Dear new special-needs dad, Your world just turned completely upside down, didn’t it? You don’t know what to feel right now. You’re not even sure you feel anything, and if you did, you are hesitant to express it in words. Your thoughts are swirling around in your head and heart in a violent pattern you don’t really understand yet. Some days you are teetering on the edge of … [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...]
Words of Life and the Fig Tree
He was shuffling around in the parking lot as I pulled into the office early one morning. Before I got out of the car, he wandered over and was standing by my door, obviously waiting for me to get out of my vehicle. I nodded to him and said hello as I headed to our office’s front door. He followed me curiously and noticed our name on the door. He asked me “What is Rising Above … [Read more...]
She Opened Her Door
“How many doors will suddenly close as we go down the hall today?” “How many stares will we get along the way?” “What if he stops to squeal, make his loud noises, or stomp his feet so forcefully every few steps?” “Oh God, please let us make it out of the building today without any hurtful incidents.” Our son’s Comprehensive Development Classroom was at the very end of what I was convinced was … [Read more...]
A Shepherd’s Story of Good News
It’s that time of year again. Merry Christmas and ho-ho-ho. The Greatest Story of All – the one about God taking on human form in the birth of a baby – tends to get trampled in the rush to the mall the day after Thanksgiving, and swept away with all the wrappings and ribbons on December 26th. It happens year after year, despite the best of intentions. But imagine this. Imagine for just one … [Read more...]
We See You, Calvin
November 24, 2014. You turned five while the rain sang on the windows and the sun hid its face. You were hidden too--seizures were fierce; we held you close as your body twitched and eyes stared wide. "Happy birthday!" and flaming candles filled the room, we guessed you'd want us to celebrate for you. What I want you to know, Calvin, is that we see you. All of us, dad and mom, your three … [Read more...]