How's everyone doing? Whether this past week (and next) was vacation, time off, ESY or just business as usual, I hope you were able to find time for yourself.

For those of you who have been around me for a while, maybe you remember back in the winter when it was first announced that the US Dept of Ed was being dismantled. First, it was shock. Then, within about 24 hours or so, I was on social media and email, saying "oh hell no, fucking bring it!"

I still stand by those statements, because I believe with 100% of my heart that going against special needs moms and teachers, as a unit, is one of the biggest mistakes anyone can make.

Still, I'd be lying if I said I felt that same fire in my belly regarding the BBB that passed on Thursday.

Regardless of what people want to believe, if implemented, disabled people will die. In droves. I guess that's why I don't feel the same energy--maybe because the stakes are higher now? I mean, if the ED dismantles, will people die? Probably not.

If rural hospitals close, disabled people don't have food, care, support....will they die? Yes, they will. And our country let it happen in the 60s, 80s, 90s and the pandemic, so don't kid yourself "that'll never happen." Unfortunately the USA has a long history of letting marginalized people die (which is why they don't want our kids to learn the real history, but I digress).

Anyway, my point is....as a special needs parent, mom, advocate and community leader in this space, how do we get out of this place of despair and fear?

A mantra that I've said 1000 times: Focus on what we can control.

I cannot control how Congress votes. I can (and do) call my legislators regularly, and I vote in every election, but ultimately how they vote is up to them.

I can control how I show up for my kid. I can control how I advocate, how I support others, and how I use my voice. I can control what I teach my community and what tools I share with you.

So that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to double down on helping you become the strongest, savviest IEP parent or public school teacher you can be. Because while they’re out there playing games with our lives and our kids’ futures, we’re over here preparing, learning, and fighting smarter.

This week, I’m going to share more free tools, updated guides, and some ways you can take action—at school, in your community, and yes, even in D.C. when the time is right.

We are not powerless.

And when special needs parents and educators get organized, focused, and loud? That’s when the real change happens. We’ve got work to do.

Lastly, I put these thoughts, and one of my favorite photos of me and my boys, RIGHT HERE. Please share with anyone who needs a little direction these days, a virtual hug or motivation. We've overcome so much--as the saying goes, I didn't come this far only to come this far.

Rest, but don't quit.

LL

*Please note: the posts here that are in the "Sunday Night Emails" category are just that--previous emails sent out on a Sunday night. The dates/times/content may not match up with present day events because it was sent out a while ago.