If I could set the agenda for Autism Awareness Month, here's what I'd love to see happen. April 1st kicks off Autism Awareness month and I have mixed feelings each year. I'm thankful for friends who wear blue and send their love to our family via social media and texts. I'm thankful for the extra attention autism gets on websites and news shows. I love making new friends at local autism … [Read more...]
Waiting for the Alarm to Sound: Firefighter, or Special-Needs Parent?
I could hear the screeches and crying ringing from upstairs. I sighed deeply and headed toward the stairs. As I was going up, my youngest son (8 years old) was making his way down. I paused and asked, "What happened?" hoping for some insight in order to assess the situation before getting there and trying to figure out what sent him over the edge this time. He replied, "He's upset." as he … [Read more...]
“Whose Kid Is That?”
Behind your back, words overheard, or most hurtfully right to your face, you may have had someone say something that as parent of a child with special needs you wished you’d never have heard. No matter how you heard “Who’s KID is that?” it’s like a dagger in our hearts. TRYING to enjoy the Olympics….as a Family…. Joey was 15 (over 6’ tall and quite mobile!), our daughters 12 and 5, and … [Read more...]
We Can’t Always Protect Our Children
The day finally came that my son had looked forward to for a whole year or more. He still likes to build roller coasters and loves all his technology, but he loves watching racing. We are blessed to live near Daytona and when we drive by the stadium his eyes get really big and he starts breathing heavier. It is February 21, the day of Daytona 500 at their brand new stadium. He couldn't wait … [Read more...]
Seeds of Hope
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5 What is hope? What gives me hope in the midst of despair? I hope for spring in the midst of winter, unable to see the mysterious workings of nature deep underground. I’m powerless in the face of my need for spring. I can’t control the seasons. And yet I have faith, borne in hope, that the breeze will … [Read more...]
Please stop telling me to take care of myself (+10 Ways to Help a SN Parent)
I get it. When you stop for a moment and say, “Take care of yourself, OK?” you’re telling me you care. And I’m so glad you stopped instead of walking by. But can I let you in on something? I’m trying to take care of myself, really I am. On days where my son’s health is decently stable I think I actually do. I exercise, cook meals, do laundry, pick up kids and even sneak in an extra long … [Read more...]