It's 5:15 am when the alarm goes off, chasing off the last remnants of a beautiful dream of walking on warm summer sands in the light of a glowing sunset. And just like that, Summer. Is. Over. My eyes strain to focus on the ceiling above as I fight an urge to pull the sheets back over my head. But no, I must get up! I must get up because… it's time for school again! I imagine other … [Read more...]
Spinning Out of Control?
Are you spinning out of control? The bills are piling up. The IEP meetings are so stressful. My child’s behaviors are getting more severe. You haven’t gone out to dinner in forever. You worry about the future of your child. Your marriage is struggling. We have to go to so many different doctor appointments. You are struggling with your job or you are … [Read more...]
Will Medicaid Determine Where our Children Live?
If you're reading this blog, you love a child—maybe several children—with a disability. I don’t know how old he is, or what her disability might be. I don’t know if you’re a mom, a dad, a grandparent, an aunt, uncle, or caregiver. I can safely guess that everything within you desires for this beautiful child to grow into his or her God-given potential. It’s hard to fathom when … [Read more...]
tripping over the “I don’t know”s in special needs parenting
Lately I've been peppered with questions I can't answer. From a friend: "Will she walk on her own?" From a fellow parent at our school: "Will she be able to come here too?" From a leader at our church: "How will this next therapy or surgery help?" From myself: "Will we be able to afford everything she needs?" From our babysitter: "Will she be able to talk more soon?" I … [Read more...]
When Life Is More Than I Can Handle
When my daughter was born with Down syndrome I felt devastated about her diagnosis. I cried constantly, and I struggled to find hope as I pictured our lives in the days, months, and years to come. One night, as I climbed into bed, I turned to my husband who was ready to go to sleep. I was exhausted by my sadness, and I knew he noticed it too. “The Bible says that God does not give us … [Read more...]
To The Typical Siblings
Dear typical sibling of a brother or sister with a disability, Today I want to speak to you as a parent, perhaps not your parent, but a parent nonetheless. I know you've had to sacrifice so much, and I wish you hadn't. For the many times you've thought it wasn't fair, we've felt it too. And if you've had to miss out on life experiences, please know that we wish we could offer you the … [Read more...]