I came across this article this morning, and it reminded me so much of the Eating with EASE lessons I've been focusing on lately, all about CAPACITY. Here's a little nugget from EASE that I think is especially helpful: Just because a child CAN do something doesn't mean they have the capacity to do it right now. Capability is about having the skills to do something. Capacity is about having the resources available to use those skills in that moment. A child might have the skills to try an unfamiliar food, handle a change in routine, or participate in a family meal. But if they've already used so much of their energy managing sensory input, emotions, transitions, and expectations throughout the day, there may not be much left for that next challenge. Understanding what might be using up your child's capacity can help you figure out what support they need to be successful in that moment. This applies to parents, too! One of the things I appreciated about this article is the reminder that sometimes the answer isn't to add another strategy or try harder. It's to look at what's already being asked of everyone and consider what we might be able to simplify. As we head into the busy holiday season, it's worth asking: Are the demands we're placing on ourselves and our children matching the capacity we actually have right now? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Is there something your family could simplify to make a little more room for everyone?

Hi! This is Mary's sister. I just wanted to hop on and give a quick update. Mary has had a few rough days but maybe... just maybe... she has turned a corner and will soon be popping back on. Overall things have slowly been moving in the right direction... but it has been very slow. Thanks for being such a caring community!

Hey good morning good evening good afternoon phenomenal community so yeah, I’ve been a little. AWOL isn’t many if you know I had surgery last week on two broken ankles Monday I had an additional surgery where I have a hole in my intestine or something. I’m not even sure what happened, but I had more surgery and it’s in a bad spot and I’m in a bad spot right now and I’m in a lot of pain and I’m probably not gonna be very active for a little bit at least since we can get this cleaned up so I appreciate everyone who’s been stepping in and I will have a big surprise to thank everyone but it will probably be after the first of the year but I am here. I am MDLive and I am watching everyone. Thank you.

Wow! It’s hard to believe tonight marks one week post accident. Quick update - all milestones to be considered a candidate for rehab have been met. Now, it’s waiting for insurance and a bed to open. Plan is rehab facility starting Wednesday. 3 hours of PT and OT each day with the goal of increased independence. 2 weeks in rehab then I get casts on both ankles. Still non-weight bearing min 6-8 weeks. I’m hoping Week 1 is marked complete. Your messages and support mean the world to me. Hoping to get back more regularly once I have less pain and a more structured schedule.

Met with the surgeon post-op and while the break was worse than X-rays showed, I now basically have a new left ankle complete with a “TightRope” Working on pain management and a strategy for 8 weeks of non- Weight-bearing on both legs. This ads new meaning to go big or go home. Waiting for insurance to sort itself and then I’m off to a rehab facility for a few weeks. Not sure what happens after rehab but learning to take things one day at a time. More tomorrow when my brain returns.