I could hear the screeches and crying ringing from upstairs. I sighed deeply and headed toward the stairs. As I was going up, my youngest son (8 years old) was making his way down. I paused and asked, "What happened?" hoping for some insight in order to assess the situation before getting there and trying to figure out what sent him over the edge this time. He replied, "He's upset." as he … [Read more...]
Joy in the Mundane
A friend asked me how my family was doing. I said all was status quo, nothing exciting, no ups, no downs. We haven't had any bad days or really exciting things to report. Today was just ... today. Sounds kind of boring to the outsider. But actually, we have so much joy in the mundane. There was a time you would find us at the soccer fields with one of our boys. Occasionally, it could feel like … [Read more...]
Our Time in this Life Is a Precious Gift
Sometimes during our journey as parents of children with a disability, we become consumed with an overwhelming feeling that we’re just not doing enough to help them succeed, believing that somehow it’s our fault. This can happen for no apparent reason. We even feel that no matter what we do, things just aren’t going to change and, too often, we are paralyzed with guilt if we even consider taking … [Read more...]
When Our Children with Disabilities Rise to the Occasion
(For Dana) T.S. Eliot wrote that April is the “cruellest month.” Not for me. I find it’s barren February, with its unkind cold, and in which month I have known too many men of character who have died recently, and long past. At 6’7” with a perpetual mustache, bright blue eyes, and a voice like a thunderclap, Boyd Salsbury cut an imposing profile. His demeanor was gruff, his words carefully … [Read more...]
Picture This
When something heartbreaking happens in our life we may start to experience some shame. Especially if we thought we could have done something to prevent it from happening. Whether you are a new special needs parent or you’ve been on the journey a while shame always loves to come knocking. The enemy loves to build a wall of shame and put our pictures on it. Every time we see that wall, he wants to … [Read more...]
I Am “Just” A Special Needs Mom
The doctor asked me what it is I "do." I answered, "I'm just a mom." He went on to berate me on my value and said I should never say I'm "just" a mom. He said it is the most important job for women. So I asked, "What does your wife do?" "She's a nurse." <crickets> I had to wonder what happened to those noble thoughts on stay at home mothering. Of course, maybe there was more to their story. … [Read more...]