a good creatures interview with writer Robin LaVoie on parenting a child with nonverbal autism, seeing caregiving and creativity as intertwined, and claiming space for creative practice
I absolutely needed to read this today. As someone who writes but does not necessarily yet think of herself as a writer, I have been consumed with worry over the care of my two adult sons who require full guardianship. To be clear... it is not the care that is overwhelming, but the "worry" of their future care. Robin Lavoie has about 6 years ahead of me (but notably has 1 child with ASD while I have 2) but she shows how it can be done. I read her struggles as my struggles, and this makes me feel less alone and gives me some hope.
this is so lovely, Zina, and very much at the heart of the series--thanks so much for reading and commenting, and I'm glad you're making space for your own creative life
And your response, in turn, helps me feel less alone, too - thank you. I am grateful that Nancy posed these questions about creativity and caregiving, because they helped me think carefully about how this can really work. It's a daily practice, and I'm hopeful that you can find your way, too!
I’ve been reading Robin’s work for a little while and it is always wonderfully written, endlessly thought-provoking, and ladden with a touching level of care for her son.
Great post. One takeaway for me was the importance of having both the right time and the right space to create. But that creativity can take place while busy with "busyness" and caring for others.
Very interesting and thank you for the discussion. I love the picture of working "under supervision". I could definitely see a book (or play?) coming from your experience!
Nov 8, 2023·edited Nov 8, 2023Liked by Nancy Reddy
Your observations about the relationship between creativity and caregiving really spoke to me. They seem to be two sides of the same coin, enhancing and influencing one another. Giving care is a creative task in and of itself; it calls for quick thinking, flexibility, and an abundance of love and patience. I got in touch with a support worker for autism ( https://theadventureteam.com.au/ ) and it has helped my autistic daughter a lot. She is so much better now. It can be a delicate dance to strike a balance between your creative practice and your caring responsibilities; finding those calm times, like your early mornings, becomes crucial to keeping that balance. Knowing that taking care of our loved ones can work as a source of creativity and inspiration for our artistic activities is consoling. Your post has helped me further and I understand what needs to be taken care of with sensitivity. Thanks.
What a powerful interview. Thank you, Nancy, for sharing this, and thank you, Robin, for the wisdom that you share here. It resonated deeply and although this interview was living in my tabs for a little while, I read it just when I needed it. I loved so much of it, but this hit hard: "When I remember this—that creativity happens not just alongside but within the duties of motherhood—I feel less scattered and split." Yes to that. Thank you!
I absolutely needed to read this today. As someone who writes but does not necessarily yet think of herself as a writer, I have been consumed with worry over the care of my two adult sons who require full guardianship. To be clear... it is not the care that is overwhelming, but the "worry" of their future care. Robin Lavoie has about 6 years ahead of me (but notably has 1 child with ASD while I have 2) but she shows how it can be done. I read her struggles as my struggles, and this makes me feel less alone and gives me some hope.
this is so lovely, Zina, and very much at the heart of the series--thanks so much for reading and commenting, and I'm glad you're making space for your own creative life
And your response, in turn, helps me feel less alone, too - thank you. I am grateful that Nancy posed these questions about creativity and caregiving, because they helped me think carefully about how this can really work. It's a daily practice, and I'm hopeful that you can find your way, too!
I definitely consider you a writer and a damn fine one at that! If you're not a writer, none of us are.
@Joaquin, Thank you so much. I feel like I am in a state of practice always! Your words definitely give me a lot of encouragement!
Great interview.
I’ve been reading Robin’s work for a little while and it is always wonderfully written, endlessly thought-provoking, and ladden with a touching level of care for her son.
thanks for commenting! her warmth and depth of care is so clear in her writing, isn't it?
Definitely - it’s touching.
Thank you so much, Michael!
Great post. One takeaway for me was the importance of having both the right time and the right space to create. But that creativity can take place while busy with "busyness" and caring for others.
Thank you so much for sharing this! Robin's marvelous energies can provide inspiration for many of us!
Thanks! I appreciate that!
Very interesting and thank you for the discussion. I love the picture of working "under supervision". I could definitely see a book (or play?) coming from your experience!
Thank you!
Your observations about the relationship between creativity and caregiving really spoke to me. They seem to be two sides of the same coin, enhancing and influencing one another. Giving care is a creative task in and of itself; it calls for quick thinking, flexibility, and an abundance of love and patience. I got in touch with a support worker for autism ( https://theadventureteam.com.au/ ) and it has helped my autistic daughter a lot. She is so much better now. It can be a delicate dance to strike a balance between your creative practice and your caring responsibilities; finding those calm times, like your early mornings, becomes crucial to keeping that balance. Knowing that taking care of our loved ones can work as a source of creativity and inspiration for our artistic activities is consoling. Your post has helped me further and I understand what needs to be taken care of with sensitivity. Thanks.
What a powerful interview. Thank you, Nancy, for sharing this, and thank you, Robin, for the wisdom that you share here. It resonated deeply and although this interview was living in my tabs for a little while, I read it just when I needed it. I loved so much of it, but this hit hard: "When I remember this—that creativity happens not just alongside but within the duties of motherhood—I feel less scattered and split." Yes to that. Thank you!