Yesterday I was stumped when a reader asked me this question … causing me to pray for a response to one of the most difficult, baffling questions a parent of a special needs kid can ever face. Have you ever asked God this question?: Why, God, did you give me a child with a special need? First let me say that I wouldn't begin to tell you that I know the mystery of God's limitless wisdom. But I … [Read more...]
Sibling Revelry
I will be delivering my third child, Grace, in the next few weeks. Getting to the point of embarking on motherhood again was not an easy road for me. I struggled for several years with questions about whether or not it was fair to have another baby, given the higher risk that this child would have autism, or that this child’s life would somehow be diminished by growing up with a sibling with … [Read more...]
Transformation on the Trail
Sunlight streams golden through beech and maple canopy. We walk, three of us, mother, father, son, through a cathedral of light. Leaf mold tickles the nostrils, leaves crunch underfoot, and above us, sycamore leaves applaud the day. A wild flutter erupts in my chest as thousands of grackles take flight, flash purple and black against a patchwork of blue sky. Taste of smoke sits on the tongue, … [Read more...]
If I Knew Then What I Know Now
At first, having a child with special needs seemed like an impossible and daunting job. Looking back a t the scared mom I was five years ago, I wish I knew then what I know now. If I could go back in time, this is what I would say… Dealing with the diagnosis is one of the hardest parts of the journey. Eventually, you will get in a new rhythm of life, and sometimes, even if just for a while, you … [Read more...]
Masterpiece
For my boys, hearing, listening, following directions, and (oh, let me just say it) compliance with others is like pulling teeth. (*Cringe*). When you throw their autism into the mix, it makes for some pretty difficult days. There are many moments when I have no idea how I’m going to make it until the end of the week. The constant demands, the needs, and the challenging behaviors can be like … [Read more...]
Those Who Have Come Before You
We are all on a journey. A journey with our child who has a disability. I know when we first received Charlie’s autism diagnosis we scrambled to learn what this autism thing really was. We searched ways of how to help him. We searched how others were coping. I think books are great, articles are awesome, and conferences are amazing but I think the greatest thing I have found is finding others that … [Read more...]