In the last episode of Annette Hines’s three-part series of Telling Her Story, Annette talks about the relationships in her life. Learn all about Annette’s life story from finishing college to the present. It is all about the relationships and how they have carried her through the turmoil and challenges of her life. If you’d like to learn even more about Annette, check out her personal memoir, Butterflies and Second Chances: A Mom’s Memoir of Love and Loss available in paperback.
Married to her first husband right out of law school, followed by a pregnancy thereafter, life became difficult very quickly. Elizabeth was born prematurely with medical complications, that lead to a diagnosis of Mitochondrial Disease. Annette and her husband made a move from Virginia to Massachusetts to access better medical care and be near Annette’s family for support. Next came their second child, Caroline, who was, as doctors said “perfect.” Caroline’s entrance into the family brought about a trying sibling relationship as well as another child to nurture alongside of Elizabeth’s constant healthcare needs. The husband was not coping well with all the responsibilities of family life and Annette was having to care for him too. A mentally and physically exhausted caregiver, Annette decided it was best to end the marriage and became a single parent.
It was time to go back to a professional work life to support the girls. Annette’s mom moved in to assist as a caregiver and provide support for her daughter. This was a time of adjustment as their family was not like other traditional families. Not really thinking she would ever find a life partner again; Annette is surprised when she meets Mark at a work event. They immediately connect through similar and shared marriage and family experiences. After dating for a period, they wed in a small and intimate church ceremony a few weeks before Elizabeth’s unfortunate passing. Their relationship is crucial in getting Annette through the mourning and grief over the loss of Elizabeth. Mark provides Annette with unwavering support throughout this challenging time. Annette believes that although they are “flawed” individuals they are extraordinarily strong together. People see Mark as a best supporting husband. Annette believes he is her co-star! So please join Annette and hear her story in detail on this Parenting Impossible episode of Telling Her Story, Part 3. If you would like to learn even more about Annette Hines please check out her book, , Butterflies and Second Chances: A Mom’s Memoir of Love and Loss.
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As of January 1, 2022, Special Needs Companies, Special Needs Law Group and Special Needs Family Services will all be housed in this new location. They will be working with designers and contractors to create a family-friendly environment that is special needs accessible. Annette wants to hear from you – what is something you would like to see or something that would make your visit more comfortable when you visit a professional’s office. Of course, they will focus on ramps and more handicapped parking but are there other items that you would like to see or were maybe lacking in your last visit to a professional’s office? Please reach out HERE and let us know!
For information on other topics, please also check out Special Needs Companies. For legal advice, inspiration, and other resources, visit our blog here. Similarly, you can always listen to previous podcast episodes (and be sure to leave us a review), or download our free eBook here. We are always looking for podcast guests as well so please let us know if you or someone you know, has a special needs or disability topic you would like to speak about – Contact Us!
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Annette Hines has been practicing in the areas of Special Needs, Elder Law, and Estate Planning for more than 20 years. Ms. Hines brings personal experience with special needs to her practice and podcasts as the mother of two daughters, one of whom passed away from Mitochondrial disease in November 2013. This deep, personal understanding of special needs fuels her passion for quality special needs planning and drives her dedication to help others within the special needs community.