My husband and I weren't looking forward to our first Thanksgiving as parents of a baby with special needs. The little town on the prairie where we lived was 750 miles from the University of Nebraska hospital in Omaha where our son had already had 2 surgeries, the first when he was less than 24 hours old. The surgeon insisted on scheduling a follow-up appointment before releasing our son after the … [Read more...]
Are You The Dead Sea or The River Jordan?
Raising a child with special needs can be exhausting. You won't find anyone in our circle of parenthood disagreeing with that. We can easily empathize with the mother who is discouraged and worn down, or the frustrated father who feels he can't do enough for his family. We knowingly nod when we read articles admonishing us to engage in better self-care. However, I would also say that we … [Read more...]
8 Parenting Truths Learned as a Grandparent
Our first grandchild was born two years ago, and somewhere in the past few months he's transformed from a baby into a charming toddler. I recently spent three delicious days playing with him while his parents and my husband tended to some weekend projects. The long drive home gave me time to reflect upon how many parenting truths one small person could teach his grammy in such a short time. … [Read more...]
The Prayer Quilt
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10a When Joel arrived home from school today I wrapped a tangible answer to prayer around his bulky, eighteen-year-old shoulders. A prayer quilt, stitched and knotted with prayers for peace; for physical, mental … [Read more...]
Shine {Guest Post}
Read below for a guest post from Lisa Bonnema. Today was one of those days I feel like God gave our family a secret. A secret that is available to anyone who wants to pay attention, but a secret that we get to live and breathe and feel in the depths of our souls. Today, I sat in an audience and watched my baby dance. On a stage. In all of God's glory. The baby I cried for and … [Read more...]
Back to School: 8 Tips for a Smooth Transition
Back to school ads. They're appearing earlier and earlier in the summer. Early enough to create turf wars between back to school and the Fourth of July industries. While early July is way too soon to think about going back to school, the same can not be said for the end of July in many parts of the country. Like my part of the country where the school year begins on August 14. Yes, … [Read more...]