Raising a child with a chronic illness, disability or special need can often be a bone-achingly isolating existence. The stares, exclusion, judgment, and hurtful comments can sometimes make caregivers like us feel like we are serving time in a penal colony, far from the comfortable normalcy of the average family. Without realizing it, well-meaning family and friends can push us further to the … [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...]
Who Are You Leaning On?
The other day I was confronted with the fact that I am not listening enough to God. At first I felt defensive inside. I started saying, “I just finished a great Bible Study and I do my devotionals weekly and pray many times each day!” They asked me again slower, “Are you taking the time to listen to God?” Wow, I felt so convicted. The answer was really no. I’m not taking the time out to listen … [Read more...]
The Only Name That Matters
“Cerebral palsy. Autism. Epilepsy. Intellectually disabled. Cognitively impaired.” I read the words over and over in a whisper. In fact, those words seemed to leap off the page despite the rest of the wording that filled the legal document I was holding. They were only eight words, but those were the eight words used to define my son. Our son has just turned eighteen years … [Read more...]
What Fruit Do You Have?
What fruit do you have? That is what someone asked me once. I didn't know what they were talking about at first. I was thinking real life fruit that I eat? They laughed a little and said, "no the fruit of the spirit." I started to recite out loud Galations 5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control … [Read more...]
I’m Here To Take Care Of You
“Do you want to hold him?” The nurse handed your newly born body to me and placed you in my trembling arms. I remember looking down at you for the very first time and whispering, “I’m your dad, I’m here to take care of you.” I thought about that experience many times this week as you turned eighteen. In an instant I went from having a child with special needs to being the parent … [Read more...]