When my daughter was born with Down syndrome, I failed to celebrate her life. I rode the waves of grief and almost drowned in my tears. All I could focus on was her diagnosis. I thought of my baby as broken, only to quickly recognize that I was the broken one. I have discovered many of God's treasures along the way, treasures of joy, compassion, acceptance, humility, and abundant love. A … [Read more...]
Disability can impact sibling relationships
“Mom, sometimes, when I look at Nichole she is so cute that I feel like crying because my heart is so full of love.” There are times I look at my children and I feel overwhelmed because of the intense love I feel for them. It is a love so hard to contain that it spills out in tears. I get this feeling, I am a mom. However, coming out of the mouth of my seven-year-old daughter, it surprised me. … [Read more...]
About Friendship
Every time my cell rings and I notice the call comes from school, there is part of me that wants to jump into panic mode. Did my daughter with cerebral palsy get hurt? Did my daughter with Down syndrome- who is a runner – get lost? Should I be getting in the car and start driving while I answer the call? The reality is, most of the time our calls go like this: “Mrs. Stumbo, just calling to … [Read more...]
These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times
As I parent two children with special needs, there are seasons in life where the health concerns, the doctor appointments, the therapy sessions, the delays, the sensory issues, or the lack of understanding from friends and family overwhelm me. Some days, it might even feel as if I'm coming undone. When my daughter was born with Down syndrome, I knew that dealing with her diagnosis and … [Read more...]
I Wish You Could See What I See
It's no secret my girls have special needs. You can easily see the facial characteristics of Down syndrome, or the walker, wheelchair, and poor gait that points to cerebral palsy. Delays, poor speech, clumsy steps. I know you see the behaviors, I know you hear the labored words, I know you notice the differences, and I know you are grateful this is not your child. I don't blame you. I understand. … [Read more...]
The wildness and beauty of the special needs road
I stood in the middle of a vast clearing. The breeze gentle as it stroked my face, and the air carried the sweet aroma of wild flowers. The sun delivered beautiful golden rays that pierced their way through cotton clouds and gently touched the horizon. There I was, eagerly waiting for the glorious moment when I would get to take my first step into the beautiful road that lay in front of me. The … [Read more...]