravery

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