About Me

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Hi! I’m Vanessa. I have a husband named Dan and three kids–Charlotte, Emmy, and Theo.

Things I love:

  • my friends and family (naturally)
  • writing
  • photography
  • iced tea
  • the ocean
  • talking to other people about shared experiences

I started Williams Syndrome Smile with these intentions in mind:

  • to encourage compassion for others–especially for those who have special needs
  • to share my story with kindred spirits
  • to develop a creative outlet for everything that has been swimming around in my head

Feel free to send me an email at: williamssyndromesmile@gmail.com. I promise to respond. When I was a newly-diagnosed parent, I was very confused about my daughter’s diagnosis, and I felt completely alone and afraid. I immediately thought of the website of a very popular blogger who also has a child with special needs, and I reached out to her right away. I spilled out all of my feelings, desperate for someone to just say, “I understand.” But I never heard back, and it took me a while to figure out where else to turn. I’m positive that she gets a trillion emails a day, so I can’t hold it against her. But I don’t want to ignore any email that comes my way because I know how alienating this experience can be–at first. So if you want to reach out, please do, and I will respond!

13 thoughts on “About Me”

  1. Vanessa, this is a wonderful blog and you write very movingly and with great sensitivity. It never occured to me that you were having any special journeys in your life. I am happy you are writing (wouldn’t have know if not for your sister-in-law, so I thank her!). You are and will be uplifting to many, many people. Love to all your beautiful family. Claire

    Reply

  2. i found your story about being a perfectionist on the Tiny Buddha webpage and it spoke to me. I am sitting on my couch as I type this, completely overwhelmed by my messy house, piles of laundry, empty refrigerator and wasted long weekend. I can SO relate to everything you said about perfectionism. It has been the story of my life as well. I am afraid to try because I know I won’t be the best. I eat more because I can’t bear to try and lose weight and be unsuccessful. I don’t try to look “good” – because someone will always look better. It is such a curse, and I am exhausted from it. Thank you for writing your story – sometimes I feel so alone in this “craziness.” Your article and your blog about your life with your beautiful family make me think that there may be hope. I just want to say God bless you and your family and thank you for sharing something so personal – it is truly a gift you are giving to others with similar struggles. 🙂

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  6. Vanessa,
    You don’t know me, but I just wanted to let you know I think you are a beautiful writer. I stumbled upon a piece you wrote about perfectionism and paralysis for Tiny Buddha. I am really good at walking the dog too (smile). Your thoughts made a positive impact in a total stranger’s life and I thought you should know.
    Oh, and apparently you are also a very good Mother. God bless you and your beautiful family.

    Sincerely,
    Phylann

    Reply

    • Hi Phylann,
      Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for your kind words! I’m so glad you liked the Tiny Buddha article. It means a lot that you stopped by to share your thoughts. 🙂 Thank you!
      Vanessa

      Reply

    • Hi there, Thanks so much for your concern! I really appreciate it. 🙂 All is well. Just busy, busy, busy with the kids right now. I have a lot of blog ideas and will hopefully get a chance to post soon. Thanks for reading!! 🙂 -Vanessa

      Reply

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