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...]
How To Make Others Understand
You’re about to pull your hair out. You have tried to explain your situation more times than you can count. So why do others still not understand? How can you make others understand? The life of raising a child with special needs can be frustrating and draining. But dealing outsiders is a whole other deal. Whether it is your extended family, friends, church leaders, or neighbors, dealing with … [Read more...]
A Dad’s Role and Parental Comparison
It was supposed to be just another weekly Stay-At-Home Dad’s Day, but cheer practice changed those expectations. Instead, my dad's role became more clear. My job has allowed me the flexibility to stay at home while my wife works once a week as a nurse in the hospital. Typically these days are all about survival. With my wife being a nurse, she is gone for 13–14 hours the days she works. … [Read more...]
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
When my daughter was born with Down syndrome, I failed to celebrate her life. I rode the waves of grief and almost drowned in my tears. All I could focus on was her diagnosis. I thought of my baby as broken, only to quickly recognize that I was the broken one. I have discovered many of God's treasures along the way, treasures of joy, compassion, acceptance, humility, and abundant love. A … [Read more...]
The Spiritual Art of Raising Children with Disabilities
I am so excited to share my new book, The Spiritual Art of Raising Children with Disabilities with you! Here is an excerpt from the Introduction, to give you an idea of what it's all about. It was written for you, dear reader! Henri Nouwen is one of the great spiritual teachers of my life. I never met him in person, but I knew him intimately through his books on the spiritual life and his … [Read more...]
Special Needs Child Climbing In Faith
Stephanie, my wife, called to share a potentially scary story about Fayth, our daughter born with Down syndrome. Special Needs Child Like To Scare “Hey, you won’t believe what Fayth just did.” Not the first line I typically like to hear from Stephanie. “Do I need to step out of the room? Is she okay…” “Oh yeah, she’s fine. But it could have been bad.” She interjected quickly. “What did … [Read more...]