Sometimes when I’m driving, my family sees more than for which they bargained. Asked if I’m lost, I’ll say, “No, I’m not lost. I’m on an adventure!” I point to the great view of the parking lot where I just turned around or the scenic views from a series of gas stations where we’ve stopped to ask directions. Sometimes I’m frustrated, but if I’m not too off course or too late, I consider it an … [Read more...]

I'd like to have us consider that our first line of thought should be: Let's CONNECT!!!! Let’s start out in GENERAL, and in REAL LIFE. This blog is for every single one of us, and also for those friends on the special needs Unexpected Journey, these tips and ideas will work very well for you as well…(think teachers, IEP’s, meetings, doctors, etc.) but this will work in all relationships…so join … [Read more...]

Moms (and probably Dads, too) are constantly analyzing in the rearview mirror of life what we did right and wrong. I’m not going to even out my list here, but I can tell you I have worked very hard at being an intentional and “always there” mom. Due to that very fact, I have had much opportunity on the road of life and our *Unexpected Journey of special needs life to make plenty of mistakes. For … [Read more...]

The child was about 12 years old and weighed about that many pounds or a few more. As a young high school aged student I didn’t know how to relate, respond, or inquire about my friends sibling that I was seeing (not meeting) for the first time. I’d known my friend for at least 3 years, and not once did my friend mention this sibling. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. It was my first … [Read more...]

We all love our child with special needs, caring for them with all the love we have inside of us…but while love is the biggest most important thing we have going for us in this unexpected journey….there are indeed, other things needed to get us to the finish line! Here are a few we’ve found to help us on our journey: BOUNDARIES - Boundaries for our family is so important. We need to know when … [Read more...]

Inclusion and Mainstreaming has long been a back and forth quandary. How inclusive must a classroom be? If the special needs student doesn’t understand numbers should they be in a regular math class? If this student has a buddy to help in an art class, should they be welcomed with mainstreaming? These are all great debates and questions for the classroom but what about family functions and other … [Read more...]