Special needs adoption "Ma ma ma ma ma," I place my palm flat against my face and pat my lips, take my daughter Evangeline's soft, doughy hand in mine, and do it with her. "Ma ma ma ma ma." She likes it. So I do it again. Evangeline is non-verbal, but she will mumble sounds from time to time. I yearn to hear her say "ma." We lie in her bed at dusk, the sun fighting its setting, … [Read more...]
Cast Your Cares On Him
The familiar jingle on a back-to-school ad sings “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” The ad shows a parent, happily skipping along, pushing a cart full of back-to-school supplies. For lots of parents, we are excited to be sending the kiddos off to school to start another year. A special needs parent, on the other hand, may have many more bittersweet moments this time of year. And let’s … [Read more...]
Honoring Special Needs Parents Who Paved the Way for Us
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was enacted in 1975, just two years before my sister with Down Syndrome was born. Public Law 94-142 was still new to our small town in Oklahoma when my mom sat down for her first IEP meeting in 1983, when it was time for my sister to start kindergarten. She talked with a young teacher who wasn't trained in special education, had never taught a student … [Read more...]
A special needs mom’s response to seeing it in writing
A special needs mom's response to seeing it in writing Yesterday I took my six-year-old daughter Evangeline to the dentist and came home sad. It was a new practice, so I had to fill out Evie's medical history. The beginning was easy: Name: Evangeline Marchenko Doctor's name, address, and phone number, immunizations up to date, reason for the appointment. Standard questions. … [Read more...]
Identity Crisis
I love it when my son Tim leaves me messages on my voice mail. They almost always start out with, "Hi Mom. This is Timothy Robert Hubach. Your only son with Down syndrome." Just in case I forgot. Well, one night, Tim (my "only son with Down syndrome") and I tried to make a quick trip to WalMart to pick up a few items. Afterwards, I arrived home declaring, "Never again on a Friday night!" Now, it … [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...]