Chelsea and Charlie in 2005 Philipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Chelsea came in the room, “Mom look I got another college theatre scholarship!” I was so excited for her and very proud. She is 6 years older than her brother Charlie who has autism. She was about 9 when we got the diagnosis. She didn’t really understand at the time. Even when he wasn’t talking and … [Read more...]
The Power of Encouragement
"I bought more candy-grams, Mom," Alec says with a big smile as we drive home from school just two days before Valentine's Day. "Alec, you already bought twelve candy-grams," I frown. "Do you really need more?" Alec's school was selling the candy-grams as a fundraiser for the holiday. For twenty-five cents you could send a single hard candy with a note of friendship. This particular … [Read more...]
The Flip Side
I once read that the most annoying characteristic about a child will likely be their greatest strength as an adult. Sounds promising. Although I have yet to discover how the inability to distinguish the floor from the trashcan can become the crowning glory of my child's future. Maybe it is a foretaste of some deep, latent artistic expression. But I have reason to believe it can be true. One of … [Read more...]
Asking For Help Doesn’t Have To Be A Pain In The Neck
Raise your hand if you've cared for your special kids to the point of not showering for days. Or you've prioritized their doctor and therapist appointments so often you're pretty sure it's been since your high school sports physical since you saw a doctor yourself. Yep. Me, too. The thing is, our kids have intense needs and there's only so much time in the day. I know I'm really good at … [Read more...]
One Day at a Time
2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. One Day at a Time. Say it again. One Day at a Time. Say it slower. One- Day- at- a -Time. I think we all need to be reminded of this. As parents of children with unique needs our lives are filled with so … [Read more...]
Obedience Training
What I’m about to say may sound a little odd, but four years ago, God invited our family to test Him in obedience by getting a dog. Last time I checked, there is no command in scripture that says, “Test me in this--purchase a canine--and your lives will be filled to overflowing.” But as I read more and more accounts of families whose spectrum disordered children gained so much from adding a … [Read more...]