“I can teach you how to fly." Those were the words, spoken to me in a dream last year, by a wise woman I call “Macrina/Judi.” Macrina is Macrina Weiderkehr, an author who has accompanied me on my spiritual journey for the past ten years. And Judi is Judi Dench, the actress. In this particular dream, I knew the person speaking to me was Macrina, but she had the face and voice of Judi … [Read more...]
Encouragement for the Doubting Parent
You've read the books. Countless books. You've talked with friends. You've sat in on therapy session after therapy session and have asked a thousand questions that begin with, "What do I do if...?" You've raised your child and you have a pretty good handle on what to expect from them during a meltdown or a difficult moment. But day after day, the words and actions of your special needs child … [Read more...]
Going the Distance
A group of women in their 60’s and 70’s were reported to be preparing to run a marathon. There are a couple of facets to this thought for me: • First, these women are not youngsters • Second - a marathon? I’m not a runner, so the very thought of any kind of running competition is not appealing to me, but when I think of the time one must invest to prepare for this kind of event – that is … [Read more...]
HASENPFEFFER
Hasenpfeffer. The German name for “Rabbit Stew”. I became familiar with the term as a youngster watching Bugs Bunny cartoons where Yosemite Sam was ordered to make the dish for the petulant king whom he served as chef. I have since used it to describe what I would like to do with any unwelcome hare in either my garden or on my forthcoming holiday calendar. Let’s face it, while Easter is … [Read more...]
What To Do When God Is Silent
There have been seasons of my life where it seems as though God had packed up, moved far away, and left me no forwarding address. I’m unable to sense his promptings and overall presence as I search for answers to my special needs questions: Father, why? Why does my son have autism? Okay, God, I'm sure you've got a plan. What am I supposed to do? I am emotionally spent Lord and physically … [Read more...]
Twenty One Years of God’s Grace
Dear Jake, Twenty-one years. Who could have known it would pass by so quickly? I woke up this morning looking at old photographs, wondering what happened to the copper-topped little boy that used to sleep on my chest at night and ride around on my shoulders during the day. You were never too heavy. You were always a joy to carry. It seems like only yesterday when your mom came to me with … [Read more...]