Speak Calmly and Carry a Big Ladder: On Writing My Way Forward

By Abby Alten Schwartz

When my daughter was 10, it occurred to me that she’d never been to Disney World, and if I wanted her to experience it while she was still young enough to find the kingdom magical, I’d have to plan a vacation. My husband and I decided we’d fly to Orlando that fall and celebrate her 11th birthday at one of the themed resort hotels.

Simple, right? But here’s the thing. It was 2007 and my daughter had two chronic illnesses that made traveling more complicated. She ha...