When we first enter this world of medical uncertainty as parents, no one gives us a handbook. None one holds our hand to walk us through what to expect, what is coming next, and what life might look like going forward. So we asked this community, if you could go back to the beginning –knowing what you know now– what would you tell yourself as a brand new medical parent? What would you want to know right at the beginning? And in today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Chandra Bloomfield to share those answers. We sift through all the wisdom, encouragement, and validation from seasoned parents as they share their heart with anyone coming after. And to be honest, there’s lot of tidbits in here that are relevant for more experienced parents too. This episode is so tender and meaningful, and there is something here for everyone. Links: Set up an AbleNow account for your child today! Join The Rare Life newsletter and never miss an update! Fill out our contact form to join upcoming discussion groups! Episodes Mentioned: Ep 131: Chronic Stress Ep 132: When Self-Care Gives Us the Swears Ep 138: Therapy for us Ep 106: Nonspeaking Episode with Brianna Nonspeaking Episode with Suzi Ep 134: Child Loss 101 Ep 137: Life After Child Loss Ep 126: When to scale back on therapies Ep 22: "It’s All My Fault” Ep 157: Friendships with people without disabled kids Ep 153: Hurtful Things Loved Ones Say Ep 150: Sibling Voices Ep 50: The Sibling Perspective Ep 118: Organization Ep 81: Health Anxiety Books/poems: The Life We Never Expected by Andrew and Rachel Wilson (faith-based) Special by Melanie Dimmitt Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kinglsey Visit Supportnow to set up your support registry! Manage your child’s medical recordswith Hibi! Get a medical ID bracelet through MyID! Get our favorite organizational cart from Ikea. Follow Accessible Adventures on Instagram! Follow Chandra on Instagram @miraculouslycomplexmaddie! Follow us on Instagram @the_rare_life! Donate to the podcast or Contact me about sponsoring an episode.