I was asked the question, "What is your current role?" Well, there is a lot I could answer that question with. I am a mom, wife, friend, sister, aunt, daughter, retail store manager, student, library board member, and a gestational surrogate just to name a few.
My amazing tiny human, who will be six at the end of June, has special needs. He has a genetic condition, that causes occasional seizures, which has caused his developmental delay. He is semi-verbal, but that does not stop him from letting his needs and wants to be known. I can say with absolute certainty, being his mom has been the greatest thing in my life and he has taught me so very much. For more information about being a special needs parent I encourage you to read Forever Boy by Kate Swenson or watch some of her vlogs on YouTube, Finding Cooper's Voice. Following Kate's journey has helped me so much with my own.
In December of 2022, I was appointed to my local library's trustee board. 2023 was an election year, so after I was appointed just one month prior, I had to run for the position. My name was on the local ballot, which was very exciting to see. I have been on the board ever since. During my time, I have learned so much about the inner workings of libraries and what dealing with a board is like. Sometimes it is not all candy canes and sugar like some would believe.
I am also a current gestational surrogate or sometimes referred to as gestational carrier, for a friend I have known since first grade. Here is a quick snip bit of information to answer some possible questions, Things need know using gestational carrier. I am currently 16 weeks pregnant with identical twins, my anticipated due date is mid-October, but based on everything I had read about twins and what my doctor is saying, I will probably go earlier than that. Science and technology are just wild that way.
Speaking of technology, I personally have a love hate relationship with it. I probably know more about the technology in retail registers, than I do about my own iPhone. I would definitely say technology uses me and I am at its mercy. A prime example would be, I had an iPhone 6s for a very long time and would probably still have it if it was not for a game I play, Pokémon Go, doing an update that made any iPhone older than a six incompatible. Because of that update and my desire to keep playing the game and catching them all, I got a new phone the following day the update occurred. I have the desire to be more technologically savvy so that I can use it and not have it use me.
This was a fascinating introduction, Brittany. Thanks for sharing who you are. Based on what you wrote, I can see how technology has been positive for you in that it allows you to follow someone else's special needs journey that brings a sense of community. I don't have experience in that area personally, but I do have connections to your other two. I've served on two board of directors and several conference committees. It's always fascinating to see the "underbelly" of any organization. I'm also the mom of twins! You are correct in that they develop faster than singletons but in my case, I was induced- they went full term and had to be coaxed to exit! It's a wonderful thing you are doing for your friend.
ReplyDeleteBrittany, I'm so touched by your brief anecdote of being a mom to a special needs boy. I'm a teacher of students with special needs and realized how precious these students really are when I began working closely with them. I definitely want to utilize my MLis to work in special education in some capacity; I can't imagine I won't!
ReplyDeleteI find that technology updates itself a little too quickly as well. For me, it isn't about apps becoming incompatible but just the stress of keeping up with the latest trends, not to mention the cost of decent gadgets. Thus, I still have my Motorola Razr from 7 years ago. I'm trying to remain positive and comforted by the fact that platforms are actually more user-friendly now with Cloud technology. No longer do I need to carry a floppy disk or flash drive, or even save to a hard drive. However, I'm still a little nervous with the pace that programs change or get replaced. Hopefully, this course is a start into me regaining my confidence and intrigue. So far it has been enjoyable!
On a final note, your role as a surrogate has no words. I have a best friend whom I've known for 44 years and I can't imagine what a wonderful gift that is. Blessings to you both!
You are amazing! Being a gestational surrogate is no small feat. I had both my kids through IVF so I know the struggles. What a blessing you are to do this for a friend. My gma was a triplet and my husband is a twin. Congrats on being on your local board! Was it stressful to run? I ran for VP in 5th grade and I was a wreck the week before. Spoiler alert: I didn't win 🙃 I also love that you held onto your iPhone 6 for so long. My older sister loved her 6. She never wanted to upgrade/ update her because she refused to buy a bigger phone. Looking forward to getting to know you!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't it was stressful to run, it was more leg work. I had to get a certain percentage of signatures from folks who live in my library district, so that was hectic. It involved me going to the train station early in the morning and bothering the people waiting for the train for a signature.
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