Are you spinning out of control? The bills are piling up. The IEP meetings are so stressful. My child’s behaviors are getting more severe. You haven’t gone out to dinner in forever. You worry about the future of your child. Your marriage is struggling. We have to go to so many different doctor appointments. You are struggling with your job or you are … [Read more...]
when the waves are too strong
Humbling. If I had to choose a word to define parenting - especially parenting children with special needs - humbling would be it. None of us likes to be humbled. Humility is not the top faith trait I usually aim for. Wisdom, faithfulness, love, integrity, compassion, contentment... all of those are preferred over humility, if I'm honest about what I want. But as a woman sorting through … [Read more...]
Family Life with Autism: Welcome to the Cincinnati Zoo
I’m jolted from sleep when the heat-seeking-body-missile of my 24-year-old son lands next to me on the bed. I pry open sleep-encrusted eyes to encounter Joel’s face, two inches from my own. He grins, giving me an up-close view of his smile crinkles, just like his dad’s; little fans on either side of his baby blues. “Zoo today!” he crows. “Zoo, zoo, zoo, Cincinnati zoo, zoo, zoo!” Like many … [Read more...]
To The Typical Siblings
Dear typical sibling of a brother or sister with a disability, Today I want to speak to you as a parent, perhaps not your parent, but a parent nonetheless. I know you've had to sacrifice so much, and I wish you hadn't. For the many times you've thought it wasn't fair, we've felt it too. And if you've had to miss out on life experiences, please know that we wish we could offer you the … [Read more...]
Angels Unaware
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2 Have you ever met someone and felt an instant bond? That’s what happened the day I met Katie. We both were new to Oxford, Ohio, a sleepy little college town in southwest Ohio. My husband and I, along with our son, Joel (who has autism), had been worshipping at the Oxford Vineyard … [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...]