Just before I sat down to write this blog, I was on the phone with two of the people who are mainstays in Elizabeth’s schedule. Both had changes to share about their calendars—which, of course, trickled down to Elizabeth’s schedule… and then to mine.
And so, the lessons in flexibility continue.
The encouraging part is that Elizabeth is becoming quite skilled at handling these shifts. What once might have thrown her off balance now seems to be something she’s navigating with more confidence.
The encouraging part is that Elizabeth is becoming quite skilled at handling these shifts. What once might have thrown her off balance now seems to be something she’s navigating with more confidence. When I think back to the early days that I shared in my first book, I Believe in You, moments like these seemed impossible. Now they are proof of her progress and growth.
A Family Vacation to Remember
On a brighter note, our recent vacation was an incredible success!
Elizabeth enjoyed experiences she might not have had in the past, and what made the trip even more special was having Emily, her older sister, join us. For those who don’t know, Emily has been away for four years and was deeply missed, not only by Elizabeth but by all of us. Being together again felt like such a gift.
The house we rented had four bedrooms, and Emily chose to “bunk” with Elizabeth. Usually, this doesn’t go very well—Elizabeth tends to light up her room like a beacon at night, and most people shy away from sharing that glow. But this time, with just a few small night lights, Emily was able to sleep comfortably. A small victory, but a big start. Moments like this remind me of the themes in my book Emily’s Sister: family bonds truly shape the journey.
Tools That Helped Elizabeth Prepare
Before the trip, we had been practicing a new strategy with Elizabeth. We started using short, reassuring phrases before gatherings or new activities—moments that usually make her nervous and affect her ability to speak or engage socially.
We also showed her YouTube videos of places we’d be visiting, hotel photos, and even restaurant menus. Anything that could help her anticipate what was ahead made a difference.
This new “phrase practice” is built on that foundation. It not only prepared her for what she might encounter but also gave her ideas of what to do or say when she got there, just like the tools and resources we’ve found through TalkTools. Having the right support at the right moment can open doors for confidence and communication.
Confidence, Joy, and Progress
And it worked beautifully.
Elizabeth even told me during one of our chat times that she liked this new approach. I could see her entering situations still a little anxious—but armed with more tools. It’s as if she carried a quiet confidence, knowing she had a plan.
The trip itself was filled with joy: walking across covered bridges, bubbling away in the jacuzzi, and even playing putt-putt late into the night. Elizabeth was the happiest and most relaxed she has ever been on a family trip. Her joy multiplied ours, and when we got home, she proudly said how much she loved her vacation.
As I shared in Elizabeth Believes in Herself, giving her tools and space to succeed makes her shine. This vacation felt like a living example of that truth.
Celebrating Small Victories on the Journey
As I’ve often said, we are a work in progress. But this time, I’m celebrating the success and grateful to add more tools to Elizabeth’s repertoire.
If you’d like to read more about our journey, my books—I Believe in You, Emily’s Sister, and Elizabeth Believes in Herself—share both the challenges and the small victories that add up to lasting progress.
And for families looking for support on their own journey, TalkTools offers products and resources that can help make victories possible.
See you next month!
— Michele Gianetti, R.N.