10 Comments
User's avatar
Allison Mei-Li's avatar

Congrats, Heidi. “A book of “It Gets Better” style letters for a Michigan public-health organization”…. this sounds super interesting!

Expand full comment
Heidi Fiedler's avatar

Thank you! It’s a cool project. I hope to see more like it!

Expand full comment
Heidi Kasa's avatar

Congrats, Heidi! A lot of great stuff, and thanks for including links so I can check some of these things out!

Expand full comment
Heidi Fiedler's avatar

Aw thank you for reading and cheering me on! I can feel your support!

Expand full comment
Heidi Kasa's avatar

I like how you also included your work and achievements with your family, as well as the amazing things you're still doing with your work and career. And the in-progress work, noting those great things, too! Because sometimes society doesn't note those "not fully produced yet" pieces. But you've worked so hard and it matters.

Expand full comment
Heidi Fiedler's avatar

In my journal, I'm even looser with it. I include anything hard or that I feel proud of for whatever reason. Anything that felt like it took time and attention. I actually do a mini version of this each week, and I'm always relieved to see I actually made progress, even when it doesn't feel like it. So much of the work we do as mothers and as writers is invisible!

Expand full comment
Heidi Kasa's avatar

I love that you include the hard stuff and the proud stuff. Even if small, even if unseen by others. You're a champion of effort. :)

Expand full comment
Heidi Kasa's avatar

Also, I just read your "Experience as a Medical Mom" piece. I teared up a bit. It's so gorgeous. And necessary.

I resonate with this. My son has had several procedures and issues that are nebulous and still unsolved. Since his first week alive. But like you said, it's not cancer, and he's otherwise happy and healthy in many other ways outside of these issues. So I didn't consider myself a medical mom, either. But I understand these feelings and can identify with them somewhat. So beautifully said: "My experiences with medical motherhood challenge me to stay soft, even as I face what feels like impossible obstacles. I’m not just a mom, but also a sacred witness and advocate for my son. It pushes me to love in ways I never imagined." Thank you for writing this and sharing it.

Expand full comment
Heidi Fiedler's avatar

Oh I’m sorry you relate to this! But I’m glad to know it resonated. I wish no one had to go through this. Kids or parents anywhere on the continuum! It truly is an added layer to our experience, and it is hard to understand if you haven’t been through it. Sending you a BIG hug!!!

Expand full comment
Heidi Kasa's avatar

And I'm sure of the layers, they're still all different. I'm sure your layer of autism with your son is not at all like our situation. But I at least can say I understand some of it! So BIG hugs to you, too!

Expand full comment