By Jessica Watson

Life after loss with autism, preemies and a rainbow baby

10 Must-read books that will keep you turning pages late into the night

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Are you on the hunt for your next great read? I've done LOTS of research to help you find it. My reading genres have been all over the place this year so whether you love historical fiction, emotional dramas or a little romance, this list of must-read books has something for every book lover. From bestselling authors to hidden gems, these ten books will keep you glued to the page, I promise. 1. Weyward by Emilia Hart If you love stories of resilience and generations of strong women with a little magic sprinkled in, Weyward is a must-read. I've always been fascinated by historical stories of women who were accused of witchcraft and this novel does an amazing job of weaving the subject Continue Reading

I remember

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Looking at baby in the NICU

I remember your face before it was covered with tubes and wires. I remember not knowing I wouldn't see it that way again for months. I remember scrubbing in every day, over and over again. How the seasons changed and my hands chapped, reminding me of where I'd just left my heart and where I'd go back to retrieve it day after day. I remember hating the phone, for different reasons that we all do now. Waking up each morning in a house where you should be, waiting for a NICU nurse to pick up the line and tell me everything was okay. That you had made it through another night. I remember short carrides to the hospital that seemed so long. Levels that were too low or too high. Continue Reading

I gave five stars to every one of these books

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Do I write often anymore just for me? Nope. Can I write about anything other than my favorite books? Also possibly, no. Once upon a time I would make a favorite book list every six months. I think I'm currently on the 18 month plan so if you're still here-- thank you for hanging on. Since no one really reads this part and just heads for the books I'll get right into it. Wait, one more thing. I will link to my Amazon store because it's the easiest place to find books and for writers like me to put together book lists BUT I have found most of these books at much better prices on Alibris and have found the audiobook versions on Chirp for WAY less than on Audible so check there for Continue Reading

Autism in adulthood: Finances

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I could fill a book with the number of things I did not know about having an autistic adult. From the time my daughter turned 18 life has been a crash course in post-high education, independent living and finances. Despite what everyone says about preparing yourself, 90% of life after 18 is fumbling around in the darkness hoping you're doing things right. The other 10% is getting letters in the mail from official places like the Office of Social Security telling you how you did things wrong. Rather than write a book because I'll never finish it, I'm going to break down one of the most confusing areas of autism in adulthood: finances. Here are all of the things we have learned while Continue Reading

15 Books to add to your Must Read list

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Apparently books are my coping mechanism for all the things. I have read my way through the last few years like a negative on my COVID tests depends on it. Adding in audiobooks has probably tripled my book reading speed as well. I can't stop you guys, someone take my Kindle. Actually don't. My mental health depends on reading the books-- all the books. Rather than fill this entire post with my ramblings on my love for books (which I absolutely could do) I'll share with you my latest Must Read books. Here are my favorites of the favorites from the past months. Add them to your lists, reserve them at your library, buy them, whatever works for you. And please, tell me what's on your Must Continue Reading

Autism awareness we still need

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Most autism parents will tell you they have more than enough autism awareness. They will say autism is their life 24/7 and they are more aware than they ever thought they would be. It's tough to find anyone who doesn't know someone with autism. The world is finally shifting to a time when the autism community is asking for acceptance because we are all aware. But... there is a huge part of autism that people are not aware of-- that I was not aware of until we reached the phase of autism we will be in for the rest of my daughter's life. The part where Ashlyn is an adult and has no freedom over her finances. In order for her to receive the support at home she needs she must always Continue Reading

On the other side of grief

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Nearly every time I took my kids out in public when they were little a sentimental senior would remind me to enjoy them or tell me how quickly they would grow-- how precious these days were. Sometimes they would offer their well-meaning advice when the kids were holding hands and happy and no one had fought over anything in 32.5 seconds. But sometimes it was while I was wrestling a wriggling kid under my arm, carrying bags under my eyes and a heavy side of grief. There was a long answer I want to give them but I never offered it. I'd smile and say "I do" or "I know" or offer a "yes, this is amazing" through gritted teeth as I peeled a planking child off a germ-infested floor. But when I Continue Reading

Books you won’t be able to put down

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books you won't be able to put down

The number of fiction books I've read over the last year says a lot about my need to escape all the things. I've had no problem surpassing my Goodreads reading challenge goal for the last few years, we'll just leave it at that. Before my list of books you won't be able to put down gets any longer I have to share them with you. My list of unputdownable books ranges from romance novels (not my usual genre) to a psychological thriller so bear with me, it's been a long time since I've reported back to you guys on with my good reads. Here's my latest must read list, let me know your latest favorite book, what you're planning to read and please, please, please tell me what great book I need as my Continue Reading

What to do for International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

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lanterns

October 15th is International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It marks the end of a marathon of anniversary dates for us. We lost Hadley on October 11 so having this day so soon after fits with the mood of the month. Every year I'm still fighting off my grief hangover from our anniversary dates and this remembrance day finishes off our emotional week. The good (if you can call it that) thing about being 14 years into this journey is that I've got this remembrance day down. I know what I want to do, how I want to pay tribute to the many other loss families I've connected with and where to go for the resources I need. Since a recent reader of my work called me a "grief Continue Reading

12 Books you must read in the new year

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Like everyone else I've spent more time home in 2020 than I could have ever imagined. With all this time at home has come a ton of books and some extra time to actually read them. My list of favorites is growing again so it's definitely time for another book list. It took me a while to narrow them down but I think I've got it down to my top 12 of 2020. Full disclosure, it takes me way too long to finish blog posts these days. While working on this post I may have read a few more books so there's a 2021 pick or two on this list. Here's everything I've loved lately that you should absolutely add to your wish list, put on hold at the library or run out and buy: Sing, Unburied, Sing Continue Reading