I feel guilty about a very strange thing. Not about something I’ve done, but about something I was given. Today, I want to hold my hand up and shield people from paying attention to this part of my life; here, in this particular community of parents who struggle daily with special needs, and never-ending vigilance. A few codes in our neurologist’s office indicate I’ve every right to be among you … [Read more...]
Autism Awareness Through the Eyes of Jesus
Autism awareness through the eyes of Jesus? During Autism Awareness Month, I like to remind myself and those who know and love someone with autism to look at that child or adult through the eyes of Jesus. Changing one's gaze explodes preconceptions and shifts paradigms in a powerful way. The following was written when my son Joel was ten years old. He is now 31. This is a vision I go back to, time … [Read more...]
We Knew Something Was Wrong, but It Turned out Alright
I didn’t know my son would have the challenges he has when questioned by a student (I taught high school at the time) whether or not I would “do” something if I knew the child I was carrying would have problems or if something would go wrong. That still small voice (I believe the Lord) whispered to my heart, “Be careful how you answer, because there is.” I explained to this well-meaning student … [Read more...]
Why My Child Lord?
Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 Sometimes we say, "Why me Lord?" When we struggle we may question many things. With our children with various challenges coming at them daily you may have asked yourself, "Why my child Lord?" I am going to let out a little secret here ... I am nearing 50 in the next several … [Read more...]
The Googolplex of Disability, or, How Many Times I Have to Repeat Myself
I’m going to be honest. I took high school calculus because my best friend was taking it, and I needed to prove I was as smart as she was. I was very insecure, and what’s worse, I hated math. But I did get something good from all those numbers: a B- and a neat little tidbit: A “googol” is 10 to the power of 100. The “googolplex” is significantly larger: 10 to the power of a googol - 10googol, or … [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...]