Last night, I received a message from the county that we were under a tornado watch for the next four hours. A quick glance through the curtains revealed blue skies out front, but darkening clouds out back. Various scenarios scrolled through my mind, like one of those old View Masters that changed pictures with the push of a lever. Possibilities included lots of crying, meltdowns, insisting to … [Read more...]
Special Needs Parent, You Still Matter
I’m going to tell you something now, and you might want to sit down before I do: You still matter. And not just matter—you are precious. Author Julie Barnhill reminds us that this is true, even amidst painful circumstances: “God watched over our construction from toes to fingertips to hair roots, and he has designed each of us to be exquisite, unequaled, and beyond compare. But it will always be … [Read more...]
Experiencing the Joy of the Moment
Read below for a guest post from Jared Kennedy. Kelly couldn’t wait to talk after the service. She met Megan and me in the stairwell on our way to the children’s wing. “I have to tell you about Lucy’s morning!” For parents of a child diagnosed with autism, that’s not necessarily how you want to be greeted. Anxious thoughts run through your head. Did she bolt from the classroom? Did she have a … [Read more...]
Reflections on a Decade of Special Needs Parenting
Read below for a guest post from Jennifer Janes. My daughter will turn ten years old soon. We’re living the Christmas nightmare all over again---the obsessing over the day, the party, the details, what people will bring, what they will wear, if they will behave the way she wants them to, if she will get the gifts she desperately wants. We’re losing sleep over all of this. Twice this week she has … [Read more...]
30 Years of Blessings
My youngest son, Joel, who has autism, turned 30 last week! How to celebrate without over-stimulating his sensory system? Light bulb moment! Throw a party for family and closest friends at our church, The Oxford Vineyard. Joel loves our little church where 40-50 people worship on any given Sunday. No problem negotiating 30 of Joel’s favorite family and friends into that space without overwhelming … [Read more...]
Pick Your Battles: when losing doesn’t have to mean loss
Parenting experts have been known to quip the phrase “pick your battles.” In my experience as a special needs parent, however, the problem isn’t just about which battles to fight, but knowing when it’s okay to lose. Long ago I surrendered the battle with my autistic sons over a healthy diet in favor of settling for almost anything that would keep my picky, OCD eaters alive and breathing. … [Read more...]