Do you ever throw yourself a pity party? You know, one of those parties where you’re the only one who shows up? When you’re all by yourself, down in the dumps, knowing absolutely no one can possibly relate to your life situation? I had a day like that last Sunday. Feeling sorry for myself is easy on gloomy days when I can’t get to church for the 5th week in a row because my son Joel, who has … [Read more...]
Where to Find God When God is Silent
In our family's journey with autism, there have been times when God has shown up in a big way: A miraculous provision. A tender word from a stranger that so perfectly comforted a stressful day. A breakthrough for Alec that we did not expect. These are the "walking on the water" days, when God's presence is so palpable that I am humbled to silence. On days like that, I know beyond a shadow of … [Read more...]
Is Loss in His Plan? (Resources)
I was early to an appointment, for once. I pulled into a Bigby parking lot, grabbed my notebook and started writing. It was the early days of Calvin's diagnosis and medical struggles; pain poured out of me and I had nothing but prayer and my pen to sponge it up. Reading and writing became two major coping mechanisms for me and played a vital role in healing even though circumstances did not … [Read more...]
God’s Purpose in My Child’s Disability
My sister Syble has Down syndrome, so when our family goes out to eat or out anywhere, people notice us. Sometimes they stare. Sometimes they smile. Sometimes they just look away. Young children may ask questions or point. It becomes so expected we don’t even notice it anymore. But our son James has autism, which can’t really be seen. Usually, it’s heard. If we go to the grocery store and he … [Read more...]
Spinning Out of Control?
Are you spinning out of control? The bills are piling up. The IEP meetings are so stressful. My child’s behaviors are getting more severe. You haven’t gone out to dinner in forever. You worry about the future of your child. Your marriage is struggling. We have to go to so many different doctor appointments. You are struggling with your job or you are … [Read more...]
tripping over the “I don’t know”s in special needs parenting
Lately I've been peppered with questions I can't answer. From a friend: "Will she walk on her own?" From a fellow parent at our school: "Will she be able to come here too?" From a leader at our church: "How will this next therapy or surgery help?" From myself: "Will we be able to afford everything she needs?" From our babysitter: "Will she be able to talk more soon?" I … [Read more...]