Colossians 2:12 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Did you know you were chosen? Did you know God picked you out specifically to be your child’s parent? Did you know God chose you to receive Eternal Life, Everlasting Life? Did you know God sacrificed his own son for you to live … [Read more...]
Mother’s Day: Special (Needs) Edition
It's Mother's Day. The kids run in to my room in the morning, holding treasures made from scratch, meticulously painted, and “wrapped” in a charming child-like way. I scoop them all up in to bed like a pile of puppies, and we snuggle and laugh together until my husband shoos them away and sets down breakfast, complete with bud vase, fresh coffee and my favorite cinnamon roll. Oh wait. That’s not … [Read more...]
4 Ways to Press Through Your Biggest Parenting Fear
True Confessions: I don't follow the news. Maybe it's because I get enough news from my daughters' teachers, doctors, and therapists. Maybe because I'd rather read a novel or stare at a wall with the 10 minutes of free time I have during the day. Or maybe it's because I know I'll find stories like the one last weekend. Ones that fracture the heart of a mom raising a child with mental … [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...]
“If you’d just try. . .” {And other comments that make us want to scream}
With 4 kids under 12 years old, who have companion terms like foster/adopt, bipolar, RAD, ODD, SPD, ADHD and GAD, we learned pretty early on that I’d need help around the house. Enter my sweet, committed house cleaner, Clara (not her real name). Every two weeks, we get ready for Clara’s team to deep clean our place. On top of the usual daily cleaning of dishes, washing soiled … [Read more...]
Letting Go
Chelsea and Charlie in 2005 Philipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Chelsea came in the room, “Mom look I got another college theatre scholarship!” I was so excited for her and very proud. She is 6 years older than her brother Charlie who has autism. She was about 9 when we got the diagnosis. She didn’t really understand at the time. Even when he wasn’t talking and … [Read more...]