Dear Jake, Twenty-one years. Who could have known it would pass by so quickly? I woke up this morning looking at old photographs, wondering what happened to the copper-topped little boy that used to sleep on my chest at night and ride around on my shoulders during the day. You were never too heavy. You were always a joy to carry. It seems like only yesterday when your mom came to me with … [Read more...]
Appreciating the pit crew in special needs parenting
Appreciating the pit crew in special needs parenting Before parenting children with special needs... driving alone I know this statement will seem a bit counter-Christian. But sometimes I think all any of us are really trying to do is create mini kingdoms. People need to rule. We need to be noticed. We crave praise. And we need others to notice that we can actually handle our … [Read more...]
Disability can impact sibling relationships
“Mom, sometimes, when I look at Nichole she is so cute that I feel like crying because my heart is so full of love.” There are times I look at my children and I feel overwhelmed because of the intense love I feel for them. It is a love so hard to contain that it spills out in tears. I get this feeling, I am a mom. However, coming out of the mouth of my seven-year-old daughter, it surprised me. … [Read more...]
These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times
As I parent two children with special needs, there are seasons in life where the health concerns, the doctor appointments, the therapy sessions, the delays, the sensory issues, or the lack of understanding from friends and family overwhelm me. Some days, it might even feel as if I'm coming undone. When my daughter was born with Down syndrome, I knew that dealing with her diagnosis and … [Read more...]
I Wish You Could See What I See
It's no secret my girls have special needs. You can easily see the facial characteristics of Down syndrome, or the walker, wheelchair, and poor gait that points to cerebral palsy. Delays, poor speech, clumsy steps. I know you see the behaviors, I know you hear the labored words, I know you notice the differences, and I know you are grateful this is not your child. I don't blame you. I understand. … [Read more...]
Unconditional Love Or More Than I Can Handle?
Pumping quickly became a time where I allowed for my emotions to surface. Eight times a day I was attached to my own machine, unable to move, and able to wallow in my sadness. Many times, while milk poured, so did my tears. At times, I felt as if I was shaking my fist at God, asking Him “Why?” I had given Him my life; I had served Him faithfully; so why had He given me this child? Why had He … [Read more...]