A friend asked me how my family was doing. I said all was status quo, nothing exciting, no ups, no downs. We haven't had any bad days or really exciting things to report. Today was just ... today. Sounds kind of boring to the outsider. But actually, we have so much joy in the mundane. There was a time you would find us at the soccer fields with one of our boys. Occasionally, it could feel like … [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...]
When Our Children with Disabilities Rise to the Occasion
(For Dana) T.S. Eliot wrote that April is the “cruellest month.” Not for me. I find it’s barren February, with its unkind cold, and in which month I have known too many men of character who have died recently, and long past. At 6’7” with a perpetual mustache, bright blue eyes, and a voice like a thunderclap, Boyd Salsbury cut an imposing profile. His demeanor was gruff, his words carefully … [Read more...]
Picture This
When something heartbreaking happens in our life we may start to experience some shame. Especially if we thought we could have done something to prevent it from happening. Whether you are a new special needs parent or you’ve been on the journey a while shame always loves to come knocking. The enemy loves to build a wall of shame and put our pictures on it. Every time we see that wall, he wants to … [Read more...]
I Am “Just” A Special Needs Mom
The doctor asked me what it is I "do." I answered, "I'm just a mom." He went on to berate me on my value and said I should never say I'm "just" a mom. He said it is the most important job for women. So I asked, "What does your wife do?" "She's a nurse." <crickets> I had to wonder what happened to those noble thoughts on stay at home mothering. Of course, maybe there was more to their story. … [Read more...]
Protect Our Children, Lord
Do you have fears for your children? What do you worry about or think about daily? Is there something more on your mind that bothers you about the future of your child? *Mature material included in this blog I have a confessional. One of the things I think about the most and have the most thoughts about is protecting my son Charlie. I mean protecting Charlie from others who want to take … [Read more...]