I know your worried thoughts, the ones that keep you up at night lulling you to sleep, the thoughts that sometimes accuse you as you parent your child with special needs: Could I do more? Am I enough? Maybe if I could get my child to try the new therapy - the one that promises great results - then maybe my child's mobility would finally improve. If I could get my insurance to cover more … [Read more...]
Unconditional Love Or More Than I Can Handle?
Pumping quickly became a time where I allowed for my emotions to surface. Eight times a day I was attached to my own machine, unable to move, and able to wallow in my sadness. Many times, while milk poured, so did my tears. At times, I felt as if I was shaking my fist at God, asking Him “Why?” I had given Him my life; I had served Him faithfully; so why had He given me this child? Why had He … [Read more...]
Fruit of the Spirit: the Special Needs Way
“When you say,” my friend asked, “that God has worked in your life because of your kids with special needs, what exactly do you mean by that?” “Yes, let me try to explain … I don’t just know about the fruits of the Spirit, I get to experience them. It’s like I was right there in the orchard, picking them and tasting them.” Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, … [Read more...]
Field Trip
“Wait! Nina wait!” I take off running after my daughter. “I said wait!” I can hear her giggles, and she has no intention to stop. On the contrary, she runs faster, so I also have to pick up my pace. We are attending a school field trip, and she stops running when she reaches her friends who wait for us by a large green wagon the farm let us borrow. When we arrived at the farm, one of the … [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...]
Mothers Share Truths Learned Because of Down Syndrome
Today is World Down Syndrome Day! March 21, because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. Many use this day as an opportunity to educate, or spread awareness of the different challenges that these individuals face. It is a day set apart to celebrate our kids, siblings, cousins, friends, and neighbors with Down syndrome. Celebrate Down syndrome? Yes, I know, it might … [Read more...]