I think he will walk. Therapists, doctors, friends all repeatedly tell me this, "I think he's going to walk." And I agree. I think he will walk. It's very exciting, especially given his diagnosis at the outset. But I have to say as excited as I am about the fact that he'll likely be more mobile than we expected, it doesn't heal all the pain for me. It doesn't cure my son's genetic diagnosis. … [Read more...]
Five Phrases Special-Needs Parents May Never Hear
August is Special Needs Parents Appreciation Month. My friend and fellow dedicated mother, Sandra Peoples, founded this 31 day observance in 2015. And while her intentions were noble, there are sadly some in the adult disability community who roll their eyes at this annual observance. They regard such a celebration as public martyrdom and contend that the parents aren't the ones who are truly … [Read more...]
Who Me … Traumatized?
What do you think of when you think about trauma or being traumatized? When I think of being traumatized, I often think of people who have been in severe accidents, victims in a war, soldiers who have seen their buddies die in combat, survivors of sexual abuse, victims of rape and people that have been through other unimaginable atrocities. But what about the parents of children impacted by … [Read more...]
Giving God Control Even in Special Needs
It was never mine to begin with. This life I live was never all mine. I gave it to Christ a long time ago. I told him to use me, use my kids, my life, use whatever he needed. I've prayed prayers asking God to use me in bigger ways than inside the walls of my house. And, remember the song I sang asking for the Holy Spirit to lead me where my trust is without those same borders? Well, here I am. … [Read more...]
We’ve Moved to KeyMinistry.org
We are now part of the Key Ministry family and all our new content will be featured there. We'll leave this site up as a resource and hope you'll join our team of writers at our new home. … [Read more...]
Special Needs Déjà Vu
It feels like we've been here before. The meltdowns, medicines, medical issues, doctor appointments; they are starting again. It's a familiar sinking feeling I get in my head and gut. This time, at least I know some of the warning signs of the coming storm. I see the look in my son's eyes; a shaking of his head. Quick, get him away from the multitude of public stares. A family member said to me, … [Read more...]