Victoria Ponders

inclusion

July 13, 2025

Message Received

A few months ago, I wrote about musical memories and car songs. As I re-read the post this morning I smiled. Sometimes it’s good to revisit our own words and reel in the comforting reminders. Let me catch you up…here’s a bit from the that post: Headed home after dropping Lisa off, I settled in… Continue reading

Family, kindness

author, disability, Family, gratitude, inclusion, love, music, philanthropy, prayers, service, songs, Surviving Sue
January 29, 2025

Don’t Look Away

I write often about my dad and one post in particular from over two years ago is still a conversation starter with readers – White Shirt, Helping Heart – Victoria Ponders. I think the resonance of that piece comes from the fact that my dad looked like a contradiction; an imposing looking privileged man –… Continue reading

kindness

gratitude, helping, inclusion, kindness, privilege, safety, vulnerability
November 21, 2024

Loving Lisa & Supporting Her Team

I adore my intellectually disabled sister, Lisa, and many long-time readers know how grateful I am for the caring team which surrounds Lisa in her CILA (community integrated living arrangement). Her loving group home, staffed by dear ones who’ve become extensions of our family over the years. Staff members who work for the Clearbrook organization… Continue reading

Family, kindness, Surviving Sue

#GivingTuesday, author, Clearbrook, disabilities, Family, gratitude, inclusion, mental health, writer
October 28, 2024

Smiling – “Real Big”

I’m not sure I’ll find the right words to share what’s in my heart today, but I’ve put my fingers on the keyboard, so let’s find out. I found myself crying in the car the other day. Not from grief or sadness but the overwhelm that comes when joy invades. Straight to the heart. Reminding… Continue reading

Family, Surviving Sue

advocacy, author, disability, diversity, gratitude, inclusion, love, respect, writing
October 10, 2024

When You Crack Yourself Up: Hubba Hubba Style

My sweet sister Lisa, despite her many disabilities is a walking, talking encyclopedia-like source of pop culture trivia. Especially if the vibe and music…and beefcake…appeal to her. (Sorry for the sexism…but come along anyhow. For Lisa’s sake. I promise there’s a smile coming thanks to a recent phone call.) In the mid-eighties, Lisa and our… Continue reading

Family

disabilities, Family, fathers and daughters, gratitude, humor, inclusion, laughter, love
September 21, 2024

Loving Lisa: “I’m Like the Others”

“We meet ourselves time and again in a thousand disguises on the path of life.” – Carl Jung Learning from others helps me see past the inadvertent disguises I wear. Most often, a comforting mask of certainty. Knowingness. Surprises come when I can recognize a growth opportunity. An opening to embrace what I might overlook.… Continue reading

Family, Surviving Sue

Carl Jung, disabilities, Family, gratitude, inclusion, Inspiration, love
May 28, 2024

Loving Lisa: TV Memories

My sweet sister Lisa visited with us over the weekend and we had a great time, as usual. Lisa’s lack of artifice reminds me to be in the moment and enjoy simple traditions. Memorial Day for Lisa conjures memories of watching the Indianapolis 500 with our dad, despite the fact that he died almost twenty-seven… Continue reading

Family

author, book, disability, gratitude, inclusion, Indy 500, love, memories, TV

“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.

Peek Inside “Surviving Sue“

Visit Resources on Atkinson Group Solutions for more.

Workshops

Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau – Writing for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor

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