I have this guy living in my house. This tall, witty, occasionally infuriating guy, whose across-the-room smile can still make me blush, 15 years after "I do." Only problem is it's way too easy as a parent of kids with special needs to simply not look across the room. Do I know my husband is my primary relationship? That he's the only one who's still going to be sitting across from me when the … [Read more...]
A Sense of Wonder
It was my sweet privilege recently to hear Keith and Kristyn Getty in concert. I have loved their music for some time. So many of their songs have captured my heart as I have parented a son with hidden disabilities. One of their most memorable songs is “In Christ Alone.” Their concert was hopeful and encouraging, a celebration of our great God. But when I left, one of the songs they did not … [Read more...]
On Fear And Fall Festivals
This week is full of fall festivals, and we're scheduled to attend a few. While this usually doesn't bother me, I have some reservations this year. We've had a rough month with a major plumbing project, both vehicles in the shop for repairs, illness, and the accompanying financial stress. As a result of the drama, my daughter has experienced some regression, especially in her sensory processing … [Read more...]
For Richer or for Poorer
My husband and I often joke about robbing a bank. Or winning the lottery. Or coming into an inheritance. We’ve been joking for years because almost from the day our children were born, we have been in debt, despite many, many plans and schemes and dreams to bob our financial heads above water. You name it, we’ve been billed for it: therapies tried and true and sometimes new, doctor’s bills, … [Read more...]
God Bless the “Good-Finders”!
It began for me very early in my special needs journey. Accusations flowed freely from the mouth of someone close to me, scolding that I was over-treating my baby's severe bleeding disorder. Still new at being a "warrior mom", I felt small, ashamed, foolish, doubting myself. The degrading embarrassment didn't end with just one child. I can remember so many years where neighbors made snide … [Read more...]
Twilight Zone Prayers and Hidden Disabilities
Of all the prayers in the Bible, I don't recall anyone praying that their child would have a seizure. Or that they'd spike a fever. Or that they'd have a meltdown in class. But I have. These are some of the alter-universe prayers I find myself praying for one of our daughters who has developmental delays, GAD, RAD and ODD---a.k.a. hidden disabilities. Here's my girl. See if you can discover why … [Read more...]