Sometimes, raising a child with special needs, there is a constant undercurrent of stress that we don’t even recognize. It takes release of that stress for us to suddenly realize it was there. That’s what happened to me the other day. I hadn’t noticed how much pressure I was under until my daughter was gone. I was half way through my morning shower when the light bulb went on. I don’t have to … [Read more...]
Condescension
Belittled by neighbors. Spoken down to by family. Treated less-than by those who have initials after their names or positions of authority. Sadly, this is a common experience for us who are raising children with special needs. "Experts" and commoners alike have no problem giving full-air to their opinions, unflinchingly telling us where they think we are going wrong. It is seriously … [Read more...]
Thanks-Living
Have you noticed them popping up all over Facebook? Friend after friend notes how many days they are into the month and writes a statement about what they are thankful for each day. It's the hottest thing since "Farmville" or "Bitstrips". I even found a Facebook page specifically geared towards the 30 Days of Thanksgiving fad. Of course, the impetus behind such a movement is to recognize … [Read more...]
God Hears Your Prayers
God Bless the “Good-Finders”!
It began for me very early in my special needs journey. Accusations flowed freely from the mouth of someone close to me, scolding that I was over-treating my baby's severe bleeding disorder. Still new at being a "warrior mom", I felt small, ashamed, foolish, doubting myself. The degrading embarrassment didn't end with just one child. I can remember so many years where neighbors made snide … [Read more...]
Believe It or Not!
"Whether you know it or not, people are watching you." Those words in a sermon from my pastor have resonated with me for years. We parents raising children with special needs are sadly accustomed to uncomfortable stares or looks of disdain directed at our cherished children. It may be painful to endure the gawking of others, but it also gives us a unique platform to reach others. In … [Read more...]