in this mini episode, I discuss my journey of unexpectedly navigating my dog Charlotte's cancer diagnosis, paralleling it with lessons for an autism parenting journey. I discuss the importance of 'living in the present moment' by constantly grounding oneself in available data and of accepting and acknowledging emotions instead of suppressing them. I share my personal experience dealing with anticipatory anxiety and how I have been countering it with grounding practices. I remind you to trust the process, enjoy life's moments despite challenges, and to remember that it's okay not to have everything together all the time and how that doesn't make anyone less of a person or parent.