Hey.

I almost didn’t write tonight’s email.

I’m tired. You’re tired. And honestly, it’s been one of those weeks where everything feels just slightly off. The kind where you open your inbox, think “I should deal with that,” and then… don’t.

But that’s exactly why I write these. Because if I’m feeling it, I know some of you are too.

I was supposed to speak at an event in Chester County yesterday. They asked me Thursday, while I was elbow-deep in a cart at BJ’s, hunting for pullups. I said yes. Of course I said yes.

Then Friday morning hit, and I realized: oops, scheduling conflict.

In our house, someone always has to be with Kevin. Always. No exceptions. Finding paid caregivers is tricky on a good day, let alone with short notice. And especially with his size, medical stuff, and behaviors.

I asked myself: Do I have it in me to scramble for a caregiver? Write a speech? Coordinate rides? Pack his things? Manage behaviors in a loud, crowded event space?

As it turns out....no, no I did not.

I even thought about just bringing him. He’s been to plenty of rallies and protests over the years. But that was back when things were more stable. When his seizures and behaviors were better managed.

Could I train my cousin Sharon and my friend Brett (both willing but untrained) to care for him while I was up on stage? (that's who I was going with)

Again… no, I didn’t have it in me. Not this week. Not with a client IEP meeting on Friday too.

And here’s the life lesson in all this: Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is say no....even to the stuff that matters. Because when your cup is empty, it’s empty. You can’t pour from it, you can’t fake full, and you sure as hell can’t show up as your best self.

We do so much juggling. And guilt-tripping ourselves into being everything, everywhere, all the time isn’t sustainable.

So if you’re also tired, and a little off, and letting a few things slide....same.

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to be everything this week. Sometimes, showing up for yourself is the most important advocacy you’ll ever do.

And then, in other news (because why not?) two campaign signs were stolen from my front yard. One was for a local school board member. The other? My friend Susan, who’s running for mayor of our teeny-tiny town (pop. 1500).

Yes, someone actually took them. Both. Losers.

So this week? We’re letting it go. We’re not fighting the battles that can wait. We’re staying home instead of forcing ourselves to show up when we’re running on fumes.

Here’s the thing: Sometimes the most powerful advocacy you can do is for yourself. Rest. Say no. Recharge. It’s not a failure, it’s the strategy that keeps you in the game.

We’re not machines. We’re humans. Parents. Caregivers. And sometimes... just tired.

Take care, LL

PS: If you have a school board election coming up, and the candidates are having forums, here's a list of questions to ask: "I'd Go, But What Would I Ask?" School Board Candidates and Special Ed Questions

*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.