Beside his crib I watched him breathe, as each breath seemed his last; And in the darkness time stood still, yet moved so very fast. “Where is my faith, my trust, my hope? Where is this God of love?” “This is my son!” I quietly cried into the brass above. Strong yet helpless there I knelt and held his tiny hand; Wondering if the God of Jacob soon would make a stand. As dreams imagined … [Read more...]
What Should I Say To Hurting People?
Ever wish you could reach out to a friend in crisis, but you’re just not sure what to say? Most of us tend either to avoid the person or situation altogether or to rush in and say too much. The list below demonstrates some ways you can effectively support people in need. Notice how these responses acknowledge and reflect the person’s feelings without judging him or her or offering unwelcome … [Read more...]
Make Lattes, Not War
Forgiveness. It seems like a 1,000-pound bench press, a crushing load, impossibly heavy to lift. But forgiveness isn’t a one-time heft above our heads to declare our spiritual duty done. It’s more like a marathon. (Or, for those like me, who shudder at the thought of running a 5K, it’s more like a really, really long-distance stroll—preferably with a coffee in hand.) But whether you … [Read more...]
Cast Your Cares On Him
The familiar jingle on a back-to-school ad sings “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” The ad shows a parent, happily skipping along, pushing a cart full of back-to-school supplies. For lots of parents, we are excited to be sending the kiddos off to school to start another year. A special needs parent, on the other hand, may have many more bittersweet moments this time of year. And let’s … [Read more...]
Don’t Give Up
Above us and around us—and sometimes even inside of us—thunderstorms are building. Sometimes these storms may come from behind the closed doors of your doctor’s office, or on the other end of the phone line…or from your child with special needs. I’ve spent almost 16-years years as a parent to a child with special needs. More years than some of you. Not nearly as many as others who are … [Read more...]
The Greatest Therapy
When Alec was first diagnosed, I became obsessed with finding out everything I could about autism. I researched every autism theory, every therapy and spent every waking minute on the phone or online with other parents trying to create the best possible plan for Alec’s care. If someone told me that they were providing their child with a therapy that Matt and I could not afford, I was desperate … [Read more...]