One of the first words out of our oldest grandchild's mouth was, "DONE!" He used it emphatically at the end of meals... DONE! When having his face washed or his nose wiped... DONE! Or my personal favorite...approximately two seconds after his parents put him in his crib for a nap and then carefully and oh-so-quietly shut the door to his bedroom... DONE! Lately, I've found myself silently … [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...]
Mom’s Worst Critic
Have you heard her sneering, nasty thoughts? “Can’t get it together!” “Doesn’t do enough for her child!” “Babying him!” “Gosh, no one else complains at the school like that!” “So demanding! So chaotic! What a mess!” “If only those signs weren't missed, there might be a better outcome.” “Oh, my goodness! Should have caught that problem much sooner... Missed some important opportunities... … [Read more...]
Seeds of Hope
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5 What is hope? What gives me hope in the midst of despair? I hope for spring in the midst of winter, unable to see the mysterious workings of nature deep underground. I’m powerless in the face of my need for spring. I can’t control the seasons. And yet I have faith, borne in hope, that the breeze will … [Read more...]
Please stop telling me to take care of myself (+10 Ways to Help a SN Parent)
I get it. When you stop for a moment and say, “Take care of yourself, OK?” you’re telling me you care. And I’m so glad you stopped instead of walking by. But can I let you in on something? I’m trying to take care of myself, really I am. On days where my son’s health is decently stable I think I actually do. I exercise, cook meals, do laundry, pick up kids and even sneak in an extra long … [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...]