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...]
A RARE Kind of Love
There are so many things that caught me by surprise when I became a mother. I always knew I wanted to have children, but I was never really in touch with my expectations beyond that. I certainly never anticipated that I would become the mother of children with special needs. When our son burst joyfully into the world over 13 years ago, he instantly placed us in that role with the mere testing of … [Read more...]
Weekend Links: Vol. 13
For a 100th day of school project, Ellen Stumbo helped her girls compile a display of 100 beautiful faces of kids with Down Syndrome. This post will make your eyes water with beautiful love. Barb at Snappin' Ministries asked her husband to write his thoughts about why he stays in their marriage. The Today Show featured the story of Canadian skier (and gold medalist!) Alex Bilodeau … [Read more...]
How Abnormal Shattered My Normality
I remember when normality use to be attractive and I feared anything abnormal. But God shattered my desire of normality with an abnormal daddy’s girl. Today, my view of normal and abnormal is radically different. Society’s View of Normal Commercials are helping people determine the needs of society. Movies are influencing people’s expectations with their fairy tale endings and heroic finishes. … [Read more...]
You don’t have to be a cheerleader every day
I read a blog one day from a mother of a child with Down syndrome. “I love my daughter but I’m not ready to celebrate Down syndrome.” I just want to say that I hear you. And I validate you. You don't have to be a cheerleader every day. Sometimes in our special needs circles certain types of people are pushed forward as spokespeople. You’ve got the instantly accepting parent … [Read more...]