Parenting would be a lot easier if it came with a map, "You start here, you end up here, and this is how you get there." Simple. Logical. Organized. A road map. But if I've learned anything about parenting so far is that it's complicated, sometimes illogical, and definitely messy. Oh there are so many layers and qualifications to the messy! As if parenting was not hard enough, in our family … [Read more...]
My Daughter’s Disability Is Not a Tragedy
My daughter was zooming through the toy aisles at Wal-Mart with her walker, I was chasing her and asking her to stop or else there would be no Lala Loopsie. Actually, she had more of a run-run-glide thing going on. One of the workers was standing on a ladder arranging shelves and noticed, I was sure he was going to ask her to stop running, but instead, he looked down at me and said, “I am so so … [Read more...]
Why are We So Afraid of Disability?
I had an aunt with a disability. She had a big head, a small body, she used a wheelchair, and the hair on her chin tickled my face when I had to kiss her. I was scared of her. “Don’t stare at her, it’s rude! Look away!” I wanted to stare. I was just a little kid, and I did not understand how someone could have a body like hers. Sometimes, I would hide behind furniture and stare at … [Read more...]
What If She Lives With Us Forever?
Call me crazy, but one of the first thoughts that crossed my mind when my daughter was born with Down syndrome was, “Will she live with us forever?” When my oldest was born, a typical baby girl, those thoughts would have felt so…outrageous! I mean, who thinks about their child moving out the day they’re born? But with Nichole it was different, Down syndrome rocked me and I was immediately … [Read more...]
When Life Is More Than I Can Handle
When my daughter was born with Down syndrome I felt devastated about her diagnosis. I cried constantly, and I struggled to find hope as I pictured our lives in the days, months, and years to come. One night, as I climbed into bed, I turned to my husband who was ready to go to sleep. I was exhausted by my sadness, and I knew he noticed it too. “The Bible says that God does not give us … [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...]