We sat in the car, inching forward in traffic that stretched miles ahead of us. My tween daughter turned on the radio. "Not that station!" I protested internally, but said nothing. She pulled out a granola bar and started eating (by which, I mean she ate 1/2 and ejected the crumbs from the rest around the seat). I looked over, tried to breathe away the annoyed reaction to her mess... Then I saw … [Read more...]
Celebration!
Joel loves to dance. He’s a study in joy on the dance floor—arms flailing, feet shuffling, eyes shining. Joy bubbles up in my veins as I watch him, inviting me to get up and do my own celebratory dance. I was shocked when Joel was too agitated and anxious to enjoy the last monthly dance held at his home, Safe Haven Farms. He walked into the brightly decorated multi-purpose room where music was … [Read more...]
What Are You Looking At?
Someone recently asked me how I deal with people who stare at my severely disabled son in public? Truth is, every time I venture out into public with Jake I am essentially inviting the world to see a little of God’s grace in the life of my son. I try to maintain that gospel attitude when glances become stares. Deep inside I realize every stare is a thought, perhaps a question that … [Read more...]
YOU WERE CHOSEN
Colossians 2:12 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Did you know you were chosen? Did you know God picked you out specifically to be your child’s parent? Did you know God chose you to receive Eternal Life, Everlasting Life? Did you know God sacrificed his own son for you to live … [Read more...]
Transformation on the Trail
Sunlight streams golden through beech and maple canopy. We walk, three of us, mother, father, son, through a cathedral of light. Leaf mold tickles the nostrils, leaves crunch underfoot, and above us, sycamore leaves applaud the day. A wild flutter erupts in my chest as thousands of grackles take flight, flash purple and black against a patchwork of blue sky. Taste of smoke sits on the tongue, … [Read more...]
Those Who Have Come Before You
We are all on a journey. A journey with our child who has a disability. I know when we first received Charlie’s autism diagnosis we scrambled to learn what this autism thing really was. We searched ways of how to help him. We searched how others were coping. I think books are great, articles are awesome, and conferences are amazing but I think the greatest thing I have found is finding others that … [Read more...]