Looking for Glitter in the Muck

Caitlin Bangsund

Bonjour, I’m Caitlin

I’m not French, but I dream of going to Paris. And of a world where we find delight even in the hard moments of life. I would like to invite you to meet Marvellous Macey, my daughter. She is the girl I didn’t know I always needed.

Love is dangerous and beautiful. I write to understand it. And to unravel grief and search for hope. I want to encourage you to press on, one tiny step at a time. The tiny steps count.

About

From My Diary To Your Inbox

Someone once told me that I "reek of authenticity." While I'm not quite sure how to patent that fragrance, I can promise you this: I'll be showing up sporadically in your inbox with stories that will make you laugh, cry, and often sigh with relief because you'll think, "She does that too?!" or "Good, I'm not the only one," or even, "She's WAY worse than I am!"

And, always, I'll be the whisper that reminds you just how much the tiny steps DO count.

What Others Say

"I can honestly tell you that when I feel defeated or am struggling through something I think of you and all your family has overcome and I find so much positivity and inspiration. I feel like I should thank you for that - you are simply just a very bright light and as you say in your story - you were meant to have Macey as yours - you were built for it!!!!"

~DD

"Caitlin will be releasing a children's book soon that is not only based on my niece's incredible journey to date, but adds representation that is much needed in children's literature. Teacher and educator friends, you're going to want this in your library.”

~ LC

"Macey is a remarkable girl with a miraculous story.”

~ TH

"Thanks for the inspiration Caitlin. Our family thinks of all of you often and we talk about Macey a lot. Whenever the kids feel like things are too much, I just say, ‘Remember Macey -- if she can be strong, so can you’ and it always pulls them through. She is indeed an inspiration to so many - and as her courageous Mama, by sharing your writing, you help us find our way forward too.”

~SR

Blog

Does age need to limit us? We need to believe we are enough.

by Caitlin Bangsund | Mar 24, 2021

I tell my son to dream big dreams and that anything is possible. ⁠ ⁠ He tells me he may pursue a career in basketball instead of hockey if he can find enough time to practice.⁠ ⁠ I tell him that the magical thing about life is that you don’t have to decide yet or...

Unequipped for this?

by Caitlin Bangsund | Mar 24, 2021

I never ‘planned’ to have a daughter with a disability. I don't even know how to label or not label her. Having a child with a disability does not mean I am all of a sudden equipped with the knowledge I need to advocate properly or understand her. I am not sure...

The Way Of Love ~ Not Always A Warm Fuzzy Feeling ~

by Caitlin Bangsund | Feb 13, 2021

The way I have had to love Macey has taught me so much about love. In the days of hospital stays, procedures, tests, and walking through trauma (as a family) I had to love in ways I didn’t think I had the strength for. Macey needed me to show up despite exhaustion or...